The Nixon logo embodies high quality, style, and functionality, reflecting the brand’s core philosophy. The products are aimed at a young, energetic audience that prefers an active lifestyle and is passionate about sports. The brand’s emblem conveys a sense of independence, dynamism, and a drive for self-expression. This symbol perfectly resonates with those who choose activity and seek to balance practicality with aesthetics.
Every detail reflects the spirit of freedom and individuality, making it appealing to people who value a stylish appearance and reliable functionality. The company creates watches that seamlessly complement a lifestyle where every minute is precious and staying true to oneself is essential in all circumstances.
Nixon: Brand overview
Nixon’s story began in sunny California in 1997 when lifelong friends Andy Laatts and Chad DiNenna, passionate about extreme sports, founded the company. Laatts had experience working at Burton Snowboards and DiNenna at Billabong USA, which gave them valuable insight into the apparel and accessories industries.
The brand was born from their personal experiences. As avid snowboarders and surfers, Laatts and DiNenna noticed a gap in the market for watches that could meet the needs of extreme sports enthusiasts while maintaining a fashionable look. They created a company that combined durability, functionality, and modern style.
From the start, the business focused on creating watches for young people who enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. The first models were known for their rugged build, water resistance, and bold, eye-catching designs. The brand quickly gained attention from extreme athletes, who helped develop and test new models, ensuring the products met the target market’s demands.
In the early years, the company focused on expanding in the U.S., particularly California. The brand promoted its products through its website and in specialty stores catering to snowboarders and surfers.
In the early 2000s, the company began expanding internationally, especially in Europe, where sports like surfing and snowboarding were highly popular. In 2005, the brand established a presence in Europe in Auxerre-en-Réhan, France.
A key moment in the company’s history came in 2006 when Billabong International Limited acquired the business. This acquisition gave the brand a larger distribution network and additional resources, creating new growth opportunities.
Despite the ownership change, the company maintained its unique identity and continued focusing on products for active lifestyles. The brand steadily expanded its offerings while staying true to its core values.
2009, the company launched its first line of audio products, including portable speakers and headphones. This expansion made sense, given the importance of music in the extreme sports community.
A major shift occurred in 2012 when a group of investors, including former Quiksilver CEO Finbar O’Neill and Trilantic Capital Partners, acquired the company from Billabong. Andy Laatts returned as CEO, giving the brand more independence and a fresh direction.
The business continued expanding its product line and global reach in the following years. The brand developed a collection of leather accessories like wallets and purses and entered the smartwatch market, blending its signature style with modern features.
In 2015, the company introduced The Mission, its first smartwatch. Powered by Android Wear, The Mission was designed specifically for extreme sports, offering features like snow conditions for snowboarders and tide tracking for surfers.
The brand opened its first flagship store in London in 2016, further solidifying its global presence and commitment to connecting with customers directly.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2018, the company released several limited-edition watches inspired by its history.
As of 2023, the company remains one of the top brands in the active lifestyle watch and accessory market. It continues to expand its core offerings, including watches, audio products, and accessories, while staying true to its identity, closely tied to the world of extreme sports.
The brand’s journey exemplifies how a company can successfully carve out a niche by creating products that resonate with its target audience. From a small start-up to a global name, the company has remained committed to adventure, style, and functionality.
Meaning and History
What is Nixon?
This California-based watch and accessories company embodies the carefree and bold lifestyle of the West Coast. The brand has carved out a unique position in the watch industry by focusing on extreme sports and youth culture, successfully balancing fashion and functionality. Their watches stand out with vibrant designs and practical features, ranging from durable models for surfing to sleek urban styles. The brand’s commitment to creating unique timepieces in a competitive market is reflected in its use of unconventional materials and color choices. The company has expanded its product range to include music equipment, wallets, and other accessories while maintaining its recognizable aesthetic and style.
1997 – today
The design of the Nixon logo was inspired by the founders’ passion for sports, which is reflected in its minimalist and smooth lines. The design conveys a sense of security, as most models are intended for athletes. The emblem emphasizes the watches’ water resistance, shock resistance, and reliability.
The logo carries deep meaning. Its shape resembles a drop, symbolizing time encapsulated within a shell. The inner space is reminiscent of sand in an hourglass. Two upward arcs represent wings of time or flames, symbolizing the pursuit of improvement and growth. This imagery expresses the dynamism, energy, and focus contained within a single entity, as if in a capsule.
The lettering is composed of smooth and even letters, without excessive bulk, to avoid weighing down the emblem while maintaining balance. This reflects stability, moderation, and endurance—crucial for Nixon’s long-lasting, ergonomic watches. The name was chosen for its bold sound and memorability, enhancing the brand’s overall impact.