Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Invicta's diver meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 ($50–$100) offers Automatic (Seiko NH35A) precision in the tier below the Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150). The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 measures 40mm and is rated 200m. The 1920s Retrograde counters with Stauer (USA brand, imported) craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

InvictaPro Diver Automatic 23681$50–$100 Check price Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price

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Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

$50–$100

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681	Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price	$50–$100	$100–$150
Case Size	40mm	43mm
Movement	Automatic NH35A	Quartz
Caliber Type	Automatic (Seiko NH35A)	Quartz
Power Reserve	—	Battery
Water Resistance	200m	100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
Crystal	Mineral Glass	Mineral crystal
Case Material	—	Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
Origin	Invicta (Japanese movement)	Stauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Invicta's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 features a steel case at 40mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Automatic NH35A vs Quartz

The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 runs the Automatic NH35A (Automatic (Seiko NH35A), standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Invicta

40mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 200m vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Invicta

Invicta sits in the lower tier

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 sits at $50–$100 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Pro Diver Automatic 23681 uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Invicta

200m vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is rated to 200m while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Invicta

Pro Diver Automatic 23681

Choose the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 if you prioritize Automatic (Seiko NH35A) engineering, Invicta (Japanese movement) craftsmanship, and 200m water resistance. At $50–$100, it delivers Automatic NH35A with solid power reserve.

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Invicta bringing Invicta (Japanese movement) tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 is rated 200 m against 100 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 sits a band lower ($50–$100 against $100–$150), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 23681 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 at 40mm with 200m water resistance handles everyday situations. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The Pro Diver Automatic 23681 uses Mineral Glass while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.