Where Are Invicta Watches Made? Tracing The Journey from Switzerland to the US
In the world of horology, Invicta is a name that resonates with innovation, variety, and accessibility. With its Swiss roots and international reputation, the brand has carved a distinctive niche in the industry, providing high-quality, affordable watches to enthusiasts and collectors alike. Founded in 1837 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Invicta has a rich history that intertwines with its manufacturing practices, making it a fascinating subject of exploration. With an eventful timeline and rich history, it is difficult to understand where exactly these amazing watches made. Let us try to answer the common question – Where are Invicta watches made?
Timeline of Invicta Watches
| Year | Event |
| 1837 | Raphael Picard founded the Invicta precursor, Les Fils de R. Picard, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. |
| 1911 | The brand name Invicta is officially introduced. |
| 1932 | Invicta claims to have produced its first automatic watch. |
| 1959 | Invicta created a watch for the USSR navy, establishing its reputation for durable watches. |
| 1980s | Invicta faced bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. |
| 1983 | Invicta was sold to Ondix S.A., which continued producing Invicta watches in Switzerland. |
| 1991 | Invicta was re-established by American owners and partnered with the Italian Artime Group. |
| 2004 | Invicta became a part of the American Invicta Watch Group, which began producing affordable watches with innovative designs. |
| 2016 | Invicta acquired the Swiss watch manufacturer Glycine, promising to respect Glycine’s independence and provide financial support. |
| Present | Invicta operates across two key geographical locations: Switzerland and the United States, adhering to its mission of delivering Swiss-quality watches at accessible prices. |
Table of Contents
History of Invicta Watches
Invicta’s journey began in 1837 when Raphael Picard founded a watch company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. With a vision to make high-quality Swiss watches more affordable, the firm, initially known as Les Fils de R. Picard, rolled out the Invicta brand name in 1911, marking a significant milestone in its chronology.
In the ensuing years, Invicta made a name for itself with durable watches known for being “waterproof” and “shockproof,” features that found favor with the USSR navy, which commissioned an Invicta watch for its officers in 1959. The company also claims to have produced its first automatic watch in 1932.
Invicta faced turbulent times in the early 1980s, leading to bankruptcy. In 1983, the company was sold to Ondix S.A., which maintained the production of Invicta watches in Switzerland. However, disappointing sales led to Ondix’s demise, marking a low point in Invicta’s history.
Invicta found a resurgence in 1991 when it was re-established by American owners. This period also saw the brand joining forces with the Artime Group, a significant player in the Italian watch market. Invicta’s rebirth was instrumental in its growth trajectory, with the brand being increasingly recognized for its affordable yet stylish watches inspired by high-end Swiss designs.
In 2004, Invicta became part of the American Invicta Watch Group. This transition marked a new direction for the brand, with the group focusing on creating inexpensive watches with skeleton movements and designs that echoed the aesthetics of luxury Swiss brands. The group continued to uphold Invicta’s Swiss roots by offering Swiss-made watches with COSC certifications.
In 2016, Invicta further bolstered its position in the watch industry by acquiring the Swiss watch manufacturer Glycine. The Invicta CEO pledged to respect Glycine’s independence, promising financial support to the Swiss watchmaker.
From its Swiss origins to its re-establishment and growth under American ownership, Invicta has weathered the ebb and flow of the watch industry, solidifying its standing in the world of affordable luxury watches. Today, Invicta remains committed to its founding vision: delivering Swiss watch quality at accessible prices.
Where are Invicta Watches made currently?
Navigating through the realms of both Swiss tradition and American ingenuity, Invicta currently operates across two key geographical locations: Switzerland and the United States. However, it’s important to distinguish between the various lines of Invicta watches, as not all are created equal. Who makes Invicta watches?
In its homage to the brand’s Swiss origins, a segment of Invicta’s watch lineup is manufactured in Switzerland. These models are distinctly marked with “Swiss Made” on their dials. A “Swiss Made” label, as per the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, signifies that a watch’s movement is Swiss, its movement is cased up in Switzerland, and the final inspection by the manufacturer takes place in Switzerland. Invicta adheres to this stringent standard for its watches carrying the “Swiss Made” designation.
The remainder of Invicta’s expansive watch catalog, however, is produced in various other locations, including China, Japan and Malaysia. Where a particular timepiece is made can be easily gauged by looking at the back. If it is made in Japan (especially, if the movement), it will have “Japan Mvmt” etched on the back. However, given the current scenario, most watch parts are made in different countries and are assembled in one place. So unless it is a “Swiss Made” Invicta, you’d never know for sure where exactly your watch is made.
Regardless of where are Invicta watches made, the company places a strong emphasis on quality control. Whether Swiss Made or not, all Invicta watches undergo rigorous testing and inspection processes to ensure the reliability and durability of each timepiece.
On a parallel note, the American Invicta Watch Group has helped drive innovation and design within the brand. From its headquarters in Hollywood, Florida, the group governs the direction of Invicta’s creative ventures, overseeing the design and manufacturing processes to ensure each timepiece aligns with the brand’s ethos of quality and affordability.
Invicta’s manufacturing practices blend Swiss tradition, American innovation, and global collaboration. This approach has enabled Invicta to maintain its commitment to delivering quality timepieces at an accessible price point.
Parting Thoughts
The fascinating journey of Invicta from its Swiss origins to its current position in the global market illuminates the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and affordability. From Raphael Picard’s vision in 1837 to the modern-day Invicta Watch Group, the brand has weathered turbulent times, reinvented itself, and remained true to its mission of delivering Swiss-quality watches at accessible prices.
While Invicta watches are produced in multiple locations worldwide, the brand’s dedication to rigorous quality control practices ensures the reliability of every piece, regardless of its production locale. Whether it’s a “Swiss Made” model or an Invicta watch assembled elsewhere, buyers can expect a timepiece that adheres to the brand’s standards of quality and affordability.
Invicta’s unique blend of Swiss tradition, American innovation, and global collaboration reflects the brand’s adaptability and resilience. As Invicta continues its journey, it stays committed to its mission, providing high-quality, affordable watches for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Invicta, with its rich heritage and forward-thinking approach, truly represents a unique intersection in the world of horology.
