by The Editors on May 16, 2012
Anyone who surfs sharp, slicing, grinder reef breaks knows that often the single most important thing to know is when the tide is right. That’s where tide watches come in. Nixon just upped their tide watch ante with their new one-piece silicone Supertide.
With pre-programmed tide charts and sunrise/sunset data for over 230 global surf spots, plus easy-to-use future tide and a heat timer, light and integrated push-button controls, it’s as fanatical about the waves as you. And on top of it all, the super-bright, high-resolution display takes this surf-specific model to another level. Available in all black, white, surplus, sky blue and red.
What else do you need? We’re always partial to white as it seems to show off our tans so nicely. . . To see the rest of the colors click the link.
[Link: Nixon]
by The Editors on May 8, 2012
Nixon is kicking off their 2012 WTA (Winner Takes All) series at the Billabong Rio Pro, which starts tomorrow (May 9, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Nixon WTA is a winner-takes-all event along three stops of the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour and one ASP Men’s 6-Star event during the 2012 season. Challenges in The 2012 Nixon WTA will range from Biggest Air, Highest Heat Score, Heaviest Wave and the overall Triple Crown Winner.
The winner takes home this $10,000 Nixon 51-30 Nixon tide watch. This may be the stealthiest looking WTA watch ever. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 17, 2012
Billabong has officially closed on the sale of controlling interest in Nixon to Trilantic Capital Partners, according to a story in The Australian.
The company said it needed the cash from the sale to clean up its balance sheet, and halve its debt from $525.6m to about $250m. . . Billabong’s largest shareholder, Perennial Investment Partners, criticised the company for selling one of its best-performing assets, while another private equity group, TPG Capital, made a $765m takeover offer for the company on the condition that it not sell the Nixon stake.
All that and they still have $250 million in debt to go. Hmm, wonder how much Billabong could get for Dakine?
[Link: The Australian]
by The Editors on April 17, 2012
Andrew Reynolds through the Desillusion Magazine lens.
This is Andrew is a thoughtful portrait of one of the most intriguing personalities skateboarding has seen. In some unprecedented interview footage Reynolds shares what inspires him and made him change his lifestyle, his love for skateboarding and deep loyalty to his friends.
And that’s why they call him the Boss. Follow the jump for all the details. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 16, 2012
The Richards at the US Government have finally removed the restriction from the Nixon.com domain and handed it over to the proper Encinitas, California based watch designers. And now, they’ve put the domain to good use with an entirely new online presence.
Whether you are a first time visitor, a returning customer, or a die-hard fan of the brand the new website increases engagement upon every visit. Expanded product photography and video, real-time team and event updates and enhanced customer service are a few of the many upgrades reflected on Nixon.com. The newly revamped Nixon.com was also the recent recipient of a “Site of the day” award from Design Licks.
Click it and see.
[Link: Nixon]
by The Editors on April 4, 2012
The Nixon TPS mobile speaker system just won a “red dot” from Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen and organization that has been handing out high-fives for good design since 1955.
The TPS is a USB rechargeable compact travel speaker built to withstand the rigors of life on the road. Compact, modern, powerful and expandable The TPS packs a punch with maximum decibels in minimal space. Featuring a simple extruded aluminum body with sand resistant grill, 3.5mm audio input, and 6-hour playtime The TPS works with all media players and notebook computers. An integrated daisy chain allows users to connect multiple speakers together to take the party to the next level.
The $80 TPS will be on display (along with the 1,499 other products that won them) at Germany’s red dot museum this summer from july 3 – 29, 2012. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on March 21, 2012
Nixon’s new “professional yet playful” Raider brings some big-watch style to their women’s line.
It’s got the ‘boyfriend’s-watch’ styling of a big, sturdy case and a clean dial but this new watch is all woman. Sandwiched between the case and bezel lives sparkling crystal inlays add to its charmingly simple good looks. The Raider features a classic analog with seconds stopwatch and a 10 ATM water rating. The band is custom injected silicone with a patented locking looper and stainless steel buckle. Now available in black, surplus, white/silver and white/gold.
Classy, yet brassy.
[Link: Nixon]
by The Editors on March 6, 2012
Two weeks ago (February 13-16, 2012) Nixon and Vans held the 11th Annual Nixon Surf Challenge on the Island of La Graciosa in the Canary islands.
Showing off some red-hot surfing action in front of the extraordinary scenery of the Island, the standouts of the event included Jonathan Gonzalez, Marlon Lipke, Nic Von Rupp and Joan Duru. Motivating each other to steadily push themselves to the next level, the team and the unique environment melted into a special vibe encapsulating everything that surfing stands for.
Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 24, 2012
Deal Journal Australia interviewed Trilantic Capital Partners‘ partner Charlie Moore regarding the fund’s new investment in the Nixon brand and asked him why they would partner up with management and Billabong. Among other things Moore said this:
What we really like is that the business was founded by, and continues to be led by a entrepreneurial and dynamic duo, Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna. Andy founded the business shortly after picking up his MBA at Stanford from the ground up, partnered by Chad. They determined that the action sports sector didn’t have a watch brand clearly identified with folks clearly passionate about surfing, skating and snowboarding.
It would appear that TCP has their priorities straight, right?
[Link: Deal Journal Australia]
by The Editors on February 16, 2012
Nixon co-founders Chad DiNenna and Andy Laats are smiling today as they find themselves back on the list of company owners after a deal announced today which valued the company at US$464 million.
Billabong has entered into definitive agreements with Trilantic Capital Partners (“TCP”) to establish a joint venture to accelerate the growth of the Nixon brand globally. . . Billabong and Trilantic will each hold approximately 48.5% of Nixon, a leading brand in the global youth accessory market, and management will purchase the remaining 3.0% stake. . . Billabong expects to realise net proceeds of approximately US$285 million1 as a result of this transaction, all of which will be used to repay debt.
In other words, Billabong sold half of Nixon to a private equity fund to raise cash. But, Laats and DiNenna will stay on as CEO and EVP of Marketing (and own three percent of the company) so everything is as it should be, it appears. One question: does this mean Nixon could have two different private equity firms as owners? That could get interesting.
For more official details on the deal follow the jump. [Photo: Todd Richards] [click to continue…]
Anyone who surfs sharp, slicing, grinder reef breaks knows that often the single most important thing to know is when the tide is right. That’s where tide watches come in. Nixon just upped their tide watch ante with their new one-piece silicone Supertide.
