We wanted the Mission to complement the surf and snow experience in a natural way that made it useful and seamless for its wearers. We decided to hack into some of the most popular resources for the community - Surfline and SnoCountry - to integrate the data into the Mission. The most trusted sites in the surf and snow communities, Surfline and SnoCountry provide data on conditions across hundreds of locations. Having access to realtime surf and snow conditions at favorite spots around the world just an arm’s length away (literally) creates a holistic integration between them and the watch. We knew that the Mission wearers were going to want maximum functionality in a minimalist design, so we created an easy to use interface with a simple companion app that brings all the data the wearer could need right to his or her wrist.

To bring these elements to life we integrated the Surfline and Snow Country APIs, created a customizable “shred alert” that notifies wearers of peak conditions and an “at a glance” tide scrubber providing up to the minute tidal conditions. We optimized the existing Surfline and Snocountry APIs for the community by more efficiently streamlining the data that each individual user wants. Further, we designed a unique tide scrubber, allowing users to easily access tide data throughout the day with a quick swipe of the finger. Our biggest challenge was bringing the customized “Shred Alert” to life. We put control in the hands (and on the wrists!) of the user by allowing them to set custom alerts for peak conditions in their favorite locations. By allowing users to control notifications of their optimal conditions the API is put to work uniquely for them - enhancing their surf or snow experience.

The Mission is the first smartwatch to demonstrate real smartwatch utility. As CNET aptly put it, “the Nixon Mission isn't your average smartwatch.” The first smartwatch to tap into the Surfline and SnoCountry APIs, the Mission is easily integrated into the lives of its wearers providing up to the minute data from trusted sources. Not only that, but the Mission is considered the first hardcore smartwatch. The Verge states, “This isn’t the smartwatch you wear to the boardroom or out on a date — this is the watch you put on when you’re headed to the break to get pitted or getting on a helicopter to shred some gnar. Providing durability, utility, and relevant, easy-to-access information, the Mission has been called, “easily one of the best smartwatches of the year, without doubt.” - Android Headlines.

People in the surf and snow communities don’t do anything halfway. They are work hard, play harder, and don’t have time to fiddle with complex interfaces or coddle fragile devices. When in the surf or on the mountain any accouterment has to be highly utilitarian. We came at the Mission from the perspective of that user. What kind of information does this consumer need? How can they access it quickly, before the next wave or on the ski lift? We identified three unique elements that the Mission could not be without: the trusted sources for data on conditions and locations,

Nixon has a legacy of making unconventional watches for people who live as hard as they play. With wearable tech on the rise it makes sense that Nixon would delve into the smartwatch world with their own product.

The gadgetry of the typical smartwatch, is however, anathema to the Nixon wearer - too fragile, too precious, and too sensitive to the elements. How can a smartwatch be adapted to accompany a surfer paddling out in the North Shore or a snowboarder in the backcountry of British Columbia? The Mission is the answer to this query. From an ultra-durable crystal face to a companion app that pulls in surf and snow conditions, the Mission is built to help surfers and snowboarders shred even harder.