If you're a fan of stylish watches that blend street-ready looks with adventure-proof durability, there's a good chance you own or have considered a timepiece from Nixon. The brand perfectly captures that California-cool vibe, offering modern, versatile watches that feel just right whether you're at the beach, in the office, or out with friends.
But part of the fun of building a watch collection is exploring what else is out there. For those who love Nixon's accessible price point and fashion-forward approach, here are 19 similar brands offering their own stylish, modern take on the wristwatch.
MVMT (pronounced "movement") is synonymous with the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that took over Instagram. With an approachable price point generally between $100-$200, the brand offers clean, modern designs perfect for everyday wear. Their watches focus on understated elegance and urban sophistication, making them a fantastic choice for young professionals building a versatile wardrobe.
While Nixon has roots in surf and skate culture, offering many rugged, sporty options, MVMT is its city-dwelling cousin. If you love Nixon's modern feel but want a simpler, more refined look for the office or a night out, MVMT delivers. Their styles are less about action sports and more about making a quiet statement.
Shop now at mvmt.com
As one of the most recognizable names in fashion watches, Fossil has mastered the art of blending vintage-inspired character with contemporary trends. Offering a huge range of styles from about $80 to $300, you can find everything from classic leather-strap chronographs to sleek smartwatches. Fossil is known for its reliable craftsmanship and accessible price, making it a go-to for a stylish yet dependable timepiece.
Instead of Nixon's edgier, streetwear vibe, Fossil leans into a more timeless, Americana aesthetic. It's the perfect alternative if you're looking for a watch that feels both fashionable and classic, easily transitioning from a casual Saturday to a more dressed-up occasion.
Shop now at fossil.com
An American icon, Timex is legendary for its durable, no-nonsense watches that "take a licking and keep on ticking." With most pieces priced between an easy $30 and $150, the brand is incredible value. From their iconic Weekender and Expedition models to simple digital watches, Timex offers practical functionality, often including their famous Indiglo backlight for low-light visibility.
If you appreciate Nixon's tougher models but prioritize function and affordability above all, Timex is your answer. While Nixon puts a heavy emphasis on contemporary style trends, Timex's strength is its pure, unpretentious practicality and rugged build quality - a true and trusted tool watch for daily adventures.
Shop now at timex.com
Inspired by the minimalist principles of Danish design, Skagen creates watches that are all about clean lines, thin profiles, and understated sophistication. Priced generally from $100-$250, their watches are exceptionally sleek and lightweight, often featuring mesh bracelets and elegant, simple dials. Skagen is perfect for anyone who appreciates a "less is more" approach to style.
Compared to Nixon's often bold and chunky designs, Skagen is the complete opposite. It offers a refined and subtle elegance that feels light and airy on the wrist. If you’re looking for a watch suitable for professional settings or simply prefer a more minimalist look, Skagen is an excellent choice.
Shop now at skagen.com
Casio is a powerhouse of technological innovation and durability, famous for its functional and nearly indestructible watches. From the iconic, budget-friendly digital models priced as low as $20 to the feature-packed and rugged G-Shock series (often $100+), Casio is all about performance. Think digital displays, solar power, multiple alarms, and world time functions.
Where Nixon focuses on fusing action sports with fashion, Casio leans heavily into the functional, tech-driven aspect of watches. If you love Nixon's rugged appeal but want more features and a distinctly tactical or retro-digital vibe, a bomb-proof G-Shock or classic Casio is an unmatched alternative.
Shop now at casio.com
Vincero stands out by offering watches with an "affordable luxury" feel, combining classic design elements with a bold, modern attitude. Their pieces, typically in the $150-$250 range, often feature interesting details like chronograph dials and a mix of polished finishes meant to look great with both casual and formal outfits. They aim to make you look and feel ambitious.
While Nixon's vibe is cool, relaxed, and action-oriented, Vincero has more of a polished, "rise and grind" personality. It's the watch for someone who appreciates Nixon's modern style but wants something that pairs just as easily with a sharp blazer as it does with a t-shirt.
Shop now at vincerocollective.com
Known for making watches that look significantly more expensive than they are, Stuhrling offers intricate and eye-catching timepieces at wallet-friendly prices, usually from $50-$300. They specialize in styles that demand a closer look, like complex skeleton dials that reveal the inner mechanics and classic dive watch designs. Stuhrling is all about bringing high-end visual appeal to an accessible market.
If you're drawn to watches as statement pieces, Stuhrling is a great brand to explore. While Nixon’s statements are often made with color and modern shapes, Stuhrling's are made with detailed dials and more traditional, dressy flourishes, offering a touch of ornate character.
Shop now at stuhrling.com
Daniel Wellington helped kickstart the trend of ultra-minimalist watches with its simple, round cases and interchangeable NATO straps. With prices typically hovering between $100 and $250, the brand represents preppy, understated style that's incredibly versatile. The appeal is in its sheer simplicity - a clean dial that complements any outfit without overpowering it.
Daniel Wellington is a much more subdued alternative to Nixon. While sharing a similar price point and fashion-focused audience, DW's aesthetic is clean and classic, a direct style contrast to Nixon’s sporty and often detailed designs.
Shop now at danielwellington.com
For those looking to step into the world of enthusiast-grade watches without spending a fortune, Seiko is the undisputed champion. This legendary Japanese brand is revered for its incredible craftsmanship, in-house mechanical movements, and exceptional value. Offering everything from rugged dive watches in the $100-$500 range to high-end luxury pieces, Seiko marries precision engineering with timeless looks.
