Nixon Watches: Watchmaking Born from California Surf Culture

Nixon is a Californian watch brand founded in 1998 in Encinitas that has become the go-to name in surf, skate and snowboard culture. Designed as style accessories as much as technical instruments, Nixon watches are worn by professional riders and streetwear enthusiasts around the world, from the line-up at surf spots to the streets of major capitals. At MTHOR, we hand-pick the most sought-after Nixon models — collector editions, limited-run collaborations and catalogue icons like the 51-30 or the Time Teller — in both men's Nixon watch and women's Nixon watch versions. Every piece is checked and authenticated by our team of experts before shipping, so your watch lands on your wrist exactly as it left the brand's workshop, original box and accessories included.

The Story of an Icon: From Encinitas to Wrists Worldwide

Nixon was founded in 1998 in Encinitas, California, by Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna with a simple idea: create watches built for the surf and skate generation, distributed exclusively through the best boardshops. At a time when traditional watchmaking completely ignored board sports, Nixon introduced a new language: oversized dials, bold colours, designs co-created with the riders themselves. The brand's slogan, "team-designed, custom-built", sums up this method: every model is developed with the professional surfers, skaters and snowboarders of the Nixon team before it ever reaches a store.

Success came fast: Nixon became the must-have accessory of the action sports scene, was acquired by Australian giant Billabong in 2006, then regained its independence in 2012 to pursue its global expansion. Pop culture sealed its status too: the brand has stacked up collaborations with legendary licences and bands — Star Wars from 2015 with Darth Vader, Stormtrooper and Han Solo editions, followed by Metallica, the Rolling Stones, 2Pac and Mickey Mouse. These limited runs, often sold out within weeks at official retailers, have turned Nixon watches into genuine collector's pieces, hunted on the resell market just like limited-edition sneakers.

A Unique Build: How Does a Nixon Watch Withstand Everything?

Nixon watches run on Japanese Miyota quartz movements renowned for their accuracy, with stainless steel cases and water resistance of up to 300 metres. The iconic 51-30 actually takes its name from its technical specs: a 51-millimetre case and 30 ATM of water resistance — 300 metres — enough to handle a surf session or a dive. Tempered mineral crystals shrug off everyday scratches, screw-down crowns protect the movement, and the solid steel, silicone or leather straps are built to take salt water, sand and impacts. Some models go even further, like the Base Tide Pro, which comes preloaded with tide data for hundreds of surf spots around the world.

Three benefits sum up the brand's technical DNA: toughness engineered for sport, with genuine water resistance and materials tested in extreme conditions; an instantly recognisable oversized style that has shaped streetwear watchmaking for twenty years; and adjustable, interchangeable straps on most models, so you can adapt your Nixon watch to any wrist and any outfit.

The Iconic Models of the Nixon Collection

The Nixon 51-30 remains the brand's most iconic model: launched in 2006, this oversized steel watch became a symbol of Californian style, worn just as easily with a wetsuit as with a full streetwear look. The Time Teller, minimalist and available in dozens of colourways — including the highly sought-after tortoiseshell Time Teller Acetate — stands as the most versatile Nixon watch in the catalogue, for men and women alike. Chronograph fans go for the Sentry Chrono, military-style devotees for the Regulus, adopted by special forces, and surfers for the Base Tide Pro and its tide data. On the collector side, the Nixon x Star Wars collaborations — like the 51-30 Han Solo available at MTHOR —, Nixon x Metallica, Nixon x Rolling Stones and Nixon x 2Pac command high resell prices as soon as they sell out at official stores. Whether you're after a first streetwear watch, a rugged chronograph or a sealed collector's piece, MTHOR's Nixon collection is updated with every new arrival.

How Do You Choose and Care for Your Nixon Watch?

Choosing a Nixon watch starts with case diameter: 26 to 37 millimetres for slim models like the Kensington or the small-size Time Teller, around 40 millimetres for versatile formats, and up to 51 millimetres for the 51-30, reserved for fans of statement pieces. The men's Nixon watch and women's Nixon watch categories are indicative only: the brand has always embraced unisex designs, and the Time Teller sits just as well on any wrist. Style-wise, a steel bracelet pulls the watch towards elegance, while silicone stays true to the original surf spirit.

Caring for a Nixon watch is simple: rinse it with fresh water after contact with seawater to preserve the gaskets and strap, wipe it with a soft cloth, and have the battery of its quartz movement replaced every two to three years by a watchmaker. Make sure the crown is screwed down before any immersion. Kept in its original box, a Nixon watch — especially a sealed collector edition — holds its full value on the resell market.

Why Buy Your Nixon Watch at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop, a French authenticated-resell boutique, specialises in selling authenticated sneakers and accessories. Every watch in our Nixon collection goes through a rigorous check carried out by our team of experts: we verify the consistency of the box and documents, the dial, hands and case engravings, as well as the strap, clasp and accessories. For the most advanced checks, we rely on specialised tools such as a UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a seal, tangible proof that the quality check has been completed and authenticity confirmed. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide home delivery in 2 to 8 days with signature on receipt, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service team available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy has you covered.

FAQ — Nixon Watches at MTHOR

How can you verify the authenticity of a Nixon watch?

At MTHOR, every Nixon watch is authenticated by our team of experts before shipping: consistency of the box and documents, quality of the dial and engravings, finish of the strap and clasp, with UV lamp and microscope checks on the most sensitive points. Your order arrives with a seal certifying that the quality check has been completed. Discover our detailed authentication process.

Are Nixon watches good quality?

Yes, Nixon watches are known for their reliability: Japanese Miyota quartz movements, stainless steel cases, tempered mineral crystals and water resistance ranging from 100 metres on most models to 300 metres on the 51-30. Originally designed for surf and skate, they are built for intensive daily wear, which explains the outstanding reviews they have been earning for over twenty-five years.

How do you adjust a Nixon watch strap?

The steel bracelet of a Nixon watch is adjusted by removing links, a job any watchmaker can do in a few minutes. Many models, like the Time Teller, also accept interchangeable straps, letting you customise your Nixon watch — steel, silicone, leather or nylon — without any special tools.

What box comes with my Nixon watch?

Every Nixon watch sold by MTHOR ships in its original box with all its accessories and documents. Collector editions, such as the Nixon x Star Wars models, keep their specific limited-edition packaging — an essential element of the piece's collector value.

How much does a Nixon watch cost?

A new Nixon watch ranges from around 100 euros for a Time Teller to over 500 euros for a steel 51-30. Sold-out collector editions, like the Nixon x Star Wars or Nixon x Metallica collaborations, trade above their original price on the resell market, depending on rarity and condition. At MTHOR, the price you see is the final price: customs included, payment in 4 instalments available.

How long does delivery take?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You get real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, you will not pay any customs fees. MTHOR covers all customs charges and duties, wherever you are in the world. The price displayed on the site is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my watch if it is not right for me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your Nixon watch, provided it is in its original condition (never worn, box intact, seal unbroken). Refunds are processed within 24 hours of receiving the return.

Going Further

Explore all of our authenticated watches and our Casio collection, the other great watch icon of streetwear culture. To learn everything about the quality of our products, see our detailed authentication process.