Nixon

Origins and period

Encinitas, California, United States
Founded in the late 1990s; active today

Nixon in watchmaking

Nixon is an American watch and accessories company created in Southern California by Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, with its first collection launched around 1998. The founders saw an opportunity for watches designed around the style and practical needs of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding rather than traditional watch-industry conventions. Nixon grew through specialty action-sports retailers, athlete relationships, distinctive colors and oversized cases. Its best-known watches include the minimalist Time Teller, the Sentry, tide-focused digital models, the tactical Regulus and the substantial 51-30 Chrono. The company continues to combine fashion, sport and utility across analog, digital, quartz, solar and selected automatic watches.

Landmark dates

1997–1998 — Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna establish Nixon in Encinitas and launch the first watch collection through action-sports retailers.

2000s — Nixon expands internationally and becomes closely identified with surf, skate and snow culture.

2006 — Billabong International acquires Nixon.

2008 — Nixon develops additional oversized sport chronographs and experimental models during a period of rapid design expansion.

2009 — The company broadens into audio products and accessories.

2012 — A new ownership structure restores Nixon as a more independent operation.

2016 — Nixon enters the smartwatch category with The Mission, designed for surf and snow activities.

Late 2010s — The Regulus strengthens the brand’s rugged digital-watch range.

Today — Nixon continues producing analog, digital, tide, solar and selected automatic watches rooted in action-sports culture.

Known for

The Time Teller; oversized 51-30 Chrono with its crown and pushers positioned on the left side; Sentry and Corporal; Regulus digital watches; tide and surf watches such as the Siren; bold colorways, collaborations and customized watches; Japanese and Swiss quartz movements; selected mechanical and solar-powered models.

Movements and innovation

Most Nixon watches use battery-powered quartz or digital modules, commonly sourced from established Japanese or Swiss suppliers. Chronographs add elapsed-time registers, while surf-oriented digital watches may include tide information, timers and alarms. Selected models use automatic mechanical movements or solar charging. Water-resistance ratings, battery types, setting sequences and movement suppliers vary by reference, so owners should consult the case back and the correct manual.

Identification checklist

Check the Nixon signature, case-back model code, water-resistance rating, movement or module information and original packaging. On the 51-30 Chrono, note the approximately 51 mm case, 30 ATM designation on many versions and left-side crown and pushers intended to reduce wrist pressure. Digital displays and button labels should match the official manual for the model. Numerous colors and limited collaborations exist, so appearance alone is insufficient; verify the reference before ordering parts or claiming authenticity.

Preservation guidance

Replace depleted batteries promptly to reduce leakage risk and use a competent technician who can reseal and pressure-test the case. Rinse salt and sand from water-resistant surf watches with fresh water, but never operate pushers underwater unless the manual expressly permits it. Protect plated, coated, acetate and high-polish finishes from abrasion and chemicals. Inspect rubber straps and gaskets regularly, keep solar models exposed to appropriate light, and retain spare links, manuals, packaging and receipts.