Nixon was founded in 1997 in Encinitas, California, by Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna – both of whom worked in the action sports industry. The brand first started out in surf, skate and snow shops but soon became a popular watch choice amongst young people across the US and beyond. This resulted in the acquisition by Billabong International, only for Nixon to become an independent brand again in 2012. From the board-shops of California to retail giants like Barneys New York and Fred Segal, Nixon watches are now sold in 80 countries worldwide and they even have stand-alone stores in Australia and Bali.