Nixon Watches

History of Nixon Watches

Nixon was co-founded by Chad DiNenna and Andy Laats in 1998 at Encinitas, a beach city in the Southern California. Within a short span, the brand has tremendously grown to a globally recognized lifestyle brand.

In December 2006, Nixon was acquired by Australian business group Billabong International. Presently, the principal shareholders of the company are Trilantic Capital Partners and Billabong. DiNenna and Laats are the members of Nixon Management with a minority share holding.

Nixon Watch Collections

(1) Nixon 51-30

The name 51-30 refers to watches’ case size and water resistance. Watches in Nixon 51-30 stand out with colossal figure and an impressive water resistance of 300 meters. Equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, all over-sized diving chronograph watches feature a 51mm diameter case. Gigantic in every sense, the watch combines the robustness of a dive watch with the functional characteristics of a stopwatch. Instead of traditional style, this stainless steel diving watch features its crown and pushers at the left side. Available in various dial colors and case renditions, it houses a Miyota Japanese quartz 6 hand movement.

(2) Nixon Spectra

Nixon Spectra is an automatic watch endowed with a transparent dial centre providing the glimpses of the mechanism that beats inside. This men’s timepiece seamlessly integrates modern aesthetic design codes with classic watchmaking. Crafted from solid stainless steel and also available in gold-plated or blackened finish, the diameter of case measures 40mm. It typically comes fitted on a matching 5-link bracelet. The other notable exterior features are the coin-edged crown, domed crystal and transparent case back. The movement used with these watches is the Japanese Miyota automatic 82S0 with a three-hand lay out.

(3) Nixon Sentry

Sentry is a minimalistic dress watch driven by a Japanese Miyota 3-hand quartz movement with bilingual day and date. Stand-out features of this model are its refined case design, minimal dial layout, hardened mineral crystal glass, solid stainless steel 3-link bracelet and 100 meter water resistance. 

Featuring a 42mm case, this time-only watch is available in several versions: steel, full-black, gold-plated and dual-toned. Nixon additionally offers a Sentry Leather model with different dial/strap combinations to choose from. The brand also offers Sentry Chronograph with a 42mm case and quartz movement.

(4) Nixon Corporal

Nixon Corporal is rugged outdoor-sports/ field/ tactical watch with a massive size of 48mm. It features prominently a two-piece case construction and raised bezel to protect the recessed crystal. Water-proof up to 100 meters and available in various renditions,  timepiece in this series houses a Miyota Japanese quartz 3 hand movement. 

(5) Nixon Time Teller 

Time Teller is a series of unisex watches crafted from stainless steel. This minimalistic three-hand quartz watch is endowed with both classic and modern-day styles. Inspired by the timepieces of the bygone era, Time Teller boasts a classic profile with a contemporary twist. It comes with a rich palette of dial colors and case finishing. The case measures 37mm diameter. It has a water resistance of 100 meters. Nixon additionally offers the Small Time Teller model with 26 mm and Medium Time Teller with 31mm case sizes. It is also available in a 40mm variant: the Time Teller P. This series also has a ladies version, the Time Teller Acetate.

(6) Nixon Light-Wave

Light-Wave is an eco-friendly wristwatch driven by an Epson solar-powered quartz movement. Typically featuring the cushion-shape, its injected-molded case measures 37mm. It is light in weight and extremely durable. Protected by a hardened mineral crystal on the dial side, this timepiece has a water resistance of 100 meters. To spotlight its genuine commitment towards the protection of the oceans, Nixon Light-Wave features a #tide recycled plastic case and band.

(7) Nixon Patrol

Nixon Patrol is a contemporary-sized timepiece inspired by classic field watches. This stainless steel model features a 42mm case with 100m waterproof rating and hardened mineral crystal. A Nixon Patrol watch has a main 12-hour dial with large numerals and indices. The outer dial-ring is marked with military time (24-hour) format. It houses a Miyota Japanese quartz movement that drives three centre hands.

