Invicta Extreme Chronograph Review

[mtbkndad]

Invicta Extreme Chronograph
Model 5764


My attention was drawn to this beautiful Invicta when I was watching Eyal Lalo describe its features on a ShopNBC broadcast during the Spring Forward event in March. I was looking for a great looking watch that would be equally tough for my Muni (mountain unicycle) riding. I also did not want a watch that was too heavy since a Muni riders arms are counterbalances and I did not want to feel weighed down or slow to react on one side.


The specs of the watch really started to get my attention as much as the incredible design. The key features that initially caught my attention were the Flame-Fusion Crystal, 100 meters water resistance and all stainless steel construction. Flame-Fusion is Invicta’s trademarked name of a process that is known in the gemstone industry as Verneuil process or flame fusion. This process is used in the gemstone industry to produce synthetic gemstones. A very over simplified explanation of Invicta's Flame-Fusion Crystal is that the base components that make up sapphire crystals and the base components that make up mineral crystals are fused together using very high heat to create a uniform composite crystal with more scratch resistance then mineral and more impact resistance then sapphire.



The specs proper are as follows-
Case Diameter - 44mm (9:00 to 3:00 without crown)
Case Thickness – 13mm
Bracelet - Stainless steel (Folded link)
Bracelet Measurements - 9" L x 22mm Wide x 4mm Thick
Weight – 174g (6.12oz) un-sized – 155g (5.46oz) sized with 4 links removed
Movement - Miyota OS11 quartz
Crystal – Flame-Fusion
Bezel – Unidirectional rotating bezel with 90 clicks.
Crown - Push/pull w/ function pushers and locking crown guard
Clasp – Divers flip lock safety clasp
Water Resistance - 10 ATM - 100m - 330ft

Aesthetics-
When I had a chance to look at all of the specs I realized I might have just found the watch I was looking for. I like the all stainless design because that way I do not have any colored Ionic Plating to worry about banging through if I happen to fall, which does occur with all Muni riders at times. I do not usually wear watches below a 46mm case size but the Extreme Chronograph is 50mm from 9:00 to 3:00 including the crown guard and 52mm from lug to lug. The bezel is also a full 44mm in diameter so it really has the wrist presence more similar to a 46mm watch. The beautifully finished end links and how tightly they fit between the lugs also help to increase the wrist presence of the watch.

I have included photos with my 46mm Lefty and one of my 52mm Lefty XL models for comparison. The Lefty is 46mm in diameter and 12mm thick. The Lefty XL is 52mm in diameter and 14mm thick.

In this first photo you can see how the end links, pushers and crown guard help give this watch a larger look and feel then 44mm.


Lefty and Extreme Chrono


Lefy XL and Extreme Chrono



It really does not matter what angle you look at this watch from, it is just beautiful. Here is a quick 360-degree tour.







Functionality-
Case-
The stainless steel case sits very well on the wrist and because of the taper to the case back and the slight taper to the bezel it feels a little thinner then its 13mm thickness. The Locking crown guard is not just for show. It has a very positive lock and secure feel when in place. The fact that it is flawlessly polished and really adds to the beauty of the watch is icing on the cake. The bezel has 90 clicks. It is very easy to move while still being precise and it does all of this while maintaining a very solid feel. The machined recesses in the satin bezel are a nice touch as is the high polish on its outside edge.



Bracelet-
I have found the bracelet to be very comfortable. One issue with the folded links is that the bracelet does seem to seep for a while after getting wet. Some people do not care for folded link bracelets, but I have watches with both folded link bracelets and solid link bracelets. I am fine with either if they are made well. With my intended purpose for this watch being Muni riding, this strong folded link bracelet is actually a plus. This is because the bracelet is a very nice looking design and also fairly light in weight. I do want to mention that a folded link bracelet is not necessarily a hollow bracelet. In the case of the Extreme Chronograph the each link’s folded outside is covering two stainless steel bars that give the bracelet the right thickness and support from within. The other important point to mention, since this is a sport watch, is that a folded link bracelet is not necessarily weaker then a solid link bracelet either. If everything is made and designed properly the weak link in any bracelet is the pins holding it together in general and the pushpins holding the watch to the bracelet in specific. What folded links do is enable a manufacturer to produce more complicated detailing on a bracelet and still give beautiful fit and finish at a lower cost.


I am left handed and normally wear watches on my right wrist but have put the watch on my left wrist so more people can see what it will look like when being worn.




One issue that was not an issue for me but could be for some people is that this watch comes with less removable links then just about any other Invicta I have purchased. I would not get this watch if your wrist is smaller then 7 inches and you do not want to put another bracelet or strap on it. If there was one thing I would improve on this watch it would be adding more removable links to the bracelet so more people can enjoy this watch without changing the bracelet. My right wrist is 7 ¼” when relaxed and closer to 7 ½” when active or working out so the bracelet worked fine for me.


Dial and Luminescence-
I am going to show the luminescence first because the unique and subtle details of the dial are where this watch really shines so I will focus on them last.

