Skip to main content

Nixon watches are a fine choice for a first quality timepiece

Here's why Nixon Watches are some of the best out there

Nixon watch
Steven John/Digital Trends

About 16 years ago, my then-girlfriend (now-wife) gave me the first decent-quality watch I’d ever owned. It was an analog Nixon with a broad leather band and a handsome, square black face framed by brushed steel. Before getting that Nixon, I’d worn Swatch and Casio wristwatches as a kid and a cheap, Soviet-made windup that worked terribly but looked interesting in a retro-cool “I’m in high school and alternative and look at me!” kind of way. I still have the watch my now-wife wife gave me back in 2002, and although it has since seen two different bands and has been relegated to hiking watch status due to all the scratches marring the face and case, it still works perfectly.

Nixon isn’t an old company. The brand just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Nixon was launched to fill a niche. Its founders, action and snow sports enthusiasts Chad DiNenna and Andy Laats, needed decent watches with a youthful yet refined look that sells for an affordable price. Indeed, Nixon watches bridge the gap between the cheap, functional watches many people slap on without a thought and pricier, luxury chronometers worn primarily to impress and that only tangentially serve as reliable timepieces.

Nixon watch
Steven John/Digital Trends

If there’s one thing I can certainly vouch for, a Nixon watch is reliable. As I said, I’ve had mine going on 16 years now, and I wore it daily for the first five or six years I owned it. Since then, it has come along with me as I’ve summited mountains, hiked through rain storms, and bummed around a town or 20. As I grew a bit older and entered into the career and then family-man stages of life, I acquired multiple additional watches, many of which are from higher price points and better suited for meetings, dinners out, weddings, and so forth. But I’ve added another Nixon or two to the lineup because there’s always room for a semi-casual watch that looks fine, works well, and frankly, I don’t worry about all that much because regardless of looks or function, it’s not a huge investment.

My original Nixon was the perfect first fine watch for me as I navigated the twists and turns of my early 20s. And while the company offers several more refined-looking watches, some of which are at a several-hundred-dollar price point, I admire that Nixon has stayed true to its founding vision two decades on.

Nixon watch
Steven John/Digital Trends

The brand’s various watches (and its limited selection of apparel, bags, and audio gear) maintain a poised aesthetic that won’t look out of place on the wrist of a junior executive heading into a meeting or a surfer headed out past the breakers. After all, said Jr. Exec and surfer might be the same guy, depending on the day of the week.

Choose a rugged digital Nixon if you need a reliable watch for cycling, hiking, or diving. Or get an analog Nixon with a black dial and a gold-colored band if you need to add a grace note to your business attire. Either way, you can count on owning a Nixon timepiece for many years, so choose well, even if you won’t be spending all that much.

Are these high-end watches? No. But there’s a time and a place for the Tag Heuer or the Rolex, and many people aren’t there yet. And that’s exactly as it should be.

Editors' Recommendations

The 10 most expensive men’s watches in the world
These are the best watches to invest in to upgrade your collection — if you're a millionaire, of course
best rolexes for men rolex suit

If you want to get an insight into a man's status without delving deep into his finances or work history, or without asking any awkward questions, look at his wrist. Men's watches are the easiest way to show class, elegance, style, and status. While there is a wide variety of brands, price points, and styles to choose from, only some watches will instantly elevate your status the moment you slap it on your wrist. Though rolex watches and Cartier watches are easily recognizable and suggest sophistication and class, you might be surprised to find they don't dominate our world's most expensive watches list.

If you find yourself ready to drop the kind of money needed to buy a private island, here are the most expensive men's watches that will put you in the rarified status of having only nine other men on your level. These aren't watches you can get your hands on by walking into a jewelry store and pointing at the glass counter. These are watches you can only get by putting on your best tux, grabbing a number, and bidding against some pretty stiff competition.

Read more
St. Patrick’s Day: What to wear (without looking like a leprechaun)
Look stylish while participating in St. Patrick's Day customs

Every holiday has its own traditions and customs. And St. Patrick's Day is no different. While it is customary for people to wear green to honor the patron saint of Ireland, one of the most significant customs is that you get pinched if you forget to wear emerald, forest, sage, or lime green. Here are a few ideas on subtly keeping your style intact while protecting against the invasion of pinches the day brings.

We've rounded up our favorite gear picks from our favorite brands for this green-centric holiday. You don't have to go over the top and throw on shamrocks left and right. Subtle retro sneakers, a handsome olive green crewneck, a classic green tie ... all of these picks will work more than acceptable for a day we love to celebrate (in style and responsibly, of course).

Read more
The 10 best men’s workout shirts to help you get fit in 2023

There are multiple things to consider when purchasing new workout apparel. You want to make sure you do your due diligence beforehand. When looking for the optimal workout shirt, functionality often takes precedence over style, for most men. After all, a minimalist cotton t-shirt is ideal, but it won't look (or smell) so great after an hour-long workout, especially if your working out, outdoors. That's why, in the past decade, some of our favorite activewear brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Under Armour have developed breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking and odor-fighting technology that are now practically must-haves for any exercise gear, especially when it comes to making high-quality shirts.

That being said, not all workout tops are created equal. When it comes to finding the right workout fit, make sure it doesn't feel too tight or baggy around your underarms, your shoulders, or across your chest, i.e., the areas you exercise most. We sifted through some of the most popular brands to select the best workout shirts that are as practical as they are fashionable. Here are our top picks for the best men's workout shirts of 2023.

Read more