(8) Nixon Porter
 

Nixon Porter is a modern quartz watch with a sleek profile and sophisticated style. It features an ultrathin case made of stainless steel. Its minimalistic dial features long rectangular indexes and matching centre hands for displaying the hour, minute and seconds. Its slim, tapered case measures 40mm in diameter. It is mounted with a hardened mineral crystal glass. The watch comes with a quartz movement made in Japan. Porter is available with a matching 3-link metal bracelet or leather strap.

(9) Nixon Supremacy

Nixon Supremacy is an exceptional self-winding wristwatch equipped with a Swiss made automatic movement. This contemporary-styled three-hand timepiece also features a date window. Made of stainless steel, the 40mm case frames a minimalistic dial with vibrantly fashioned hands and hour-markers. It comes with a matching 5 link steel bracelet, American alligator strap or ostrich band. Supremacy boasts the Swiss made certification.

(10) Nixon Diplomatic

Nixon Diplomatic is a series of over-sized automatic wristwatches bearing the Swiss Made label. A Nixon Diplomatic watch features a 46mm diameter case with the crown positioned at 9 o’ clock. Water resistant to 200 meters, this robust sports watch typically incorporates a slim exterior bezel-ring. The dial hosts large Arabic numerals and indices. A luminescent dot has replaced the 12 hour-marker.

(11) Nixon Grateful Dead

This impressive range represents a number of wristwatches created in collaboration with American rock band Grateful Dead. These special editions span across various Nixon watch collections like Sentry, Light Wave, Time Teller and Diplomatic.

(12) Nixon Kensington

Kensington is a ladies wristwatch prominently featuring a contemporary style. This 37mm model features a solid stainless steel case. Fitted with a hardened mineral crystal, it is water resistant to 50 meters. Available in various iterations, this model highlights minimalistic yet striking dial design. It is a perfect timepiece for every day wear. This model houses a Miyota Japanese quartz 3-hand calibre.

(13) Nixon Arrow

Nixon Arrow is a simple yet fashionable timepiece with an inclination towards Scandinavian designs. The circular brushed dial features numerical indices and custom molded hands. Topped with a hardened mineral crystal, this 40mm stainless steel watch is water proof up to 50 meters. Boasting a unisex appeal, the watch houses a Miyota quartz calibre for driving the hour, minute and centre-seconds hands. The Arrow model comes with a matching bracelet or leather strap.

(14) Nixon Digital Watches

The company maintains an impressive inventory of digital watches. They typically feature custom digital modules and offer a multitude of practical functions depending upon the model. Among them, the Nixon Regulus is a high-performance model created in collaboration with agents from the Special Operations corps of the United States. This tactical instrument features a rugged case construction with 100 meter water resistance. It offers functionalities like dual chronograph timers and three independent alarms. The Regulus Expedition model is loaded with various utilitarian functions including adventure-specific features such as altimeter, barometer and compass.

Models like High Tide and Base Tide Pro are specially designed for surfing enthusiasts. With a water resistance of 100 meters, these robust aquatic sports watches offer various functions useful for surfers, including pre-programmed tide information for 550 global beaches.

Summary
 

Nixon has been known for its vast collection of affordable wristwatches. Most of the timepieces are made of stainless steel. Moreover, they are available in various case shades: blackened, gold-toned and dual-toned. The brand also offers models featuring materials like acetate and recycled plastic. The available case sizes range from 26mm to 51mm. Analogue watches feature either round or cushion shaped case.

Most of the brand’s wristwatches are fitted with hardened mineral crystal glasses. Some models feature sapphire crystals. Majority of Nixon watches are water resistant to 100 meters. Some of its models are rated for either 30m or 50m waterproofness. The brand also offers diving timepieces like the Nixon Diplomatic (200 meters) and the 51-30 (300 meters).

Among the brand’s watch collections, majority are quartz-powered. They usually house Miyota quartz movements manufactured in Japan. Nixon also offers automatic watches. Among them, Diplomatic and Supremacy models are equipped with Swiss made self-winding movements. The other automatic models feature Miyota self-winding calibers.

Regarding the dial design, Nixon offers a broad choice of colors like Black, Silver, Gold, White, Brown, Gray, Red, Green, Blue, Pink and Yellow. Depending upon the collection, it typically provides matching stainless steel bracelets, leather straps or rubber wristbands.