• Nixon Watches Embracing the Spirit of Adventure
  • Nixon Watches Making Every Moment Count

    A Deep Dive into the Adventurous World of Nixon Timepieces

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    June 29, 2023
  • In the grand arena of timekeeping, a brand that defiantly dances to its own rhythm, and masterfully at that, is none other than Nixon Watches. A paragon of distinctive style and daring innovation, Nixon doesn’t just tell time, but tells a tale. A tale spun from the threads of youth culture, board sports, and the vibrant ebb and flow of life itself. Founded in 1998, this California born brand has taken the watchmaking world by storm, sweeping enthusiasts off their feet with timepieces that encapsulate the spirit of adventure, the love for the outdoors, and the indomitable urge to make every second count. This is not just the story of a brand. It’s a reverberating echo of a culture, a lifestyle, and an attitude that refuses to blend into the ordinary.

    Stepping onto the scene when the millennium was close at hand, Nixon carved its niche not in the lavish offices of Wall Street or the elegant salons of high society, but in the daring swells of the sea, the challenging curves of skate parks, and the adrenaline charged atmosphere of snow covered mountains. Co founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna broke away from the norm, recognizing the need for a brand that resonated with their own love for board sports and the vibrant culture that surrounded it. Their combined experience, Laats with his mechanical engineering background and stint at Burton Snowboards, and DiNenna with his marketing expertise honed at TransWorld Media, set the perfect stage for Nixon's inception.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    The birth of Nixon was an answer to a palpable need, a response to a glaring gap in the market. Here was a segment of young, dynamic, sport and outdoor loving individuals, seeking something more than just functionality in their timepieces. They sought watches that reflected their lifestyle, echoed their passion, and enhanced their personal style statement. And Nixon delivered exactly that.

    Nixon's maiden product lineup was a tight collection of seven watch models, each one exuding a distinctive character of its own. There was a remarkable emphasis on custom made details, from the dial designs to the band materials. They didn't just manufacture watches; they crafted unique, tangible narratives, an ethos that has remained integral to the brand to this day. Nixon’s watches were instantly embraced by retailers, especially those entrenched in the surf, skate, and snow market, and the demand swiftly propelled Nixon from a domestic name to an international icon.

    Success, however, was not a stroke of luck or a result of mere chance. The founders’ belief in "team designed, custom built" products became the brand's guiding principle. This meant not just assembling a watch, but building it from scratch, piece by piece, detail by detail, each component a careful decision. It meant tailoring the product to the needs and desires of the audience, an audience that they themselves were a part of. They knew what surfers, skaters, and snowboarders wanted because they were, at their core, surfers, skaters, and snowboarders too.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    In 2005, Nixon ventured beyond the realm of watches. They began crafting a line of audio products, including headphones and speakers, all in sync with Nixon's signature style and vision. By not limiting itself to a single product category, Nixon reiterated its commitment to not just creating watches or audio products, but contributing to a lifestyle, a culture, an experience.

    The brand's reach has steadily expanded, with products now sold in over 90 countries. The journey has been a surging wave, embodying the very spirit of the people it caters to. But at its heart, Nixon remains firmly anchored in its core vision, committed to crafting pieces that bear the Nixon signature a fusion of form and function that dares to defy the ordinary, just as its founders intended.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    As we dive deeper into the Nixon universe, you’ll discover a fascinating landscape where design, function, and lifestyle converge, giving birth to creations that are as compelling as they are practical. You'll meet timepieces that are more than mere instruments of timekeeping, but extensions of personality, individuality, and a lifestyle that revels in the very joy of living. But for now, let's bask in the early morning sunshine that marked the dawn of Nixon, a brand that turned the tide in watchmaking and continues to ride the waves to a future brimming with promise and potential.

    Let's venture forth into the rich world of Nixon watch lines, a spectacularly varied array that caters to diverse tastes and needs. We will take a journey through four such iconic collections that have marked Nixon's triumphant narrative, each a unique ode to the brand's unique ethos of catering to the thrill of life's many adventures.

    First on the roster, let's draw back the curtain on the iconic '51-30 Chrono'. Conceived as a nod to the spirited surfer braving the rolling waves, this collection is a testament to Nixon's enduring connection with the ocean's might. The '51-30', standing for its impressive 51mm diameter and 30ATM water resistance, speaks of a watch designed to weather the rough and tumble of sea bound exploits. Yet, it also bears the unmistakable imprint of Nixon's keen eye for detail. Whether it's the unique positioning of the crown at the 9 o’clock position to prevent "wrist bite" during active use, or the elegant chrono dials, the '51-30 Chrono' doesn’t just challenge the ocean's might but also rules the realm of style.

    51-30
    51-30 Courtesy of Nixon


    Then we move to the 'Time Teller' series, a collection that encapsulates Nixon's commitment to simplicity paired with unmistakable style. The 'Time Teller', as the name suggests, tells time, but with a flair uniquely its own. Reflecting Nixon's dedication to the 'team designed, custom built' principle, this series presents a versatile palette of designs. From stainless steel models to acetate ones, from the minimalist to the ornately detailed, there is a 'Time Teller' to match every mood and style. But at its core, each 'Time Teller' carries the signature of Nixon’s dedication to craftsmanship and distinctive design.

