I Went Down a Nixon Watch Rabbit Hole. Here Are the 4 Most Surprising Details I Found

I bought my first Nixon watch back in 2014, when I was blogging for a large retailer with 100+ stores across the country, all of which carried Nixon watches. At the time, I thought I knew exactly what to expect from the brand. Bold designs, solid craftsmanship, and that effortlessly cool vibe. But as I recently dove into their collection again, I discovered a whole new side of Nixon. One full of surprises and details I never expected. From rugged dress watches to affordable solar-powered movements, Nixon has more hidden gems than I imagined. And trust me, once you see these details, you’ll never look at their watches the same way again. 

Shall we?  

At first glance, the Frankie looks like your typical luxury dress watch. Sleek, elegant, the kind of watch you’d wear when you want to look sharp. But here’s the shocking news. The price. It starts at just $175 despite looking like it starts at a couple of grand. Be warned, reader. It’s the kind of watch you and your spouse/girlfriend/partner may fight over. Because it looks great on everyone’s wrist. Male, female, doesn’t matter. Pro Tip (if I may): At this price point, just get two.  

Why It’s Cool: An elegant dress watch you don’t have to baby. 

Frankie Starburst Gold/Silver: $175

Solar-powered watches are cool, but you’re usually looking at a higher price tag for them. Not here. The Stinger 44 gives you a solar powered movement for under $300. Yes, only $275. You read that right. On top of that, it nails the vintage dive watch aesthetic with a pale jade dial (also available in black and blue) that’s understated but still quietly eye-catching. This watch isn’t just smart. It’s stylish, practical, and shockingly affordable. 

Why It’s Cool: Solar power that doesn’t break the bank? In a vintage-inspired dive watch design? Game changer. 

The Stinger 44 in Silver/Jade/White: $175

You can design your own Nixon watch. How ‘bout that? Start with the model, whether you’re in the market for a chrono, a date complication, or just a straight-forward time-teller. Then, choose the case material, map out the dial design, including the color of the hands, and then decide on your band. You can even add custom engravings (more on that in a sec). It’s a little like being your own watchmaker. Want a watch that screams “you”? This is how you get it.

Why It’s Cool: You’re not just buying a watch. You’re making it yours. 

Design Your Own Nixon Watch

What’s better than a great watch? A great watch with a personal touch. Nixon’s engraving options let you add a meaningful date, message, or initials to the watch, making it the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether it’s for a summer wedding, a milestone birthday, or a “just because,” engraving turns an already great timepiece into something truly memorable. 

Why It’s Cool: Because keepsakes are always cool.  

Engraved Watches Collection 

There’s something magical about stumbling upon details that make you see something you thought you knew in a completely new light. Nixon Watches are full of small surprises tucked into every design. The Frankie, with its unexpected toughness. The Stinger 44, a solar-powered marvel at a price you’d never expect. The custom designs, where your own vision becomes reality. And the engravings, the personal messages that transform a simple watch into a memory. It’s the joy of discovery that makes watch hunting so fun. Just beware. It’s a slippery slope.