At WatchGecko we are often asked what NTH stands for, and one of the answers is “Nod To History”, which is hugely appropriate for the new NTH Legend Series. With this new range, NTH continues to deliver watches of exceptional quality at reasonable prices representing outstanding value for money, given the level of technical capability.
These new models are based on the already successful Näcken, Amphion and Barracuda ranges. All watches have common design elements, channelling vintage military and dive watches from a bygone era. They are, in every way, a modern iteration of the iconic “Milsub”.
The Legend Series share classic sword hands, which pay tribute to UK and US-issued military specialist dive watches from the 1950s and 60s. All Legend models share the same purpose-oriented, big-crown case, thick anti-reflective box sapphire crystal, and an anodised aluminium bezel insert with raised lume pip. However, despite these commonalities, each variant also offers certain unique design elements that allow them to stand aside.
NTH Näcken Vintage Black
On a three-link Oyster bracelet, these latest evolution 40mm Näcken models are superior to many 300M capable dive watches. With deep black textured dials and purposeful sword hands, legibility is as good as any dive watch on the market today. Vintage colour lume adds a classic feel. However, the latest Näcken is a thoroughly 2023 machine with Milsub looks. Available in date and non-date versions.
NTH Amphion Midnight Blue
With the same technical specs as the Näcken, the latest Amphion looks very much like a professional dive watch with a beautiful blue sunburst dial. If you have ever experienced life underwater, this is what sunlight looks like coming down through the ocean surface and the detailed design perfectly captures this image. No less a serious dive watch, the Amphion truly captures the magic of being sub-surface with full 300M capability. Available in date and non-date versions.
NTH Amphion Commando
With a Battleship Grey anodised aluminium bezel and unadorned black dial, the Commando is the quintessential homage to prohibitively expensive vintage UK military icon watches such as the Rolex Milsub and the Omega Seamaster 300 165.024. The grey looks like the watch has seen service, and it is the perfect “what if” model; how a Milsub may have looked had it been crafted in this naval finish. The Amphion word in red adds purpose to a pure dial. Available in date and non-date versions.
NTH Barracuda Vintage Green
Another aquatic-inspired model, the new green Barracuda adopts a colour synonymous with the deep oceans. This colour is carried across to the model name on the dial, and the vintage lume perfectly complements the green in patina beige. Possibly the most unusual of the Legend Series and maybe the most striking version. Available in date and non-date versions.
NTH Barracuda Vintage Red
Another Barracuda with a bold colour bezel that leaps out yet co-exists well with the patina hands and indices. The red of this Legend watch is toned down to give it a vintage look. In every way, it is a purposeful dive watch with a design edge to make a statement. Available in date and non-date versions.
So, who is NTH?
Here at WatchGecko, we enjoy a strong and mutually creative relationship with NTH. They are a boutique watch brand from Philadelphia, USA that specialises in capable dive and outdoor watches, all of which fit firmly into the tool watch genre. As the UK’s exclusive supplier, we always take an interest in what the company is producing and have been delighted to participate in several NTH/WatchGecko collaboration ranges, such as the 1970s-inspired cushion case NTH DevilRay and the popular Vintage Subs on Military Nylon.
Revolve the Legend Series watches in your hand, and the light plays on the different finishes of the case and bracelet. Well-positioned polished accents offset against a predominantly satin finish. At 180 degrees, the bracelet is secured by a flip lock clasp with the double reassurance of a push button locking system.
The Legend Series is powered by either a Miyota automatic cal. 9015 if your chosen model has a date or the 90S5 for no date. First introduced in 2009, this workhorse movement is relatively easy to obtain and offers similar parameters to the ETA 2824-2. The 42-hour power reserve, and accuracy of +/-5-15 seconds a day with Parashock protection meets most people’s needs. There is no exhibition case back on the NTH Legend. Indeed, there is just a very simple steel one, so the only indicator of your movement is the smooth sweep of the seconds ticking away.
Conclusion
The NTH Legend Series are superb watches. Thoroughly capable dive watches at around one-sixth of the price of the cheapest Swiss dive giants with similar specs. Legend models effortlessly rekindle the golden age of military dive watches and early Scuba diving with contemporary packages. Whether they are part of a collection or your only watch, the new NTH Legend Series demands attention if you are in the market for a new dive watch.
Complete Specs for the NTH Legend Series
- Brand: NTH
- Model: Legend Series - Näcken, Amphion and Barracuda Models
- Price: £750
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel with Double-Domed Anti-Reflective Box Sapphire, 40mm diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug, 11.5mm thick
- Movement: Miyota auto cal. 9015 (with date) or 90S5 (no date). 28,800 BPH with 42+ hour power reserve. Regulated in-house to -5/+15 secs/day.
- Bezel: Tritec Swiss Super-LumiNova 120-Click Uni-Directional Bezel with
- Bracelet: 20mm lugs with tapering bracelet & 18mm double-locking diver's clasp
- Dial & Hands: Various finishes, BGW9 SLN
- Testing: Individually pressure tested to 30 ATM / 300m / 984ft WR
- Weight with Bracelet: 4.9 oz / 140g
- Regulated in-house to -5~+15 secs/day.
- When the reviewer would personally wear them: Any time of the day on any occasion. Truly versatile watches. I own an Amphion which never stays still long enough to stop. Whether on military nylon or steel, these are superb watches.
- A friend we’d recommend them to first: Anyone who wants a fabulous one-stop-shop watch. The Legend can be dressed up or down.
- Best characteristics of these watches: Their legibility and lume. It's every bit as good, if not better than, watches in my collection that cost £10K. I will definitely own more NTHs.
- The worst characteristics of these watches: Honestly, it's hard to think of one. Maybe someone who passionately hates any watch with homage design ethos would walk away? But it would be a mistake.
