86% matchG-SHOCK
Tough resin watches with the same boardsports following
What changes: Japanese engineering heritage and far deeper watch catalogue, no bags
Brand profile
Nixon
Californian watch and accessories brand, founded 1998, known for tide watches and Time Teller models rooted in surf and skate culture.
EncinitasOrigin
UnisexFocus
SkatewearStyle
$$Price
15 brands like Nixon like G-SHOCK, Volcom, RVCA →
What to know about Nixon
Sold through surf shops, not jewelers
Founded in 1998 by two people from the action sports industry, Nixon built its watch business through surf, skate and snowboard retailers rather than traditional jewelry counters.
Tide watches are the specialty
Alongside core models like the Time Teller, Sentry and 51-30, Nixon makes watches that read tide data for specific beaches worldwide.
Licensed collaborations run constantly
The brand regularly issues music and entertainment tie-ins, including Star Wars and Metallica projects, and sponsors surf and skate athletes.
Looks from Nixon
Shop all Nixon ↗If you like Nixon
See all 15 brands like Nixon →86% match
76% matchVolcom
Same Costa Mesa boardsports lineage, apparel-led
What changes: Full clothing and outerwear range rather than watches and accessories
73% matchRVCA
Surf-skate-art crossover from the same SoCal orbit
What changes: Graphic tees and boardshorts instead of hard goods
72% matchVANS
Original skate-shop distribution, now a global staple
What changes: Footwear core and much larger scale
Brand facts
Nixon is a Southern California watch and accessories company founded in 1998 by Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, who came from the action sports industry and first sold through surf, skate and snowboard shops rather than jewelers. Core products include the Time Teller, Sentry and 51-30 watches, tide-reading models that display surf data for beaches worldwide, plus bags and small leather goods. The brand runs recurring licensed and music collaborations, including Star Wars and Metallica projects, and sponsors surf and skate athletes.
- Founded
- 1998
- Origin
- Encinitas, United States
- Made in
- China
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- Watches $200–$325
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Skatewear, Streetwear, Athleisure / Sportswear