There’s an old maxim about travel that you might have seen on an Instagram caption or two: “Collect moments, not things.” Cute sentiment, right? We mostly agree with it – live in the moment, smell the roses, and all that – but to get the most out of travel you need, well, stuff. Good stuff. Especially if you want to look good while you’re in transit.
Having a trusty bag over your shoulder not only keeps your belongings secure, it also gives you the mysterious air of a jet-set wanderer. Likewise, having a proper watch strapped to your wrist will ensure you’re never late for your connections and that you arrive in style and on time.
Lucky for you we know a brand that will make the best companion, even during your wildest travel stories, or 10th-hour delay. Nixon knows the dual benefits of stylish travel essentials. Born out of the surf, skate, and snowboard scenes in California, it’s a label made for people who can’t sit still, who need to explore. And not just athletes, but artists, activists, musicians, and makers – people who know the road laid out in front of them and need properly-made gear to help them travel it.
That’s where Nixon watches, a collection of premium items, bags, apparel and accessories come in. Designed to be functional and long-lasting, they’re eye-catching precisely because they’re built for a purpose. They’re also tested in the wild so that designers know the rugged materials their products are made from will not just survive but thrive in an active, high-paced lifestyle.
Below, we pick out two of our modern-day must-haves life accessories.
In This Article
Spectra
For a man on the move, an automatic watch is more a travel partner than a showy accessory. It keeps you on time and in style, and in turn, your movement literally powers its movement. Forget batteries, your own kinetic energy is what keeps automatic Nixon watches ticking.
This harmony between man and machine is also at the heart of the Spectra’s design. Blending the modern and the classic, the skeleton dial lets you (and others) glimpse the inner workings of the watch’s Japanese-made movement. Along with the stainless steel bracelet, it’s the kind of detail that gets noticed as you’re handing over your passport, but it’s not all about subtly flexing your style.
The Spectra, in keeping with Nixon watches functional design mission, also boasts the marks of serious watchmaking. Its movement has 40 hours power reserve, the screw-down case is certified to 100m and the bold indices make the time easy to read in a hurry. Available in four colorways, the watch is about bold design and solid construction.
Worried about it fitting into your capsule wardrobe? Forget about styling, this piece is ready to follow you through your work day; from morning meetings to late night drinks (or a red-eye flight or two). The incredibly masculine style of the watch will pair well with even your most daring of blue suits or a button-up t-shirt and selvedge jeans – we can’t give you any more style tips, the Spectra watch is ready right out of the box to match whatever you’re wearing.
Desperado Duffel II
Nixon’s impressive collection of travel bags encompasses everything from essential backpacks and hands-free crossbody styles to expedition-ready daypacks and larger holdalls.
The Desperado Duffel walks a good middle-ground, something close to the quintessential man bag. At 35L, it’s big enough to accommodate everything on your average adventure packing list. But it’s also compact enough to work as a work-slash-gym bag on the weeks when you’re planning trips instead of going on them.
Made from soft but strong hide leather, it’s a bag that looks at home in upmarket airport lounges and boutique hotels, or just slung over your shoulder for the next impromptu road trip. A removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap makes it comfortable, while internal and external zip pockets keep travel documents and everyday carry items close to hand.
Inside, a vibrant jacquard strip lining offers a nice contrast to the dusty, masculine leather exterior. All you have to decide is where you’re taking it.
Final Verdict
If time is our most precious commodity it’s worth investing in items that allow you to spend it wisely. Well-made travel accessories like Nixon watches or leather bags make your time on the road richer and boost your style while you’re out there. Honestly, what are you waiting for?
Billy Webb 
Andrej Paskalov