    Time Teller
    Time Teller Courtesy of Nixon


    As we journey deeper, we encounter the 'Sentry' series. The 'Sentry' watches are like sentinels of time, standing resolute and robust, echoing the unwavering spirit of those who love to embrace life head on. It’s not just a watch, but a partner that accompanies its wearer through every twist and turn of life. With a perfect balance of classic design and modern functionality, the 'Sentry' watches exude a quiet confidence. Whether it’s the sleek 'Sentry Leather' with its bold numerals and tailored strap, or the 'Sentry Chrono' that marries multifunction features with effortless style, this line truly embodies Nixon's belief in making every detail count.

    Sentry
    Sentry Courtesy of Nixon


    Last but not least, we'll delve into the captivating world of the 'Descender' series. Born out of Nixon's intrinsic connection with the ocean, the 'Descender' is a celebration of the daring spirit of deep sea diving. Designed as a dive worthy watch, it’s ready to plunge into the ocean's depths with its impressive 30 ATM water resistance. The 'Descender' blends sport and industrial design elements, featuring a coin edge bezel and a domed crystal face. Yet, despite its rugged, utilitarian appeal, it doesn’t compromise on style. The bold dial, with lum filled hands, ensures legibility even in the murkier depths of the ocean, making it a true embodiment of Nixon's unwavering commitment to the fusion of form and function.

    Descender
    Descender Courtesy of Nixon


    These collections are just a glimpse into Nixon's illustrious watchmaking legacy. They encapsulate the brand’s core philosophy of creating products that mirror the vibrant lifestyle of their wearer. As we move forward, let's carry the stories of these iconic collections, tales woven by the diligent hands and imaginative minds at Nixon. Stories that resonate with the brand's ceaseless pursuit of creating watches that are not just tools of timekeeping, but testimonies to a lifestyle that thrives on adventure, creativity, and unyielding spirit.

    As we steer towards the conclusion of our Nixon chronicle, it's essential to grasp the true essence of what makes these timepieces more than just an accessory to adorn your wrist. These watches are symbols, statements, and signifiers of an ethos that the Nixon brand upholds they do not just mark time but celebrate the moments that make life worth living.

    The profound, authentic connection between Nixon and its community of wearers is one of the brand's most defining features. A Nixon watch does not just rest on your wrist but accompanies you on your journey, taking on your story's flavor, character, and color. Through every adrenaline fueled surf ride, every daring mountain climb, every stirring live gig, and every whirlwind urban adventure, your Nixon watch is with you, an enduring testament to your experiences.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    But it's not just about designing watches for adventurous souls; it's about infusing every timepiece with a personality that matches the wearer's vibrancy. Each Nixon watch, be it from the '51-30 Chrono', 'Time Teller', 'Sentry', or the 'Descender' series, is an expression of individuality and creativity. The brand doesn't just create watches; it creates companions for life's journey, each one as unique and compelling as the people who wear them.

    Over the years, Nixon has earned a reputation for its relentless dedication to customer satisfaction. Their "custom built" promise extends to their customer service. The brand takes immense pride in standing by its products, providing excellent after sales service, and ensuring every Nixon watch owner becomes part of their global family. This unflinching commitment to their customers is another factor in the lasting appeal of Nixon watches.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    Even as we wind up, it's exciting to look forward to Nixon's future. What new boundaries will they push? What fresh design marvels will they come up with? Nixon's tireless pursuit of innovation and quality ensures that their future collections will continue to be as captivating, if not more so, as their existing ones.

    The Nixon brand stands at a fascinating intersection of lifestyle, adventure, and horology. Their watches, in all their variety and vibrancy, embody a singular spirit that embraces both individuality and community. The energy, creativity, and commitment that Nixon infuses into every timepiece make them not just objects of beauty and utility, but vibrant companions in life's many adventures.

    As we've journeyed through the history of Nixon and their notable watch lines, one thing is clear: owning a Nixon watch is much more than just owning a timepiece. It's about embracing a lifestyle, a mindset, and a spirit of adventure. It's about owning a piece of a legacy that values not just time, but the moments that make up that time. With a Nixon watch on your wrist, you are not just marking time, but making time count.

    Courtesy of Nixon
    Courtesy of Nixon


    Through this exploration, we've sought to understand and appreciate the essence of Nixon watches. However, as with any great story, experiencing it firsthand is incomparable to any tale. So we invite you, dear reader, to venture forth and discover the world of Nixon watches for yourself. Explore their collections, find a timepiece that resonates with your spirit, and join the global Nixon family in celebrating the joy of the journey, one moment at a time.

    And who knows? Maybe your Nixon watch will not just tell you the time but tell your time your story, your journey, your adventures. Because at the end of the day, that's what Nixon is all about: not just marking the hours, minutes, and seconds, but making each moment count. In this world of fleeting moments and transient time, isn't that what we all strive for to make every tick of the clock matter? With a Nixon watch on your wrist, that's exactly what you'll be doing. And that, dear reader, is the true beauty of Nixon.
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