I'll take back my raving about Invicta watches!

A short while ago, I was raving about how good of a deal Invicta watches were for the money. I'm writing here to withdraw that statement. I have a dozen or so Invictas, and really liked the watches, but there won't be another purchase by me...just a matter of point.
The other day I replaced a battery on one of my invictas, and I had a little screw up. The hold down screw for the battery got lost while I was replacing the battery. I figured, no big deal, I'll call invicta and order one. After speaking to the parts guy, he told me that by opening it, I voided the warranty. Even though that's a bunch of garbage, I still didn't care. I look at these watches as disposable, and once they ruin, they go in the garbage. It wouldn't be worth shipping it in for a repair.
The worst part is that in order to get that screw, I have to order the whole mechanism! They don't sell that hold down screw by itself. I would imagine that they are lost daily by people, even their technicians (they are very tiny). I also know that they should have plenty of them because I have many Invictas with the same hold down screw. It's not a part unique to that one watch. In a nutshell, my watch is totalled because of a battery hold down screw! I'm not happy, and I don't think that there will be any Invictas in my future.
I just wanted to vent, and withdraw my raving reviews. the watches are still nice, but the service really stinks.......no lecturing about getting what you pay for please

 

Yeah, but unfortunately the only parts their willing to send me is the WHOLE mechanism. That will cost more than the whole watch! LOL
At least the Omega is worth repairing. Invictas are basically disposable. However, I didn't think I would have to junk it just for a small screw.
I guess I'll ask at a jeweler to see if he can match up that screw for me. If not, I'll just use that watch for parts on my other Invictas.

 

I figured that, but I can send it in for repair if I want. If I send it to them, they can put the screw back in without changing the whole mechanism. That's why I have to guess that they have parts available...why can't they just sell me the screw for a few bucks?
A big contrast from Skagen. My brother had a Skagen that he damaged the bracelet on. The company sent him a repair part for free!...and it was HIS fault.

 

That is soooo nice of you! I really appreciate the offer. At least I can get more use out of the watch this way. I don't want to put you out, unless absolutely necessary, so I'll try and get it today from a jeweler that is local. If I can't I will PM you with my info.
It's an 8173 movement (crappy, lol). See the attached photo (I used an iPhone through a mgnafying glass). The screw I need is the one that belongs in the threads (in the gold tear drop shape) to the left of where the battery belongs.
Thanks again!!
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Vtchris,
I think I have to take you up on the generous offer. I checked 3 different places near me, and no one has the screw. I'll PM you,
Thanks!

 

Thanks, you are awesome!
I don't even think I did 2 turns?? I turned it just enough to slide the cover over, put the battery in, slid the cover back under the screw head. That's where it went all wrong! LOL. I made the mistake of assuming that the screw head would hold everything in place while I reached for the screwdriver. As soon as I let go....BOING, the pressure shot the screw up (I guess I WAS more than 2 turns ), I heard it bounce, but couldn't find it for the life of me. AAARRGGGHH
Lesson learned, keep pressure on the battery cover until I tighten screw fully. I've changed dozens of batteries in watches, and never had this happen before.

By the way, I left a message the other day for the parts manager at Invicta to call me regarding the screw (before Chris made the generous offer), and I'm still waiting for a call back. I'm starting to believe everything I previously heard about Invicta customer service being the worst on this planet.

 

The service manager just called me, she confirmed that the only way to get that screw is to send it in for service. She also confirmed that if anyone opens it, even a jeweler, the warranty is void! I asked how much the battery replacement would cost. It was approximately $50 for shipping and battery. For a $70 watch? I don't think so. The MSRP may be $350, but that's garbage, it's a $70 watch (very nice one though).
They are very cool and stylish watches, but i guess I will slow down buying them (probably stop completeley) now that I know the "down side" of Invictas.
Oh well...

 

Have plenty of those, I have to agree.

Yes that's guaranteed work for them LOL. I don't mess with my expensive watches for obvious reasons. I've worked on my cheap watches for many years with success. Probably because I usually only do band sizing and batteries. This was only the first or maybe second time I had an issue.

 

VTChris,
I got the screws in the mail today. The smaller one fit perfectly! YOU ARE THE MAN!
You basically saved my watch. Thanks again,
I really appreciate you taking the initiative and offering the part to me. I owe you a beer

 

She's ticking away!!
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Lol, I guess I owe you a steak then.