The watch has luminous hour, minute, second, and chronograph hands. There are also luminous hour markers on the chapter ring of the dial. All of this makes for some really nice luminescence. The Tritnite glows very bright initially and quickly settles into a low steady glow that is useable for quite some time for night-adapted eyes.


Low light reference shot.


Low light luminescence shot.


Lower light luminescence shot.


Very low light luminescence shot.



My main concern when ordering this model was how easy it would be to tell time with nearly everything being polished or satin stainless steel or grey. I was very please to find out that the watch is very easy to read. The 360-degree tour above demonstrates this very well. Not only are the luminous and polished hands tapered back to front, they are also very slightly folded in the center giving them a beveled look. The hands being angled and not flat really help with their visibility when reading time because the hands have the same angle in the fold that is also slightly different then everything else in the dial so they catch and reflect or don’t catch light and don’t reflect at different angles then the rest of the components that make up the dial. While the hands are slightly folded along their length the luminous portions are flat and inset. This also helps the readability of the watch. These details on the hands are only two of many very nice and very well thought out design features that went into this watch.

The greatest beauty of this watch for me is the interaction between what is essentially different shades of silver and grey with a little, black, red, and white thrown in for beauty and effect.



This watch is full of subtle details that may missed by the casual observer, yet it is these details that really make this such an elegantly designed sport watch. The specifications have already shown that is a very capable sport watch so now lets look at some of the more refined details that make up the Extreme Chronograph.
Lets start with the date window which is large and a trapezoid. One of my big complaints with many watches is unusable date window so many models have. That is not the case here. The trapezoid frames in the numbers in a manner that maximizes their readability. The date window is framed in with a true trapezoid insert and not just a frame around the opening on the dial. Invicta did not have to do this, but went the extra mile anyway. The hour markers are individually applied trapezoids too with seven, yes seven, reflective surfaces each. The chapter ring is stepped up from the dial about half way between the dial and the crystal. The crystal in turn is beveled and flawlessly polished on the beveled edge. All of these details are visible in the macro shot below.



The dial itself is a two level dial. The brushed silver stainless steel makes up the base of the dial and the brushing creates a nice sunray pattern. On top of the silver stainless dial is applied a textured putty grey colored material. On top of the secondary dial material at the 9:00 is the applied Invicta logo.



Movement-
The movement in this watch is the Miyota OS 11. This is a movement with a chronograph that has a sixty-minute timing capacity in a bridge configuration with the second hand at the 6:00 position and the Chronograph hand at the 12:00 position. In the five months I have owned this watch the movement has proven quite accurate. I like the Miyota movements in my watches because they have consistently proven themselves to be durable and accurate. Before writing this article I had not set the watch since setting it for daylight savings time 5 months ago and is was only between 15 and 20 seconds fast. When I first looked at this watch I thought the unidirectional rotating bezel and a Chronograph that times 60 minutes on the same watch may prove to be rather redundant. I was wrong and have had numerous occasions in the time I have had the watch to have circumstances come up where either one or the other was needed and I was glad I had both available.

One other point that needs to be made regarding functionality is that while you could do recreational skin diving or body surfing with this watch, it is so shiny that it really would not be a good choice if you are in waters that have sharks or barracuda. Certain big fish do like shiny things.

Final Thoughts-
The Invicta Extreme Chronograph Model 5764 is a very capable and very beautiful sport watch. Anybody that enjoys designs where many subtle flawlessly executed features combine to create a product that is much greater then the sum of its parts will enjoy this watch. This watch is a great example of what Invicta does best and that is bring very capable time pieces that are also beautiful to market at a price the average person can afford.

Take Care,
mtbkndad

[SSd(r)iver]

Very nice review. Once again, thank you for taking the time to do this.

[bigwatchguy66]

I really like your lefty with the modified gold/black bracelet.

[martio]

I love the comparision to your other watches to give us a visual of the size. Very nice looking time piece....and a great review! Thanks for sharing with us!!

[vbobdriveguy]

Excelent review Mtbkndad. I have this same watch and love it. When I first got it I was not thrilled with the bracelet. I put it on a rubber strap for a while and liked it better. Then, after a few weeks, I put it back on the bracelet and realized that it wasn't that bad after all. I've had it on the bracelet ever since. Your review pretty much covered it all, but have you noticed that in just the right light, the red on the chrono hand reflects a little red, almost pinkish color onto the dial? I think that's pretty cool.

Glad you like yours and to anyone else out there who has looked at this watch but for whatever reason has not pulled the trigger --- Fire away! You'll love it! (especially at the price!)

[Chief68]

CONGRATS on the watch and an excellent review ,GOOD JOB

[Cosmo]

Great pics & great reviews! You should do this professionally! Keep them coming on your future purchases, please!

[mtbkndad]

Thanks for the kind words everybody.

vbobdriveguy,
Yes I have noticed that and I think it is pretty cool too.
When i ordered this watch I had no idea just how much of a joy it would be to own and wear.

