The Time Teller is one of the most iconic watch silhouettes in the Nixon lineup. And while its appearance may seem simple (especially compared to a watch like the Nixon 51-30 Chrono), the Time Teller is anything but.
Yes, it was designed with simplicity in mind. But it's also one of the best canvases for variations in colors, materials, movements, sizes and complications.
Not to mention how appropriate the Time Teller is for many of the brand collaborations we've done here at Nixon throughout the years.
Let's take a look behind this understated timepiece and uncover all that goes into making a Nixon Time Teller. Keep reading to learn more about the six main watch parts that make up the Nixon Time Teller.
Read More: Guide to the Parts of a Watch
The Making of a Nixon Time Teller
Here are six key components of the Nixon Time Teller and a brief overview of how much effort goes into each one!
Movement
The movement used in a Nixon Time Teller may vary, but generally it uses a Miyota Japanese quartz movement. Quartz movements are highly accurate and affordable, and using it in our Time Teller helps us keep this watch in an accessible price point for newcomers and longtime fans of the brand.
That being said, the versatility of the Time Teller and the simplicity of its features make it a viable candidate for other movement types as well!
Learn more about watch movements: Guide to Watch Movement Types Blog
Bezel
The bezel on the Nixon Time Teller is, like the watch, very simple and elegant. It is a stainless steel "fixed bezel", meaning it does not rotate. The main purpose of the bezel on the Time Teller is the protection of the watch dial and crystal.
Learn more about watch bezels: Guide to Watch Bezels Blog
Crystal
The crystal of the Nixon Time Teller is a hardened mineral crystal. This is the most common type of crystal you'll find on Nixon watches, and one of the most common in the watch industry in general.
Pros to this crystal type include its medium cost, shatter and scratch resistance, and little light reflection.
Learn more about watch crystals: Guide to Watch Crystals Blog
Case
The Nixon Time Teller features a case that embraces simplicity... and allows for a ton of variation. Because it is so simple, we're able to give the Time Teller many different looks.
At Nixon, you'll find Time Tellers from stainless steel watch cases to watch cases made from OPP (Other People's Plastic) material. And when we do collaborations with other brands, the simplicity of the Time Teller case allows us to take big swings in design on the watch dial.
Learn more about watch cases: Guide to Watch Cases Blog
Dial
Dials on the Nixon Time Teller are generally where the watch's vibe of "simplicity" really shines through. Though the dial appears simple with very few components, there is a lot of intentionality.
You'll find a 3-hand dial on most Nixon Time Tellers. But it's the indices where the Time Teller's style is most evident.
To avoid cluttering the face of this classic analog watch, we opted for stick indices as opposed Arabic or Roman numerals.
And to add dimensionality to the watch dial, you'll find that the Time Teller has raised indices.
In limited edition Time Tellers, the watch dial is often one of the most distinct variations. Just check out this Rolling Stones Time Teller which makes use of stamped indices to add some Rolling Stones flavor to the watch.
Learn more about watch dials: Guide to Watch Dials Blog
Band
There are a wide variety of watch bands that you'll find on Nixon Time Tellers. At the time of this writing, here are the band styles available on this Nixon timepiece:
The Time Teller Stainless Steel itself may be one watch bracelet type... but different variations of this Nixon watch make use of different process for band creation. For example, when it comes to applying color on Time Teller bracelets, we may go with a plated process (like on the gold or black versions), or painted (like on the red Rolling Stones Time Teller).
Learn more about watch bands: Guide to Watch Bands Blog
Time Tellers in Conclusion
The Time Teller is one of the most diverse and varying watches we currently have in the Nixon lineup. From variations in colors and materials, to the details found on the dials, there is something in the Time Teller collection for everyone!
