Review: NTH submerges 2K1 line deep in details
With the release of the all new 2K1 series of submariner-styled timepieces, NTH Watches is diving for new depths in details, specifications and size. At just shy of 44 mm, the 2K1 line is the largest of the company’s sub line, and as the name suggests, water resistance is beefed up to an impressive 2001 feet or 61 ATM.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the new watches is the attention to detail and uncommon finishing touches. Today, we’re taking a look at the Swiftsure blue no-date model, a watch that makes subtle nods to mid-century Rolex, while developing a unique character with an interesting mix of details.
The Case and Bracelet
The Swiftsure uses a mix of finishes and details galore on its 43.7 mm case. Polished and deep chamfered edges are found on both the top and bottom of the watch – there’s not a sharp edge to be found on this timepiece. The chamfered edges swoop up onto the pointed crown guards and carry through to the tips of the lugs. The mix of finely brushed and polished surfaces give the piece dimension and streamlined curves.
Also worth noting is that despite the watch’s overall 13mm thickness, the midcase is sleek and slim – leaving just enough room for a small helium release valve. The HR valve is one of those features that 99 percent of us will never need, but it’s nice to know its there and signals that this is a tool watch meant to be taken seriously.
The oversized bezel juts out past the edge of the case, making for easy gripping to adjust the 120-click bezel. The bezel itself is one of the uncommon and standout features. Instead of using painted aluminum, NTH uses a thick stainless steel insert with a DLC coating and deeply engraved markers to hold copious amounts of lume. A lot of thought was put into the utility of the piece – the oversized crown is also meant to be easily adjusted.
One thing watch nerds love to harp on is the finish and fit of the solid end link where the bracelet meets the case. The Swiftsure really shines here with a slightly recessed endlink that sits perfectly with no movement and no gaps. The detail of the oyster mid-link is sharp and matches perfectly with the rest of the tapered bracelet. Perfect sizing is a breeze with two half-links, screw-in pins and a double locking clasp with micro adjustments. The only missing feature is the absence of a dive extension that may be of use to a professional diver to quickly fit the bracelet over a wet suit. But again, 99 percent of us will never need that feature anyway.
The Dial
With the laser sharp precision of the case details, NTH really needed to carry on with precise detailing on the dial, and they didn’t disappoint. Thick and large applied markers and numerals along with oversized hands make the watch supremely legible. The oversized numerals themselves are somewhat reminiscent of the Longines Hydroconquest. The printing is crisp and the angled rehaut adds another level of depth. The blue-glowing BGW9 Superluminova is utilized to great effect. The tradeoff with BGW9 compared to C3 superluminova is intensity versus longevity of glow. BGW9 needs many layers compared to other types of lume
Specifications:
•316L Stainless Steel with Double-Domed Anti-Reflective Sapphire
•43.75mm diameter (without crown) x 51mm lug-to-lug x 13mm thick
•Miyota auto cal. 9015 (with date) or 90S5 (no date).
•Tritec Swiss Superluminova
•120-Click Uni-Directional Bezel with Top-Grade PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Insert
•22mm lugs with tapering bracelet & 18mm double-locking diver’s clasp
•28,800 BPH with 42+ hour power reserve
•Dial & Hands: BG W9 White, (Glows Blue)
•61 ATM / 610m / 2001ft WR with Screw-Down Crown
•Weight with Bracelet: ~6 oz / ~175g
•Average daily rate of -10/+30 secs/day with max 40 secs/day positional variance
•Bezel: BGW9
Final thoughts
While the 2K1 series makes plenty of winks and nods to historic watches, NTH has really come into its own with an uncommon attention to detail for a microbrand. Owner Chris Vail is a microbrand veteran and has obviously made great use of his knowledge of the supply chain. This is not a simple homage watch. All those interesting details add up to a special timepiece worthy of consideration against offerings from larger brands.
The 2K1 line is now available though the NTH worldwide network of retailers, which can be found at www.nthwatches.com.