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Nixon 51-30 PU Chrono
It's Like Wearing A Hockey Puck On My Wrist... and I Like It
By Thomas Lord
closeAuthor: Thomas Lord
Name: Thomas Lord
Email: tlord@gearpatrol.com
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About: Writing an introduction for one’s self isn’t really an easy task. You try to think about things to say, but everything sounds cocky and conceited. Then I start to think… this is Gear Patrol after all, so how would I review myself?
Well, it’s safe to say I’m a big enthusiast of all things “gear” related. You can expect no shortage of posts covering a large range. It’s safe to say I lean on the sarcastic side and sometimes my humor might be out there, but that’s just what I do. (Ed: sarcastic writers at GP? surely you jest…) Whether it’s playing video games, paintball, working on cars, I like to immerse myself in all types of things. I consider myself a jack of all trade, a master of some and adventurous enough to try most things once.
Career wise I’m a Systems Administrator and served in the Air Force for 8 years - having spent time in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and South Korea.
I am originally from the Republic of Panama where I was born and raised, but spent some time residing in the states as my father was in the military and on the go. I currently live in Fort Walton Beach, which is a laid back spot with white sandy beaches and emerald green water. Don’t be jealous.
What does this mean to you: Plenty of rhetoric describing your soon to be favorite gear. Grab a brew, because I’m sure I’ll be having one, and let the reviews roll…
Thomas can be reached for questions or comments via e-mail at any time. If you want to read all of Thomas’ posts, consider bookmarking his post thread.See Authors Posts (29) on Thu, Mar 26, 2009 | Email To A Friend
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I can always appreciate a well-crafted timepiece with the kind of design and flair that leaves me thinking, “damn, that’s dope!” I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think it’s kind of ridiculous to spend a couple G’s on something that tells time. Yeah, it might give your current altitude, something you might need when you’re flying a P-51 mustang and the controls are acting up, but listen homie… you bought it to tell time. Honestly, I don’t care how many people in Switzerland have certified it.
The Nixon 51-30 PU Chrono embodies everything that it takes to produce the “damn, that’s dope” factor. Tight styling that captures the eye, functionality, and it’s easy on the wallet. I’m not a big watch wearer to begin with, but I couldn’t resist this watch as a little something for myself. I’ve been rocking it every day since.
Behind the face, the 51-30 PU utilizes a 6-hand Japanese movement and 300-meter waterproofing. The custom injected polyurethane strap is lightweight and durable. You can also use the subdial chronograph to time yourself during a training session, better yet, the ginormous face (47-54mm!) makes it an absolute breeze to read. And it’s comfortable, to boot. Men with weak, dainty arms need not apply.
The 51-30’s size was a primary factor for my purchase. It definitely has the “it’s pretty heavy…must be expensive” thing going on and its reasonable price keeps it within reach for those of you trying to floss on a budget.
Cost: $320

Delicately wristed is the politically correct term. DW is a serious and debilitating condition Mark…show some respect haha.
Might you take some wrist shots so we can see how big it actually is?
I usually find myself liking the 44-45 mm range, which is only one of two reasons I haven’t picked up this Nixon yet. The other it being quartz … I just love automatic watches. Something about it being able to save my life if I’m stranded on an island or something for a few years. Hey, it could happen.
i really like these 51-30s (pre chrono version, but the chrono version is nice too) but at 47 - 55mm they are just WAY too big for me to wear. if they would make one in a 44, i would be all over it. i’m OK with these being quartz as well. i prefer my automatics but this nixon is obviously a very casual watch and as such it wouldn’t bother me at all.
Alan, the 42-20 Tide is very similar, just smaller (41-42).
http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/mens/the-42-20-tide-A035_100.html
ah, very cool!! i never new that. thanks, dirt monkey. another watch added to my list! my wife will be so happy! lol
i like these chronos too.. in fact all of the nixon 51-30s are cool. but…. two things:
1. they’re just a little too much like a u-boat
2. a friend had one and wore it surfin and after a while the bezel seized up…. (coulda a bin a one off though).
I have a 51-30 and it's awesome. It is huge compared to my other watches, but it also has over-the-top character. It's a bit too big to wear for anything more than business casual and it does take some getting used to. I was concerned it looked obnoxious, but got over it after a couple days of wearing it around. It's got nice features for the price. Screw down crowns are a nice touch.
It's a great watch if you're looking for a bit of attention.
just got the 51-30 chrono watch and I have no idea what the longer skinny hand is for; it hasn't moved since i got it and the dial doesn't seem to have a notch to control it. any one know?
This is a dope watch! I have been lusting over a U-Boat for the last three years but have found it hard to justify paying 4k for a watch that 99% of people have NEVER heard of. The 51-30 is the perfect rip off for a fraction of the cost. I went with the wave series since I am sick of watches with too much shit going on.
hostelboardcompany There is a not a cheaper place on the web to purchase these watches than this surf shop out of S.C.