Nixon Metric Wrist Watch Vintage(?)

I was lucky enough to pick this little beauty at auction last week.
Mostly I wanted to show it off, but I also have a few questions.

I know that the watach was made by Nixon, and that it is part of their Metric line. The more common models were made with metal bands. The bands on the leather models all seem to be monochrome, usually either black or white. This particular band features a softer leather on the inside of the band in a seafoam green.

Adding to the allure of the watch is the back plate. Of course it has the standard NIXON logo, but below that it said "SAMPLE - NOT FOR RESALE - THE METRIC LEATHER - SEASON 1 '08"

The strange thing, is I can't seem to pin down a date of manufacture. I have seen them dated as being made from 1990 to 1999, but I find this suspect at best. All other examples are listed as being sold, but do not provide any further info.

Could it be as simple as 2008? I searched the 2008 catalogue, but it wasn't listed.

Any hints?

 

This may sound too simplistic, but can you just ask them?
https://www.nixon.com/us/en/contactus.html

 

That seems way too easy... almost like it's a trap
The folks at Nixon were super polite and answered all my questions.

 

That's great.....................care to share ??

 

Ooops! In my excitement I forgot to share.
It was made in Feb of 2000. What I thought was 08 was actually OB, which is how they date their goods.
The watch was designed by someone in-house.

 

how many did they make ??