As of 2024, Esso Watches’ net worth is estimated to be $0.
Esso Watches was a wearable tech brand launched by entrepreneur Ryan Naylor. Known for its negative ion-infused silicone wristwatches, the company promised to improve energy and balance. Although it gained attention through its pitch on Shark Tank, the brand ultimately collapsed due to scientific skepticism and legal issues.
Esso Watches Net Worth & Sources of Income
At its peak, Esso Watches was valued at around $175,000, based on the founder’s pitch on Shark Tank. The company generated over $120,000 in revenue but is currently defunct.
Net Worth | $0 |
Yearly Income | $0 (inactive) |
Monthly Income | $0 |
Daily Income | $0 |
Esso Watches Sources of Income
Product Sales: Esso generated revenue from direct-to-consumer sales of its negative ion wristwatches, claiming health benefits like improved balance and energy.
Shark Tank Exposure: While the pitch didn’t land a deal, the national exposure temporarily boosted product sales and traffic to its website.
Online Marketing: The founder, who had a background in SEO and digital marketing, used online platforms to drive early traction.
Despite early profits, no sustainable revenue streams were maintained, and the business became inactive.
Esso Watches Biography
Brand Name | Esso Watches |
Founder | Ryan Naylor |
Founded | 2011 |
Industry | Wearable Tech / Wellness |
Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
Status | Defunct (as of 2024) |
Estimated Peak Value | $175,000 |
Esso Watches’ Business Journey
Esso Watches was created with the aim of blending wellness and style. Ryan Naylor believed in the positive impact of negative ions on human performance, a concept popularized by some pseudo-scientific wellness products at the time.
Esso Watches Early Days and Background
Ryan Naylor, who had prior experience in marketing and business, launched Esso Watches in 2011 with a self-investment of around $10,000. The product quickly picked up interest from fitness enthusiasts and the wellness niche due to its clean design and bold health claims.
He leveraged digital channels like SEO and eCommerce ads to push early sales. Within a short time, Esso reportedly made $120,000 in revenue and $70,000 in profit.
Esso Watches Rise to Recognition via Shark Tank
In 2012, Ryan appeared on Season 3 of Shark Tank and pitched his company, seeking $35,000 for 20% equity, valuing Esso at $175,000.
However, his claims about the watch’s ability to improve balance and health through negative ion technology were met with heavy skepticism—especially from Mark Cuban, who called it a “scam.”
No sharks invested, but the pitch generated curiosity and temporarily increased online sales and brand recognition.
Esso Watches Financial Challenges
Despite early profitability, Esso Watches faced two major setbacks:
- Scientific Criticism: Experts and media criticized the brand for making unverifiable claims without clinical proof. Consumer trust began to decline.
- Trademark Lawsuit: ExxonMobil, which owns the rights to “Esso,” issued a trademark infringement notice, causing legal complications for the brand.
These factors combined to make the business unsustainable, and it quietly shut down operations.
Esso Watches Comparison With Similar Brands
Esso Watches followed a pattern seen in other “performance-enhancing” accessory startups. Here’s how it compares:
Brand | Product Type | Status | Key Challenge |
Esso Watches | Negative ion wristwatches | Defunct | Legal & scientific backlash |
Power Balance | Hologram performance bands | Defunct | Debunked by science |
Q-Ray Bracelet | Ionized bracelets | Active | Low credibility, limited claims |
Stealth Fitness | Gamified core trainer | Active | Technology integration |
Esso’s rapid shutdown mirrors what happens when health claims go unchecked by science and branding crosses legal lines.
Esso Watches Founder, Personal Life, and Vision
Ryan Naylor is an entrepreneur and digital marketing professional. After Esso, he moved on to found VIVAHR, a human resources software platform for small businesses.
He was praised for his professionalism and confidence on Shark Tank, even though the product fell flat. He has since gained recognition as a speaker and business advisor.
While his early venture failed, Ryan’s ability to pivot into SaaS proved he could build again and evolve as a founder.
Esso Watches Brand Age, Peak Value, and Outcome
Brand Age (Founded) | 2011 |
Operational Years | Approx. 3–4 years (defunct by 2015) |
Peak Valuation | $175,000 (on Shark Tank) |
Revenue Before Closing | $120,000 |
Profit Before Closing | $70,000 |
Esso Watches became an example of how a great pitch and brand positioning can generate buzz but without substantiated value, it cannot sustain long-term growth.
Esso Watches Social Media Accounts
Platform | Status |
Website | Offline |
Not Active | |
Not Active | |
Company profile inactive |
The brand no longer maintains any active social media presence, further confirming its closure.
Esso Watches rose fast and fell even faster.
With a brief brush with success after Shark Tank, the business failed to sustain due to bold health claims without scientific backing and trademark disputes with ExxonMobil. Its journey highlights the risk of riding a trend without substantiation or legal clearance.
Though the brand is now defunct, its founder Ryan Naylor moved on to other successful ventures, proving that failure in one business isn’t the end it’s just part of the path.