Ah, Nixon watches – the horological equivalent of that cool skater kid from high school who somehow ended up with a corporate job but still wears Vans to the office. As a lifelong watch collector who’s handled everything from $20 Casios to timepieces that cost more than a sensible sedan, I get this question at least twice a week: “Are Nixon watches any good?” It’s time to settle this debate once and for all – with a healthy dose of wit and a splash of brutal honesty.
Nixon’s Origin Story: More Than Just Surf and Skate
Before passing judgment on Nixon’s timepieces, let’s rewind the hands a bit. Founded in 1997 in Encinitas, California, Nixon began with a focus on creating watches for surfers, skaters, and snowboarders – essentially, the X-Games crowd who needed timepieces that could survive being dragged across concrete or submerged in saltwater while looking stylish enough for post-wipeout socializing.
Unlike traditional watchmakers with centuries of heritage (and prices to match), Nixon approached watches with a distinctly California attitude: bold designs, youth culture appeal, and functionality for active lifestyles. They’re the horological rebels who decided Swiss tradition wasn’t the only path to watchmaking relevance – a refreshing perspective in an industry often stuck in the 1800s.
Build Quality: Better Than Expected, With Caveats
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Nixon watches aren’t going to compete with Omega or Rolex in terms of craftsmanship. But they’re not trying to, and their prices reflect that reality. Most Nixon watches fall in the $100-300 range, firmly in the “fashion watch” category alongside brands like Fossil, Diesel, and MVMT.
At this price point, Nixon actually delivers reasonable quality. Their stainless steel cases generally feel solid, with decent finishing for the price class. The brand uses mineral crystal on most models (scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof like sapphire), and the bracelets typically feature solid links rather than the hollow, rattly affairs you might find on cheaper alternatives.
Water resistance ratings on Nixon watches are generally reliable – an area where the brand’s action sports roots shine through. Their surf-oriented models like the Base Tide Pro can handle actual water exposure without immediately turning into expensive wrist paperweights.
That said, don’t expect heirloom quality. These watches are built to a price point, and after a few years of regular wear, you’ll likely notice bracelet stretch, case scratches, and potentially movement issues. They’re watches with a lifespan, not forever pieces.
Movements: Practicality Over Pedigree
Watch snobs, cover your eyes for this section. The vast majority of Nixon watches use quartz movements, primarily from Japanese suppliers like Miyota. In the horological hierarchy, these sit several rungs below Swiss mechanical movements, but they offer practical advantages: accuracy, durability, and minimal maintenance.
For active lifestyle purposes – Nixon’s target market – quartz actually makes perfect sense. You don’t want to worry about your automatic movement getting damaged during a skateboarding bail or needing to reset your watch after letting it sit for a weekend.
Nixon has introduced some automatic models over the years, typically using entry-level Japanese movements. These offer a nice compromise for those wanting mechanical watches without Swiss price tags, though they lack the finishing and regulation of higher-end movements.
In recent years, Nixon has also embraced smartwatch technology with their Heat series, offering activity tracking and smartphone connectivity. These aren’t going to challenge Apple or Garmin, but they provide basic functionality in Nixon’s distinctive styling.
Design: Where Nixon Truly Shines
If there’s one area where Nixon unquestionably excels, it’s design. Love them or hate them, Nixon watches have personality. From the minimalist Kensington to the rugged 51-30 (which at 51mm could double as a dinner plate in a pinch), their aesthetic is instantly recognizable.
Nixon’s designers understand something many traditional watchmakers miss – watches are personal expression as much as timekeeping tools. Their color options venture beyond the safe black/silver/blue palette that dominates affordable watches, offering everything from matte forest green to rose gold and concrete textures.
The Time Teller model represents this design-forward approach perfectly – a clean, distinctive piece that costs around $100 but looks far more considered than its price suggests. Similarly, the Sentry’s angular case and modern dial proportions show attention to design details usually reserved for pricier brands.
Value Proposition: Understanding What You’re Paying For
Here’s where we need some perspective. Are Nixon watches “good value” compared to a $60 Casio that will functionally outlive us all? Not really. Are they good value compared to fashion watches from designer labels charging $350 for essentially the same components? Absolutely.
Nixon operates in the fashion watch space but offers slightly better construction than many competitors. You’re paying for design, brand image, and decent enough quality – not horological excellence or investment potential. Unlike true budget options (Casio, Timex) or heritage watchmakers (Hamilton, Seiko), Nixon exists in that middle ground where style often outweighs technical merit.
For someone who values distinctive aesthetics and doesn’t need their watch to become a family heirloom, Nixon offers reasonable value. Just understand that a significant portion of your purchase goes toward branding and design, not necessarily superior craftsmanship.
The Collector’s Verdict: Contextual Quality
As someone who’s seen thousands of watches come across my desk, here’s my nuanced take: Nixon makes good watches within their specific context. They’re excellent fashion watches, decent everyday timepieces, and suitable entry points for younger enthusiasts not ready to drop serious money on watches.
Are they “good” compared to a Seiko Prospex or Hamilton Khaki? No. Are they “good” compared to a no-name Amazon special or overpriced fashion house offering? Yes.
The true watch collector understands that “good” is contextual. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a Nixon to someone wanting a stylish quartz watch under $200 with some personality. I’d be more reluctant to suggest one as someone’s only watch or as an introduction to serious collecting.
So Who Should Buy Nixon Watches?
Nixon watches make perfect sense for:
- Style-conscious individuals who view watches as accessories first
- Active lifestyle enthusiasts needing decent durability without breaking the bank
- Young collectors just beginning their watch journey
- Those wanting a distinctive secondary/weekend watch
- Gift-givers looking for something with brand recognition and visual appeal
They’re less ideal for:
- Serious watch enthusiasts seeking horological significance
- Those expecting decades of reliable service from a single timepiece
- Anyone looking for investment potential or resale value
As with any watch purchase, buy what speaks to you. If a Nixon design catches your eye and the price works for your budget, don’t let watch snobs (yes, even well-meaning ones like me) dissuade you. The watch that brings you joy is always the right watch – whether it cost $100 or $10,000.
For those asking “Are Nixon watches any good?” – now you have your answer: They’re exactly as good as they need to be for their intended purpose an
