Invicta Watches vs Citizen: An In-Depth Comparison
In the world of horology, Invicta and Citizen are two brands that resonate widely among watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. Both known for their exceptional craftsmanship, diverse product lines, and unique histories, these two entities have significantly shaped the watchmaking industry.
Invicta, a brand originally hailing from Switzerland, is renowned for its affordable luxury styled watches, especially divers, while Citizen, a Japanese giant with Swiss roots, is recognized for its innovative technologies and wide-ranging styles that cater to various needs. But when it comes to choosing between the two, how do you decide which one is the best fit for you?
This article aims to shed light on this matter by conducting a comprehensive comparison between Invicta watches vs Citizen watches. We’ll delve into their build quality, design and style, and pricing, three key factors that typically influence the purchasing decision when it comes to watches.
Comparative table between Invicta and Citizen:
| Category | Citizen | Invicta |
| Origin | Japan with Swiss contribution in formation | Swiss origin, later acquired by an American company |
| Build Quality | High-quality materials like stainless steel cases, synthetic sapphire or mineral crystal dial windows, nylon/leather/rubber/stainless steel bands | Stainless steel cases, synthetic sapphire, mineral crystal or flame fusion dial windows, leather/stainless steel/polyurethane/silicone bands |
| Movement Type | Quartz or automatic movements | Quartz or automatic movements |
| Water Resistance | Ranges from 30 to 300 meters | Ranges from 30 to 300 meters |
| Design and Style | Offers variety from dress watches to sport watches, diving watches, and smartwatches. Designs are mostly down-to-earth, with some artistic flair | Offers a wide variety of styles from simple and standard to flashy and modern. Known for extravagant designs and diverse color patterns |
| Pricing | Generally mid-range, slightly expensive | Primarily budget-friendly, offers more affordable options |
| Reputation | Known for reliability, longevity, and technological contributions to the watch industry | Known for stylish designs and affordability, with some concerns about longevity and durability |
| Notable Series | Eco-Drive, Promaster | Pro Diver, Reserve |
Table of Contents
Invicta Watches vs Citizen Watches: Company Background
In our quest to understand the core differences between Invicta watches vs Citizen, it is essential to delve into their respective histories and the origins of their watchmaking craftsmanship. Both brands boast Swiss connections that have significantly shaped their journey in the horology world.
The Swiss Roots of Citizen and Invicta
While Invicta is a native of the Swiss watchmaking landscape, Citizen, despite being a Japanese brand, owes its foundation to a Swiss investor. The involvement of Swiss influence in both brands reflects their adherence to precision, quality, and innovative thinking, values deeply associated with Swiss watchmaking.
History of Citizen
Established in the early 1900s, Citizen came to life under the guidance of a Swiss investor, Rodolphe Schmid, who set up the first Citizen watch factories in Japan. Over the course of its existence, the brand has made significant strides in the horology sector.
Renowned for its high-quality watches, Citizen has consistently invested in technological advancements, creating innovative and stylish timepieces. A pioneer in eco-conscious watches, Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which allows watches to be powered by any light source, is a significant contribution to the industry.
History of Invicta
Invicta, on the other hand, has its origins deeply rooted in Switzerland. The company initially thrived, producing quality mechanical timepieces. However, the advent of quartz watches brought about a challenging period, leading to the company’s acquisition by an American firm.
Reborn from this experience, Invicta identified and carved out a niche in the market, offering affordable yet luxurious styled watches. While maintaining its Swiss legacy, Invicta has skillfully combined modern watchmaking techniques and design elements to create eye-catching, robust, and versatile timepieces, including a strong lineup of diver’s watches.
Invicta Watches vs Citizen Watches: Comparison of Build Quality
One of the main factors to consider while selecting a watch is its build quality, which involves the material, construction, and mechanical architecture that contribute to its robustness and longevity. In this context, Citizen and Invicta possess unique attributes that set them apart.
Citizen watches
- Material and Movement Type: Citizen is acclaimed for its high-quality watches, which employ either quartz or automatic movements. The brand opts for sturdy stainless steel cases for its watches. The dial windows are either made of durable mineral crystal or synthetic sapphire. The bands, on the other hand, are crafted from various materials, including stainless steel, nylon, leather, or rubber, providing a range of choices for consumers.
- Water Resistance: When it comes to water resistance, Citizen watches range from being resistant at a depth of 30 to 100 meters. Notably, some models like the Eco-Drive Promaster offer an impressive water resistance up to 300 meters.
