Nixon The Automatic II

Nixon is launching a new version of its The Automatic watch, simply named “The Automatic II“. With it, the Californian brand is stepping into watchmaking with a timepiece powered by a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement—a major milestone for Nixon.

While Nixon’s watch designs have often appealed to me, I’ve always had reservations about the mechanics—perhaps because of the brand’s strong ties to the surf, ski and snowboard scenes; I’m not sure. Trying out a few Nixon timepieces allowed me to put those doubts to rest. It’s clear the brand hasn’t been resting on its laurels (strong name recognition in board sports, successful design) and, for the past few years, has managed a credible entry into the world of watchmaking with Swiss Made models.

As the spearhead of the new high-end “Elite” line, the Nixon The Automatic 2 plays the sobriety card, without forgetting its values and board-sports spirit (as evidenced by the engraving on the caseback, “AUTO F*KNG MATIC”, or “I’m ill not sick”, a New York expression meaning “I’m not cool, I’m super cool”). The watch was designed by skater Tony Hawk.

The Nixon The Automatic II surprises with its weight—193 grams—an aspect you quickly forget once the watch is comfortably adjusted on the wrist.

With a 44 mm diameter case in brushed steel (or brushed black PVD for the All Black version), the watch dresses the wrist elegantly, revealing a dial with fine, circular guilloché. The watch is rated water-resistant to 20 ATM / 200 metres (read our article on watch water resistance).

The screwed bezel, in polished tungsten, provides better scratch resistance (yes, the owner of a Nixon watch rides hard).

At 3 o’clock, the double calendar (day and date) displays the first three letters of the day, in English or French, in an aperture. The movement—the ETA 2836—has been specially modified for this purpose. The movement is also visible through the caseback, fitted with a sapphire crystal, as is the dial, which reveals a smooth sweep of the seconds.

The bracelet, like the case, is in brushed steel, polished tungsten.

With The Automatic II, Nixon has unquestionably produced its most successful watch to date. A well-finished, robust timepiece with an appealing design.

Model presented and tested: Nixon The Automatic II White

Price: €1,000

Release: mid-October

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