Love the way a Nixon watch looks on your wrist? You're not alone. Blending a cool, modern aesthetic with rugged durability, Nixon has mastered the art of the perfect everyday watch - stylish enough for the city but tough enough for a surf session.
Their sweet spot of affordable prices, reliable performance, and fresh designs makes them a go-to for anyone with an active lifestyle. If you're a fan of that vibe and looking to add some new brands to your rotation, here are 18 similar brands like Nixon worth exploring.
Casio is a legend in the world of accessible, functional watches. While best known for its indestructible G-Shock line, the brand offers a huge variety of digital and analog styles that are built to last. Many models fall in the $50-$200 range, making it a super affordable alternative to Nixon.
Where Nixon focuses on a fashion-forward, skate-and-surf aesthetic, Casio doubles down on pure practicality and ruggedness. If your top priority is a watch that can take a serious beating without skipping a beat, Casio is an easy choice.
Shop now at casio.com
For those who admire Nixon's durability but lean toward more classic and timeless designs, Seiko is the perfect next step. Renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and innovative movements (like solar and kinetic power), Seiko creates incredible timepieces that feel much more expensive than they are, typically ranging from $100 to $500.
Unlike Nixon's trendy appeal, Seiko offers a more heritage feel, with iconic diver watches and sophisticated dress styles built for a lifetime of wear. It's a fantastic brand when you want to invest in a piece with a rich history of precision and reliability.
Shop now at seikowatches.com
Timex is practically synonymous with affordable and tough watches. The American heritage brand has made a name for itself by crafting reliable pieces that "take a licking and keep on ticking." Lines like the Expedition and Ironman are specifically designed for an active lifestyle, offering features like shock and water resistance at budget-friendly prices.
While the overall aesthetic is more casual and utilitarian compared to Nixon’s sleek, West Coast vibe, both brands deliver on the promise of a durable everyday watch that looks great without breaking the bank.
Shop now at timex.com
Citizen is a powerhouse of reliability and technology, most famous for its innovative Eco-Drive movement that's powered by any light source - meaning you never need a battery. With prices generally ranging from $150 to $600, Citizen offers incredible value for durable watches suited for daily life and outdoor adventures.
Their designs often lean more classic and understated than Nixon's bold and sporty pieces, but both brands are trusted options for anyone seeking style, longevity, and brilliant functionality in a watch.
Shop now at citizenwatch.com
While technically a line from Casio, G-Shock has built a massive identity of its own as the ultimate tough watch. Engineered to be shock-resistant, waterproof, and essentially indestructible, G-Shock is for those who need a watch that can withstand absolutely anything. Prices typically fall between $80 and $300.
Sharing Nixon’s appeal to action sports and youth culture, G-Shock's aesthetic is bolder, chunkier, and more tactical. If you love Nixon's durable DNA but want to dial the toughness up to the maximum, G-Shock never disappoints.
Shop now at gshock.com
Fossil brings a vintage-inspired Americana vibe to the world of stylish, accessible watches. With most timepieces priced between $100 and $300, Fossil serves up a blend of classic design and modern fun across its analog and smartwatch collections. They are a reliable choice for anyone looking for a versatile, fashion-forward accessory.
While Nixon's style feels more California-sports, Fossil's inspiration comes from mid-century modern design. Think of it as Nixon's slightly preppier, retro-loving cousin that shares the same commitment to affordable quality.
Shop now at fossil.com
For the serious outdoor adventurer, Suunto is a top contender. This brand specializes in high-performance sports watches equipped with features like GPS, altimeters, and heart rate monitors. Built for extreme conditions during hiking, diving, or trail running, Suunto watches are priced from $200 up to $600.
Suunto is a step up in terms of technical specs and outdoor focus compared to Nixon, prioritizing hardcore data and performance. If you love Nixon's ruggedness but need a tool that can track your every move in the wild, Suunto delivers.
Shop now at suunto.com
Favored by Navy SEALs, law enforcement, and a whole host of tough professionals, Luminox makes some of the most durable watches on the planet. Their signature feature is a self-powered illumination system that keeps the dial visible in any light condition for up to 25 years. They’re a significant step up in price, starting around $300.
Like Nixon, durability is at the core of the Luminox brand. However, where Nixon blends toughness with street style, Luminox is all about mission-ready functionality and military-grade strength. It's the choice for when your adventures call for professional equipment.
Shop now at luminox.com
If you're drawn to Nixon's modern, fashion-conscious side, you'll feel right at home with MVMT. With a philosophy of delivering quality, minimalist watches without the luxury markup, MVMT nails the sleek and stylish look for about $100-$200. Their clean dials and contemporary designs are perfect for elevating an everyday outfit.
