Nixon hails the release of a TAA compliant timepiece only available to U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Agencies.
Encinitas, CA—Nixon proudly announces the introduction of The Nixon MK-1, an element-proof, dual chronograph digital watch. This timepiece is durable enough to withstand the harshest demands and is uniquely designed for those seeking a quintessential watch that provides basic operational necessity without fail.
Hailing out of Southern California, with their past firmly rooted in the action sports industry, Nixon has been bringing its attention to detail and unique design language to everything from high function tide to stylized analog watches for over twenty years. The MK-1 comes as part of a family of purpose-built digitals that are all requirement, no excess.
MILITARY COLLABORATION
Reflecting the brand’s Team Designed, Custom Built ethos, Nixon developed The MK-1 over the course of several years through input from various military units including Special Operations. The result: a minimalistic, high function digital watch that can stand-up to the harshest dryland, and high-altitude conditions.
UNDERWATER DURABILITY
The custom digital LCD module boasts a 10 ATM (100 meter) water-resistance rating and features protective PORON that lends to tough shock absorption and sturdiness. An oversized display and adjustable LED backlight provide clear visibility in dark and underwater settings, and the large pushers makes for easy use with dive gloves. Dual independently controlled chronographs have been incorporated for use with Underwater Navigation Boards.
STEALTH
The MK-1 can easily be put on silent mode, and is equipped with a five-year battery life, dual chronographs visible from all mode screens, with a 1/100-second resolution to provide precision timing. Large, water-resistant polycarbonate pushers located at 6 and 9 o’clock allow for easy control maritime operations and reduce the risk of accidental actuation.
In addition, the watch was designed to be compatible with aftermarket NATO straps and the packaging has been minimalized to reduce shelf space in Supply Rooms and CIF’s.
FEATURES
• Custom injection molded TPU 80 free-swing band.
• The 24mm band features a ribbed pattern on the inside to aid with water flow, patented locking looper, and a stainless steel buckle with stainless steel screw bar.
• 100 METER / 10 ATM water rating, 5-year battery life, and shock-absorbent materials withstand any terrain and condition with protective PORON.
• 46mm, 100 meter/10 ATM custom injection molded Polyarylate case, with polycarbonate pushers located at 6 and 9 o’clock, hardened mineral crystal, Polyarylate bezel, solid stainless steel screw on case back.
• Custom high contrast LCD with dual chronographs visible from all mode screens, with a 1/100-second resolution.
For more information, contact: www.nixon.com/us/en/mk1
I like the aesthetics very much, like a more elegant G-Shock.
Kind of curious why its LEO/Gov only? I don’t see “radio detonator” or “metal cutting laser” as one of its features.
Because they want to keep inventory of the MK-1 for LEO/GOV. Civilians can still get the Regulus which is the same watch, just non-TAA
It’s easier to overprice if it’s a limited distribution model. Civilians will buy the regular model which will serve the same purpose but the government will pay more for the same model with one additional feature that nobody needs or cares about because they think it’s just for the government only. Just think toilet seat sold to the government versus the same seat sold by your local hardware store.
In fact, these are made at a different factory in a trade friendly country. This allows easier acquisition for military units. For now, production is limited. Let’s not be overly skeptical.
Pretty good marketing strategic of Nixon to go trade compliant. Smart to relocate the pushers from the 3 Oclock to 6 position, but why so big?
I rolled with a $30 Timex explorer / same model at time was atlantis 100, with super small pushers. worked fine with gloves.
I would imagine, larger the pusher, more inclined to accidental actuation.
Overall I dig it… a little too large, but I dig it.
Well I just received my MK-1, very clearly marked on both packaging and watch back “Made in Hong Kong”.
Yes, Hong Kong is listed as a TAA “country” by GSA, but to me it is just another made in China watch.
What did your MK-1 cost? And how quickly did you receive it after your price quote and order?
Any timeframe on when this specific model will be available for non-military/law enforcement watch reviewers and buyers?
Gold plated toilet seats don’t cost more because only the government buys them. They cost more because they’re over engineered because the government buys them.
Gotta love the marketin doublespeak:
“developed The MK-1 over the course of several years through input from various military units including Special Operations.”
