There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
After retiring my old "beater" Invicta 8926 and replacing it with a newer 8926OB, I realized how much I actually like that watch. In fact, I have been waring it probably 3 days a week lately.
However, it's a 40mm watch and I usually like > 40mm watches better. So when I came across the 45mm Invicta Pro Diver model 0420 I was very interested. It combines the bigger size with another cool feature: titanium! Titanium is about 30 percent stronger than steel but weighs about half as much. So I got one this week for €119,- and it does not dissapoint me in any way.
First: the watch is very light! In fact: even though it's 5mm wider than the 8926OB, it feels really light (haven't put it on the scale yet). Also the crown on this model feels way more comfortable than the 8926OB as it is bigger and gives you al lot more grip. It's a small detail, but for me a huge difference! Also I like the bezel better as it has more space for the markers and the numbers.
Just like the 8926OB it has the trusty Seiko NH35A (4R36) movement which I have never had any complaints about. As you all know you get a hand winding and hacking movement, which I always prefer. I also obviously love the titanium grey color, which goes well with the two-tone foldover clasp.
One thing you will have to take into account, is that even though titanium is stronger and lighter than steel, it will scratch a hell of a lot easier. And working on a desk behind a PC will do that. Case in point: you can see the buckle on my 8926OB already is scuffed up a lot and I expect twice the 'damage' on the titanium buckle. To keep mine a bit more prisitine and make the watch even lighter, I might replace the band with a nice black/grey Nato strap.
Long story short: you get a hell of a lot bang for buck with this one.