Unveiling the Obsession: The Invicta I-Force Watch

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Story behind the Invicta I Force 23777
3. The Design and Build of the Invicta I Force 23777
4. The Mechanical Movement: Seiko NH35
5. The Exhibition Case Back
6. The Flame Fusion Crystal
7. The Dial Design and Legibility
8. The Bracelet and Wrist Fit
9. Pros of the Invicta I Force 23777
10. Cons of the Invicta I Force 23777
11. Alternative Watches in a Similar Price Range
12. Conclusion

The Invicta I Force 23777: A Journey into Watch Collecting

When it comes to watches, we all have that one timepiece that sparked our interest and set us on a Journey of watch collecting. For me, that watch is the Invicta I Force 23777. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the gift that kick-started my YouTube Channel. In this review, I will take a look back at this watch, its design, features, and performance.

The Story behind the Invicta I Force 23777

Around five years ago, I received the Invicta I Force 23777 as a present from my girlfriend (now wife). Little did I know that this watch would become a significant milestone in my watch collecting journey. The watch itself was priced at around $99.99 when it was available, but as of now, it seems to be out of stock. However, its impact on my watch collection cannot be understated.

The Design and Build of the Invicta I Force 23777

The Invicta I Force 23777 features a simple yet bold design. With a case diameter of 42 millimeters and a length of 50 millimeters lug to lug, it has a substantial presence on the wrist. The case is 13 millimeters thick and has a 22 millimeter lug width, allowing for versatile strap options. The sides of the case are slab-sided, with a gentle curve down on the lugs. The entire case has been treated with a black coating, which has held up remarkably well over the years without any visible scratches.

The stock strap that came with the watch was a braided leather strap, which unfortunately did not fit my wrist properly. However, I found a matching bracelet on Watch Gecko, and since then, I haven't had the desire to put it back on the strap. The aftermarket bracelet weighs in at 141 grams, adding a solid and substantial feel to the watch.

The Mechanical Movement: Seiko NH35

One of the standout features of the Invicta I Force 23777 is its exhibition case back, which offers a glimpse into the mechanical movement inside. This was the first time I had the opportunity to see a mechanical movement up close, and it Instantly captivated me. The movement powering this watch is the Seiko NH35, a reliable and accurate workhorse movement often found in watches at this price point. The Seiko NH35 is a hacking, HAND-winding movement with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 42 hours. While the stated accuracy is -20 to +40 seconds per day, my particular watch has not been keeping the best time, but considering its regular rotation and wear over the past five years, it has held up reasonably well.

Operating the watch via the seven-millimeter push-pull Crown is a breeze, and I particularly enjoy the hand-winding action on Seiko movements. The watch has a Water resistance rating of 30 meters, so the use of a push-pull crown is suitable for its intended purpose.

The Flame Fusion Crystal

The front of the Invicta I Force 23777 is protected by a flat crystal made from Invicta's Flame Fusion technology. While the marketing claims it combines the best elements of mineral and sapphire crystals, I remain skeptical. In my experience, unless a watch has an actual sapphire crystal, it is best to assume that the Flame Fusion Crystal is as strong as mineral crystal. Over time, the crystal has developed a hazing effect, possibly due to the removal or flaking of an anti-reflective coating. From certain angles and lighting conditions, the crystal exhibits a strange haze, which is not ideal.

The Dial Design and Legibility

The matte black dial of the Invicta I Force 23777 features white dashes for the minutes, with the Invicta logo applied in high polish at 12 o'clock and "Automatic" printed at 6 o'clock. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, although I must confess that the white date wheel feels out of place against the rest of the black and orange dial. The main hour indices, which are Vivid orange, are quite long and invade the negative space in the center of the dial, making it appear slightly cramped. However, the orange and black color combination offers excellent legibility, and the minimal text used adds to the overall aesthetic. The handset, also in orange, complements the dial design, although the slight difference in color between the hands is slightly bothersome to me.

The Bracelet and Wrist Fit

The Invicta I Force 23777 comes with a matching aftermarket bracelet, which I find to be a significant improvement over the stock leather strap. The bracelet enhances the sporty and rugged look of the watch, and it wears slightly smaller than its specifications suggest due to its blacked-out design. On my six and three-quarter-inch wrist, the watch fits comfortably and looks cool. However, it is worth noting that the stock strap was too long for my wrist, and it may be the same for anyone with a wrist size of seven inches or smaller.

Pros of the Invicta I Force 23777

• Affordable price point for a casual watch with a solid movement
• Fun colorway with excellent legibility
• Exhibition case back for appreciating the mechanical movement

Cons of the Invicta I Force 23777

• Lengthy hour indices that invade the dial's negative space
• Poor quality luminescence on the hands
• Stock strap too long for smaller wrists
• White date wheel stands out and should have been black

Alternative Watches in a Similar Price Range

If You're considering a casual watch in a similar price range, there are a few alternatives worth exploring. The Seiko SRPH33 offers a comparable colorway and a solid movement, albeit at a slightly higher price. Another option is the Orient Maestro, which comes in various colorways and provides excellent build quality. For those looking to stay within the $100 range, Pagani Design offers a range of watches with the NH35 movement, providing value for money.

Conclusion

The Invicta I Force 23777 holds a special place in my watch collection as the timepiece that ignited my passion for watches. Its affordable price, bold design, and reliable movement make it a compelling choice for any watch enthusiast. While it does have its shortcomings, such as the lengthy hour indices and subpar luminescence, it remains a watch that garners Attention and compliments. The journey into watch collecting is a personal one, and the Invicta I Force 23777 will forever be a significant part of that journey.