And what exactly was this input? Them saying it should be black? That it should tell the time?
Dual stopwatches/chronos, adjustable backlight, buttons that can be pushed while submerged, the shape of the case, manufacturing in a trade friendly country for easier acquisition by the government…these and more came from discussions and prototype testing with military personnel over the last 2 years.
The dude responding to your question, consulted Nixon for multiple years on the entire project- from inception to delivery. He is retired NSW and had the job of managing commodities for soldier survival systems for G1 NSW.
I didn’t see it mentioned here, but if watch had a vibration motor for alarms (like my cheap Casio) I’d be a lot more interested. In addition, a simple altimeter/barometer/compass function would add a lot of utility for me. This just seems like a “well-made” watch that has two stopwatches on it and a silent mode.
Which model Casio are you referring to?
I just looked on the back of the watch – it’s a Casio W-735M and it’s on Amazon for $25… But it’s been rugged and good to me through some rough stuff so I’m very happy for my money’s worth. It’s my cheapo watch when I don’t want to wear the Garmin
Thanks. The vibrating alarm makes alot of sense and i haven’t found a watch that had one until now.
So what’s the battery life, the 5 years listed in the Print copy or the 2 years in the photo?
The battery of the MK-1 has a five year battery life.
5 year.
Maybe 2 years on high brightness setting, 5 years on low?
Vibrating alarm would be nice for the MK-2.
The regular regulus very clearly says “China Movement” on the back plate. Is this just a non chinese made version? If so, Nixon should just release these for public sale too. I’d pick one up.
I’ve been wearing the original regulus for a year now. Love it…want one of these..
Do you find the display is bright enough during a sunny day to read? I’ve heard you have to hit the light feature if it’s bright out–that the regulus is too dim.
Some here are stating that this is the same watch as the Regulus, but TAA compliant, this being the only difference. It only takes a casual look to see this is not the case.
This watch is different in many ways. The new texture on the buttons; the lack of writing on the buttons; the buttons are less chunky looking and way more sleek; they finally realized how crazy it was to make the month digits huge on the Regulus, instead of wisely making the large digits the day of the week instead, like on the MK-1, and it looks like they go even further by now allowing the last set of tiny digits to be the year instead of the month (look carefully at those digits and you’ll see what I’m saying).
They are not listing any detailed specs for the watch or any of the feature changes on the Nixon website, so this may mean they do not want to give any reason for non-military/law enforcement customers to avoid buying the remaining stock of 2017 Regulus (2017), or to complain if they just bought one and notice that Nixon fixed glaring errors in the original but won’t sell them the newer model.
Some here are stating that this is the same watch as the Regulus, but TAA compliant, this being the only difference. It only takes a casual look to see this is not the case.
This watch is different in many ways. The new texture on the buttons; the lack of writing on the buttons; the buttons are less chunky looking and way more sleek; they finally realized how crazy it was to make the month digits huge on the Regulus, instead of wisely making the large digits the day of the week instead, like on the MK-1, and it looks like they go even further by now allowing the last set of tiny digits to be the year instead of the month (look carefully at those digits and you’ll see what I’m saying).
They are not listing any detailed specs for the watch or any of the feature changes on the Nixon website, so this may mean they do not want to give any reason for non-military/law enforcement customers to avoid buying the remaining stock of 2017 Regulus, or to complain if they just bought one and notice that Nixon fixed glaring errors in the original but won’t sell them the newer model.
And they’ve wisely removed the four visible screws from the bezel, making it look far sleeker, while also adding water-resistant, underwater-pressable buttons south of the bezel. So there are many changes to this watch compared to the 2017 Regulus. This is the one to get. But you can’t. Not unless you’re military or law enforcement (or know someone who is and is willing to help you order one. Haha. Any takers?)
Hopefully they’ve improved the countdown timer so it can count more than 60 minutes. 24 hours should always be the minimum standard. Whatever cost to battery-life or extra chip memory is worth it. I see the strap is much improved too.
In silent mode, it would be an improvement over the 2017 Regulus if the screen were to flash or show some indication that an alarm or countdown timer has triggered.