Invicta watches
- Material and Movement Type: Like Citizen, Invicta also manufactures watches with either quartz or automatic movements. They employ the standard stainless steel cases for their timepieces. The dial windows are usually made from mineral crystal, synthetic sapphire, or Invicta’s proprietary “Flame Fusion” mineral crystal that combines the properties of both sapphire and mineral. Bands for Invicta watches are made from materials like stainless steel, leather, polyurethane, or silicone.
- Water Resistance: In terms of water resistance, Invicta offers a broad spectrum. While their standard watches can resist water up to 30 meters, some of their diver watches can withstand depths of up to 300 meters.
Verdict on build quality
Comparing the two brands, both Citizen and Invicta employ high-quality materials and offer a variety of movement types. However, when it comes to longevity and dependability, Citizen seems to have an edge. Invicta, despite its promising specifications, has had complaints about the durability of its watches. So, while Invicta might offer a compelling package in terms of material and water resistance, the verdict leans towards Citizen for its consistency and reliability in build quality.
Invicta Watches vs Citizen Watches: Comparison of Design and Style
The design and style of a watch is subjective, hinging on individual tastes and preferences. Nevertheless, the aesthetic appeal and uniqueness of design are vital in attracting customers. Here, we will delve into the design philosophies of Citizen and Invicta.
Citizen watches
Citizen offers a broad spectrum of styles, ranging from elegant dress watches to sport watches, diving watches, and advanced smartwatches. The brand has carved a niche for its versatile designs that can cater to a wide array of customer preferences.
Citizen tends to blend standard watch designs with a touch of artistic flair, creating a balance between the conventional and the contemporary. Despite the variety, the brand maintains a sober, down-to-earth aesthetic across their range, enabling their watches to match virtually any attire seamlessly.
Invicta watches
Invicta is primarily known for its diving watches, but the brand’s portfolio boasts an impressive variety of styles. Their designs oscillate between the simple and standard to the incredibly flashy and contemporary. Some of their color combinations make for eye-catching designs that are hard to ignore.
Invicta is often admired for its bold and extravagant designs. Their watches tend to appeal to consumers who seek something out-of-the-box that stands out, whether it’s for casual or formal occasions.
Verdict on design and style
When comparing the design and style of Citizen and Invicta watches, both brands demonstrate a strong command over their respective design languages. Citizen excels in its understated and universally appealing aesthetics, while Invicta shines with its bold and striking designs.
While both brands cater to a diverse clientele with their unique styles, Invicta seems to have a broader range in terms of design diversity. Hence, if you are someone who enjoys a mix of contemporary and unconventional watch designs, Invicta would be a better choice. However, it’s important to remember that style preferences are highly personal and subjective.
Invicta Watches vs Citizen Watches: Comparison of Pricing
Price often serves as a determining factor in the purchase of a watch. Both Citizen and Invicta cater to different segments of the market with their unique price ranges. Here, we will explore the pricing strategies of both brands.
Citizen watches
Citizen’s watches generally sit within the mid-tier pricing segment. Their timepieces, renowned for quality and longevity, offer great value for money. Their entry-level models are quite affordable, but prices increase significantly with their high-end collections and technologically advanced pieces, such as their Eco-Drive and Promaster series.
Invicta watches
Invicta, on the other hand, is known for its affordability. Most of their watches fall within the budget to mid-range segment, offering style and diversity at a more accessible price point. While they do have luxury models that are priced higher, the majority of their collection is quite reasonably priced, making the brand a go-to for budget-conscious consumers.
Verdict on pricing
In the pricing department, Invicta appears to have the upper hand. They offer a wider variety of watches at lower price points compared to Citizen. However, it’s important to note that while Citizen watches may be more expensive, their reputation for quality and durability might make the additional investment worthwhile for some consumers.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for affordability and style, Invicta is a strong contender. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more for a timepiece known for its quality, longevity, and technological innovation, Citizen may be a better choice.
Parting Thoughts on Invicta Watches vs Citizen Watches
Wrapping up this comparison, it’s clear that both Invicta and Citizen have their unique strengths and serve different segments of the watch market.
Your final choice between Invicta and Citizen will largely depend on your individual needs and preferences. If longevity, reliability, and advanced technology are high on your list, Citizen could be the ideal choice. If, on the other hand, you’re drawn to standout, contemporary designs at a more affordable price point, Invicta would be a great choice.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the worth of a watch goes beyond its price. The true value lies in how well it suits your lifestyle, fulfills your needs, and ultimately, how much you enjoy wearing it. Whether you lean towards the reliable Citizen or the stylish Invicta, both brands offer excellent choices worth considering.