Seiko offers a significant step up in horological credibility compared to most fashion watch brands. If you love Nixon's style but have started to become interested in the actual mechanics and history of watches, a Seiko 5 Sports or Prospex diver gets you similar sporty aesthetics backed by legendary quality.
Shop now at seikowatches.com
Renowned for its playful, colorful, and creative designs, the Swiss-made Swatch watch has been a pop-culture icon for decades. With prices usually between $50 and $200, Swatch is all about fun and self-expression. They constantly release new collections, often collaborating with artists, so there's always a fresh and unique design to discover.
If you love how Nixon uses bold colors and graphics, Swatch takes that idea and injects it with pure, irreverent fun. Where Nixon is California cool, Swatch is an eclectic art party on your wrist. It's a great choice when you want a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Shop now at swatch.com
Hailing from Stockholm, TRIWA (Transforming the Industry of Watches) blends modern Scandinavian design with a focus on sustainable materials. Their watches, typically priced from $150 to $350, feature contemporary aesthetics and are often crafted from innovative materials like recycled ocean plastic. The look is stylish, conscious, and distinctly modern.
TRIWA shares Nixon's fashion-conscious, contemporary appeal but directs it through a more minimalist and eco-friendly lens. If you like Nixon for its modern designs but want a brand with a strong sustainability story and a clean, European feel, TRIWA is a perfect match.
Shop now at triwa.com
Combining minimalist Scandinavian design with classic British style, Larsson & Jennings crafts watches that feel refined and luxurious yet cleanly modern. In the $200-$400 price range, they offer an elevated take on the minimalist watch, often featuring high-quality materials and sophisticated detailing that work perfectly in a professional or fashion-forward setting.
Think of Larsson & Jennings as a more polished and grown-up version of the minimalist trend. It moves beyond the simple functionality of its peers into a space that feels more like a considered accessory, perfect for someone who appreciates Nixon but needs a sharper, more elegant option for work.
Shop now at larssonjennings.com
Jumping up significantly in price (around $2,000 to $8,000), Bell & Ross is a luxury brand inspired by aviation instruments. Known for its iconic square case, bold numerals, and utilitarian aesthetic, these watches are built for extreme legibility and performance. It's a serious timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts of professional-grade tool watches.
While the price point is in another league, Bell & Ross shares Nixon's focus on bold, function-driven design that makes a strong statement. If you love the unapologetically modern and chunky look of Nixon's flagship models and want to see what that design ethos looks like at a Swiss luxury level, Bell & Ross is an aspirational brand to watch.
Shop now at bellross.com
Another beloved Japanese brand, Citizen is celebrated for its innovative and eco-friendly Eco-Drive technology, which powers their watches using any light source - so you'll never need a battery change. With a wide range of versatile styles from $150 to $500, Citizen offers reliable, handsome, and technically advanced watches for nearly any taste.
Citizen is a fantastic choice for those who value practical innovation. It compares to Nixon's more classic styles but packs an incredible tech secret inside. If the idea of a high-quality, zero-maintenance watch appeals to you, Citizen's blend of timeless designs and sustainable power is hard to beat.
Shop now at citizenwatch.com
For many, Tissot is the gateway to the world of Swiss watchmaking. Offering excellent craftsmanship, timeless designs, and the prestige of "Swiss Made" at an attainable price point (typically $300-$1,000), watches like their PRX lineup are favored for being both stylish and classic.
Tissot is a step-up brand for someone ready to trade fashion-first styles for a mix of classic craftsmanship. While Nixon is about a specific sport and street subculture, Tissot speaks the language of heritage and timekeeping excellence, delivering enduring models.
Shop now at tissotwatches.com
Orient, similar to Seiko, is another powerhouse that offers mechanical timepieces at incredible value. Known for their in-house movements and timeless designs, from classic dress watches to its popular diver's range, Orient offers watches under $500, appreciated by enthusiasts all over the world.
Orient is great for Nixon fans who are ready to delve into 'what makes a watch tick.' It offers a traditional feel with its mechanical movement at a price that remains approachable, giving you that tangible connection to the craftsmanship involved in a timepiece.
Shop now at orientwatchusa.com
Kenneth Cole's watches reflect the brand's signature urban, sophisticated style. With prices falling usually between $100 and $300, their collection focuses on sleek and contemporary looks designed for the metropolitan professional. Expect polished metal bracelets, modern dial designs, and aesthetics that pair well with today's smart-casual dress codes.
Where Nixon's DNA is tied to California counter-culture, Kenneth Cole's is firmly planted in New York City. The brand offers a different kind of "cool" - less about gritty streetwear and more about polished, downtown fashion.
Shop now at kennethcole.com
With a rich American heritage and a history of technological innovation (including the famous Accutron movement), Bulova offers high-quality watches that span a huge variety of styles. Priced anywhere from $150 to $1,000, you can find everything from elegant dress watches to bold, architecturally inspired pieces from their Modern & Curv collections.
Bulova is for someone who appreciates Nixon's modern flair but is looking for a touch more elegance and history in their watch. They offer a refined sophistication, backed by a legacy of precision watchmaking that gives their modern designs even more weight.
Shop now at bulova.com
A true fashion industry giant, Michael Kors brings runway glam to the watch world. Their timepieces, generally in the $150-$400 range, are all about making a splash. Known for their use of gold tones, crystals, and bold branding, these watches double as statement jewelry and are perfect for those who want their accessories to be noticed.
Michael Kors takes the "fashion watch" concept and dials it up to ten. If you love the idea of watches as a key style accessory but find Nixon's look a bit too sporty or understated, Michael Kors offers unapologetic glitz and glamour.
Shop now at michaelkors.com
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