Whoa! These always seemed to be fairly popular too. Sad to see them go.

 

Bummer, but a sad sign of today's world.......

 

That is sad to hear for sure. I always thought their watches were really good. Then I’m sure the margins in the micro brand world are razor thin.

 

#1580…

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/the-new-new-official-nth-thread.5494638/page-79?post_id=58174826#post-58174826

 

Not surprised at all, unfortunately. I doubted they would last as long as they did.

 

Chris Vail of NTH watches cites global economic conditions and increased business challenges, I wonder if the explosion in popularity of AliExpress watches had a large part to do with the latter?

 

I would bet good money on that.

 

They are not Swiss or plastic. The only thing they had going for them was high quality and a fair price.

Watches are the only hobby I have in where what it is not is more important than what it is.

In the watch world, not being Swiss is more important than being a quality watch at a fair price.

 

Maybe Rolex is closing out too. Even the stock of exhibition watches is decreasing.

 

One of the best micro divers. Wonder if this is an indication of things to come.

 

Maybe, the Chinese brands are undercutting the micro brands at a decent pace. Something like a recession in the US & Europe would probably shutter a good number of micros as well.

 

I hope Chris stays active here!

 

They certainly offered a very well made watch at an affordable price.

Hope this does not carry over to other micros as well.

 

Certainly such a loss. Doc and this brand does such superb watches at reasonable prices. The scorpene was one I really liked having owned a blue Odin not too long ago.

 

Sorry to see you go Doc, hope you will still post here.

@docvail

 

Plus one

 

This never would have happened if they kept sparky on the dial.

Seriously though, best wishes to Doc for whatever his future endeavors are. Probably the lead designer for Rolex or something. Finally.

 

they're going out of business and only lower prices on accessories??????

they don't even know how to go out of business.

 

Careful…
You’re talking about one of us 😉

 

8 years (11 if you count Lew and Huey) is a pretty good run for a micro. It's always a bit sad when this happens. Hats off to Chris. He definitely made his mark in the community. The only NTH I ever had was a Devil Ray years ago and thought it was pretty great.

 

Whether you liked the watches, whether you didn't, you have to give the man credit. He's been a very transparent voice and taught many of us all about the ins and outs of manufacturing and selling watches. And NTH did their fair share of innovation as well. Yes the subs line was very similar over the years but it worked. And he designed a damn thin 300m diver. All the best Mr. Vail, you made your mark here on WUS.

 

Shame. Another one of those I wish I had bought watches

 

Sad news.
I wish him well.
The Vintage Amphion Gilt remains one of my favorites.
Looks and wears GREAT.

 

I love it too! I’m glad I still have mine.

 

Man, that's rough news. Chris was at the forefront of the micro boom. The first brand that I know of that was so involved with the community. Basically sprouted FROM the community. Those are the brands and people you want to win. Sad day.

All the best to the people behind NTH. <3

 

I wish Chris well. I assume the market space NTH operated in was always tight, with lots of competition from established brands like SEIKO and then scores of startups coming in just below the NTH price points, as well as those in the same situation, like Zelos. Just a lot of competition and I'm sure the profits were tight.

I always liked NTH. Owned a couple. I recently bought this gray dial Devil Ray and it is a beauty.

 

NTH. Always interesting watch designs at a fair price. Great service too.
Still have my white full lume Antilles.
Good luck Chris, wherever you land next. The world need all the honest straight shooters it can get.

 

This is a sad day. Good luck Doc to you and all your staff in your next ventures

 

I was active in a few local FB watch groups through COVID times, they were very lively - then suddenly at around late 21 early 2022 all became a dead zone. The bulk of the people interested in watches dissapeared overnight.

This is just anecdotal data but a sign that much less people is interested in watches in general. That combined with the big push from the chinese brands (Higher quality, finishing and design at lower prices).

He's been squeezed out of market. If the source of your products is outcompiting you and no longer have a margin... cut the losses and close shop.

Sad to see but understandable.

 

I don't think it's less people interested in watches, so much as fewer people being able to afford them in general. Inflation is up, and people are worried about the increased price of needs. Wants take a back seat during such times.

 

I have definitely noticed a dropoff in new offerings from microbrands over the past year or so. I was even thinking of starting a thread about it.

I don't have any particular insights to offer as to why, seems likely to be a combination of the several factors already mentioned.

Best wishes to Chris as he moves on to the next thing. I have two of his watches and plan to keep them for the long term.