I really wanted to get the two tone gold/stainless version too when it was offered, but was in the NBZ at the time.

I would love to see a 47 - 50mm version of this watch .

Take Care,
mtbkndad

[vbobdriveguy]

Originally Posted by mtbkndad

Thanks for the kind words everybody.

vbobdriveguy,
Yes I have noticed that and I think it is pretty cool too.
When i ordered this watch I had no idea just how much of a joy it would be to own and wear.

I really wanted to get the two tone gold/stainless version too when it was offered, but was in the NBZ at the time.

I would love to see a 47 - 50mm version of this watch .

Take Care,
mtbkndad

I saw the blue dial version the other day and it looks great too. I remember when this watch first came out people were saying it was "subaqua-ish". I still think it looks great and I've been wearing mine for many months now. As a matter of fact, after I saw your thread today, I went and put mine on! (still have it on now as I type!)

[Flyback]

mtbkndad,

Congratulations for preparing the "first" review to meet the qualifications for this forum, and I'd like to say you not only meet them, you blew them out of the water. Outstanding work, thank you so much for putting forth the time and attention is must have required. Outstanding photography as well.

[Mr Horology]

Amazing review, thank you for putting it together....and very nice photos.

[vbobdriveguy]

To tell you the truth, I didn't even know that this forum existed until today. And yes, it was a fantastic review! Hope Eyal sees it and uses it on his site!

[mtbkndad]

Originally Posted by Flyback

mtbkndad,

Congratulations for preparing the "first" review to meet the qualifications for this forum, and I'd like to say you not only meet them, you blew them out of the water. Outstanding work, thank you so much for putting forth the time and attention is must have required. Outstanding photography as well.

Thank you for the kind words. I really enjoy your photos and reviews.

vbobdriveguy,
I saw that blue version recently again too.
You are right it is also a very nice looking watch.
It will be nice to see more people have reviews posted in this section.
I know I will write some more.
They are a lot of work, but very fun and challenging to put together.

I remember how perturbed Eyal looked when he saw the ShopNBC price and their 'retail price'. He said something I have never heard him say before or since. He said he felt the ShopNBC prices were actually devaluing the watch and viewers should call in to Invicta the following Monday to find out what the real MSRP is for the watch.

When I heard that I new there must be a lot to this watch that was not coming through in photos or on TV.
When I got the watch I completely understood Eyal's comments and was VERY glad I purchased it.
The actual MSRP for this watch is $495 and I have seen watches in retail stores selling for $300 - $500 with folded link bracelets that do not deliver all of the features and details that come with the Extreme Chronograph.

Take Care,
mtbkndad

[Joe Tex]

A methodical and excellent review...Thanks for taking the time!

Peace N Love

[jericho]

greatreview on a nice looking watch good work on the review

[stewbass]

Well done, I own the two tone version of this watch, Very nice timepiece.

[phoenix59]

Wow, great description and breakdown for this watch. I have the gold and silvertone model. It's been a while since I wore it, but after reading your article I can't wait to get home from work and get it out of my showcase and wear it. I didn't realize all of the qualities it had until you mentioned them here. One more benefit of being a member of WG is someone reminding you why you love the watches you have. Thanks!

[BigJoe]

Thank You for a very informative and interesting review job well done and great pictures as well.

[spaceman]

Great review I like the watch and would have bought it myself,but my wrist is 6 and 3/4" so all I could do is wish that it could fit my wrist. Enjoyed the info on your watch thanks for putting it together for us.

[mtbkndad]

For anybody interested ewatches has this watch on a Ticking Time Bomb as of today
11/9/2009

http://www.ewatches.com/detail.asp?b...iance_id=71431

Take Care,
mtbkndad

[barta13]

Thanks for this great review! It was a pleasure reading it!

[bugduck]

Great Review, a lot of time Spent on it, Excellent Job.
I bought one last spring, Just wish it was a 50MM, and 26mm bracelet.
Don't wear mine, Because of Size Only!
So if someone wants to Buy it, just send me a PM, I can send pics via Email.

[mtbkndad]

Originally Posted by bugduck

Great Review, a lot of time Spent on it, Excellent Job.
I bought one last spring, Just wish it was a 50MM, and 26mm bracelet.
Don't wear mine, Because of Size Only!
So if someone wants to Buy it, just send me a PM, I can send pics via Email.

50mm, that would simply be irresistible even though I am trying to hold out for a new re-designed Lefty XL when it is finally offered.

Take Care,
mtbkndad

[djmjax]

I've never been interested in chronographs, but this watch may possibly be my first one. It looks great without the dial being too busy or crowded. My main concern is will it fit me. My wrist is just a hair or two under 7", so I'm wondering if the bracelet will work. I have 2 43mm Pro Divers that are 14mm thick, and they fill up my wrist pretty well. I just don't know if this watch would be too big...

[BRUCER]

Holy Cr-p,

This is the best post I've ever seen!!
The thought process & the way you laid out the pics & info was something special
Thank you for the time & effort,I truly enjoyed it!!