MVMT shares Nixon's target audience of young, savvy shoppers but trades Nixon’s sporty feel for a more refined, minimalist elegance. It's the perfect alternative when you want a versatile watch that’s more about city streets than skate parks.
Shop now at mvmt.com
Bertucci is all about performance field watches. The brand specializes in creating durable, lightweight timepieces from materials like titanium, with a clear focus on adventure and outdoor use. Priced fairly between $100 and $300, these watches are built for legibility and utility.
While Nixon embraces a wide range of modern and digital styles, Bertucci sticks to a rugged, military-inspired aesthetic. It's an excellent pick for anyone who appreciates Nixon’s toughness but wants a no-fuss field watch with a can-do attitude.
Shop now at bertucciwatches.com
Nite Core produces high-performance tactical timepieces designed for demanding situations like outdoor survival and professional use. Ranging from $150 to $500, these watches are loaded with functional features like extreme luminescence and bomb-proof construction. They are built to withstand the harshest environments imaginable.
While Nixon and Nite Core both champion durability, Nite Core is purely focused on functionality and survivalist specs. If you see your watch first and foremost as a piece of gear, Nite Core has you covered.
Shop now at lumintop.com
Drawing inspiration from minimalist Danish design, Skagen offers sleek, lightweight, and sophisticated watches that are beautiful in their simplicity. Generally priced from $100 to $200, Skagen's designs are airy, clean, and incredibly comfortable on the wrist.
Think of Skagen as the anti-rugged option in this list. It's not built for the outdoors in the way a Nixon is, but it shares a commitment to a modern aesthetic and affordable quality. It’s a great Nixon-adjacent brand for days when you want something more elegant.
Shop now at skagen.com
From the makers of the iconic Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox offers watches that are just as reliable, functional, and durable. These Swiss-made timepieces are built to handle serious wear, with many models rigorously tested for water resistance and resilience. You can find them for around $200-$700.
Compared to Nixon's trend focus, Victorinox embraces a more refined and classic outdoorsy aesthetic. It’s for the person who values Nixon's toughness but wants the added prestige and trust that comes with Swiss engineering.
Shop now at victorinox.com
As another brand favored by military and tactical professionals, Marathon builds rugged, ISO-certified tool watches designed for the most extreme environments. Priced from $200 to over $600, these are serious, purpose-built machines emphasizing precision, legibility, and uncompromising durability.
Marathon shares Nixon’s active-ready spirit, but in a much more utilitarian, professional package. If you’re less interested in fashion trends and more in authentic military-spec gear, Marathon should be at the top of your list.
Shop now at marathonwatch.com
For those who love Nixon's rugged style but are ready to make a serious luxury investment, Bell & Ross is a perfect fit. Known for its iconic square cases inspired by aviation instruments, these Swiss luxury watches combine a tough aesthetic with high-end craftsmanship. With prices starting over $2,000, it's a huge step up.
Instead of Nixon's accessible sportiness, Bell & Ross offers a statement piece that is both refined and incredibly durable. It’s the ultimate "grail watch" for someone who started their journey with brands like Nixon and developed a passion for bold, functional design.
Shop now at bellross.com
Tissot is a giant in the world of accessible Swiss luxury, offering a massive catalog of high-quality watches that balance performance, durability, and style. With prices typically around $300-$1,000, their collections cover everything from sporty chronographs to elegant divers, all with the stamp of Swiss-made quality.
While Nixon's appeal lies in its cool, casual vibe, Tissot caters to a shopper looking for more traditional craftsmanship and refined design. It's a brand you turn to when you want to elevate your collection with a piece that feels both premium and reliable.
Shop now at tissotwatches.com
With deep American roots and Swiss precision, Hamilton is known for its rugged-yet-refined field and pilot watches seen in countless Hollywood movies. Priced from $400 to $1,200, their watches offer a perfect blend of high-quality movements and adventurous, vintage-inspired aesthetics.
Hamilton and Nixon both have that adventure-ready DNA, making them perfect companions for an active life. Hamilton, however, wraps that spirit in a more classic and cinematic package, making it an ideal choice for watch lovers who appreciate history and timeless style.
Shop now at hamiltonwatch.com
Based in Stockholm, Triwa (Transforming the Industry of Watches) brings a Scandinavian design sensibility to the watch world. The brand combines playful, modern silhouettes with a strong focus on sustainable materials, like recycled ocean plastic. With watches mostly in the $150-$300 range, they hit a similar price point to Nixon.
Triwa is a great Nixon alternative for those who love the contemporary, design-forward aspect. While Nixon is all about surf and skate culture, Triwa feels more artistic and minimalist, offering a fresh, clean look without sacrificing personality or durability.
Shop now at triwa.com
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