Fashion(able?) Watches for a New guy

[N2L]

Well I'm just starting to get really interested in watches. Not to get into too much detail, but my current financial status leaves me more inclined to admire from afar when it comes to really fine pieces. This is why, at the moment, fashion watches have piqued my interests. Having said that, I have a few questions for you (re)fine(d) gentlemen and ladies! (are there ladies on this board? )

First I'd like to justify myself. I greatly admire well made watches, but fashion watches make an easy gift for those of us who have no idea what we want, without breaking the gifters' banks.

So! Here is what I'm wondering:

What are your opinions of Nixon watches? I've seen some things here about various "fashion" brands (that horse seems to be thoroughly beaten in fact), but didn't see much mention of this brand. They offer a few digitals with a unique look that I think would be a great start to my collection.

I would appreciate any feedback if you've experience with any listed companies or models. If you just have an opinion thats ok too. I'm new to this, and I'd love to learn as much as I can. Here are some examples of watches I'm considering:

Nixon Lodown TI Titanium - $125


Nixon Lodown Lime/black - $90


Nixon Sentry - $130-150


Invicta Force Terra Lefty Chrono - $150


Nixon Outsider - $150


I know these aren't going to be the greatest watches in the world, but has anyone had BAD experiences with any of these watches? Anyone see a better price floating around somewhere? I know what I feel is too much to spend, but what do you think is too much for a "fashion" watch? I'm not talking about looks since thats such a subjective matter.

I hope this message is concise enough, or at the very least coherent.


Just in case this is too much to read here is one clear question hopefully everyone will like:
What do you think of these watches? Experience? Just a general impression? I'd love feedback from people "in the know".

Hopefully everyone can keep it just to these specific watches I've posted, but I never begrudge anyone a little thread wander.


I like several versions (read: Colors) of all the Nixon watches I posted, so just in case you want to look at some of them here are the links for the watches I mentioned.

http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens...n-ti-A075.html
http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens...down-A530.html
http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens...ntry-A027.html
http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens...ider-A109.html

[cb400bill]

I've no experience with any of the watches you posted above, but I like this Nixon. It has some elements of Bauhaus design in it that I find appealing. I also see some Mondaine influence.

[Ray MacDonald]

Welcome to the Forum. Nixon looks like a solid enough fashion brand to me - it seems to cater to the surf and snowboarding lifestyle, but has some conservative designs as well.
In this category of watch you really don't worry that much about quality - they are more for fun anyway. Nixon offers a two year warranty.

[BenL]

Welcome to WUS!

[N2L]

Thank you guys for the replies, and the warm welcomes as well.

I know what you mean Bill! At least when you talk about the Mondaine influence. Thats one of the things that drew me to that watch! Good looking, but it won't break the bank (or my heart if I break it).

Thank you Ray for the insight. I certainly see what you mean about quality, and I agree completely that these watches are mainly for fun. Most of the reason that watches like these appeal to me is that if they were stolen, broken, or damaged: replacement and repair aren't very expensive, and are readily available. I was just curious about the life of the watch; if they're easily broken, or undependable, I wouldn't want to waste the money.

[Ray MacDonald]

If they are quartz movements and you don't leave a dead battery in them for any length of time, they should be good to go for a while. I have some Nauticas and Guesses that have run OK for 5 years now. My oldest quartz (an Omega) is still running after 28 years.
Mechanical movements in these cheaper types of watches may be OK - probably they are Chinese. I don't know if it's worth servicing them when they need it though.

[N2L]

Thanks Ray. Do you mean servicing the mechanical movements?

[camit34]

I like the Nixon stuff but not at full price. Check amazon for discount prices or other online places.

[N2L]

Thanks Camit. So far I haven't found any of the ones I want on Amazon :/ Do you know any other reputable online dealers? I've been looking for a few days, but everyone with a good selection (online surf shops like zumiez, pac sun, etc.) uses the same prices as Nixon.

[Ray MacDonald]

Thanks Ray. Do you mean servicing the mechanical movements?

Yes, most mechanical movements need cleaning and lubrication in 5-10 years to keep them running well.