So seven days have come and gone and it is time to send the NTH Scorpène back home.
It is important to understand that this particular model is a prototype, and one of the nice little perks of writing a blog is from time to time you get to have an advance peek and test-drive of something before it is available to the general public. This past week with the NTH Scorpène has been informative and fun.
NTH is part of Janis Trading, the same folks who brought us the Lew & Huey line of watches recently.
The watch measures in at a very respectable (and welcome) 40 mm. I for one am thankful that the trend is, well, trending back towards 40 mm as opposed to the more outsized versions of divers available.
NTH offers very sturdy, straightforward dive watches at extremely reasonable prices. The Scorpène is currently available as a pre-order item, but if the prototype is anything to go on, I suspect it is going to be a hit.
So let's run through the usual questions starting with the fit and feel. As mentioned, the Scorpène is 40 mm in diameter. Size-wise, it is for most of us out there in watch-land the ideal. The fit and finish of the case and the bracelet are first rate. No hard edges, no sharp points. Smooth and clean to the touch.
The case back is a screw down type and is solid stainless steel. And this is another welcome touch. This is a tool watch, and it is the attention to the seemingly smaller aspects bear this out. A basic, and clean laser inscription graces the case back ensuring that it will not abrade or irritate the wearer's wrist. It is also a tip of the hat to classic tool watch design. The is a watch to be worn, it is not a show pony. And should you for any reason wish to inscribe it with your pertinents, you have ample space to do so.
The crown is engraved as well and is also screw down. This helps to ensure the water resistance which is warranted to 300 meters.
The watch sits well on the wrist and is comfortable all day.
And a huge (and often neglected) factor in the comfort of a watch is the bracelet or strap. And this does not disappoint. The links are smooth and well finished.
The bracelet is an oyster style, the clasp is a fold over with two release buttons on the side.
The operation is smooth and the clasp is secure.
The unidirectional bezel is tactile and the operation is smooth. The indications are the classic diver's 60 minute scale with a luminous triangle at 12 o'clock. The bezel is treated with lume as is the dial. And this brings me to my favorite aspect of the NTH Scorpène - the dial and hands.
The dial and hands. The dial's layout is classic, with the 12, 3, 6 and 9 and supported by indices elsewhere. The hands are sword, black at the base but with strong lume as well over the majority of their shape.
This photo was shot in partial light, which gives you a good idea as to the strength of the lume.
But the Scorpène, just like any watch, needs a movement. And NTH has selected the 9015 self-winding movement from Miyota. The movement ran true and was accurate with an acceptable rate. The maximum deviation I experienced was + 17 seconds over the seven days. The movement can be hand-wound from a dead stop and has hacking functionality.
During the pre-sale period, the Scorpène can be yours for $475. The regular retail price is $600. This represents a solid value for a solid tool watch with classic design elements.
The pre-order information can be found here -
And here are the pertinents -
Case Material:
316L Stainless Steel
Caseback:
Solid, 316L Stainless
Display Crystal:
Double-Domed Anti-Reflective Sapphire
Water Resistance:
30 ATM / 300 meters
Bezel:
120-click uni-directional
Bezel Insert:
Steel with Lumed Markers
Crown:
Screw-down
Case Diameter:
40mm (without crown)
Case Length:
48mm
Case Thickness:
11.5mm
Lug Width:
20mm
Weight w/ bracelet:
5.5 oz / 155g
Movement:
Miyota cal. 9015 Automatic
Accuracy:
-10~+30 seconds/day
Beat Rate:
28,800 BPH
Power Reserve:
More than 42 hours
Warranty:
2 Years
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