In the ever-evolving landscape of watchmaking,
Norqain has consistently stood out, not just for its dedication to craftsmanship but also for its ability to capture the essence of time in its designs. The brand's latest offering, the Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors collection, is a testament to this philosophy, marrying vintage inspiration with a contemporary flair that is sure to resonate with both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. This three-piece collection, comprising the Sky Blue, Pistachio, and the limited-edition Peach, is a vibrant celebration of summer, capturing the essence of carefree days and sun-drenched landscapes.
Founded in 2018 by Ben Küffer, NORQAIN is a relatively young brand, yet it has already carved a niche for itself in the competitive watch industry. The brand's name, inspired by the majestic golden eagle that soars through the Swiss Alps, is a symbol of freedom and independence, values that are deeply ingrained in NORQAIN's DNA. This spirit of independence is reflected in the brand's commitment to producing high-quality mechanical watches that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically sound.
Courtesy of NORQAIN
From the outset, NORQAIN has set high standards for itself, focusing on in-house movements and innovative designs that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of its watches, from the meticulous finishing of the cases and dials to the precision of the movements. This unwavering commitment to excellence has earned NORQAIN a loyal following among watch enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's unique blend of tradition and innovation.
The Freedom 60 collection, NORQAIN's homage to the golden era of watchmaking in the 1960s, is a prime example of the brand's ability to blend heritage with modernity. The watches in this collection are characterized by their vintage-inspired design elements, including domed sapphire crystals, pump pushers, and textured dials. However, these classic features are seamlessly integrated with modern touches, such as the use of high-tech materials and cutting-edge movements, resulting in timepieces that are both nostalgic and contemporary.
The Freedom 60 Chrono, the chronograph variant of the collection, takes this fusion of old and new to the next level. It boasts a robust 40mm stainless steel case that exudes a sporty yet elegant vibe. The case is beautifully finished, with alternating brushed and polished surfaces that catch the light in a mesmerizing way. The domed sapphire crystal, reminiscent of vintage acrylic crystals, adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the watch's overall aesthetic.
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The Summer Colors collection, the latest addition to the Freedom 60 Chrono family, is a feast for the eyes. The three dial colors, Sky Blue, Pistachio, and Peach, are inspired by the vibrant hues of summer, evoking images of clear skies, lush greenery, and sun-kissed fruits. The dials are adorned with a sunray finish that radiates outward from the center, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This effect is further enhanced by the high-contrast design of the dial, with white tachymeter scales, indices, and sub-dial rings standing out against the colorful backdrop.
The Sky Blue variant, with its
Deep Blue outer ring and counters, is reminiscent of a classic "panda" dial, a popular design element in vintage chronographs. The Pistachio dial, with its unique pastel green hue, is a refreshing departure from the norm, offering a touch of whimsy and personality. The Peach dial, a limited edition of 300 pieces, is a true showstopper, with its warm and inviting color radiating a sense of joy and optimism.
Each watch in the Summer Colors collection is powered by the NORQAIN caliber N19, a modified Sellita SW510 a movement that offers reliable timekeeping and chronograph functions. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing you to admire its intricate workings. The personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight, adorned with the brand's logo, adds a touch of exclusivity to the watch.
The watches are available with a choice of straps, including a stainless steel bracelet, a black Perlon rubber strap, and a Nortide linen strap in either gray or ivory. The stainless steel bracelet, with its brushed and polished links, complements the sporty aesthetic of the watch. The Perlon rubber strap, a popular choice among vintage watch enthusiasts, adds a touch of retro charm. The Nortide linen strap, made from recycled ocean plastic, is a sustainable and stylish option that aligns with NORQAIN's commitment to environmental responsibility.
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The Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors watches are housed in a 40mm stainless steel case that strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and sophistication. The case is meticulously crafted, with brushed and polished surfaces that create a captivating visual contrast. The pump pushers, a nod to vintage chronographs, are smoothly integrated into the case design, while the screw-down crown ensures water resistance up to 100 meters, making these watches suitable for everyday wear and outdoor adventures.
One of the most distinctive features of the case is the NORQAIN Plate, a small plaque located on the left side. This plate, made of engraved 316L stainless steel, adds a touch of personalization to the watch. You can choose to have it engraved with a special message, your initials, or even a meaningful symbol, making your Freedom 60 Chrono truly unique.
The dial is the heart of any watch, and the Summer Colors collection does not disappoint. The dials are crafted with a sunray finish that creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. This effect is further enhanced by the high-contrast design, with the white tachymeter scales, indices, and sub-dial rings popping against the colorful backdrop. The date window, nestled between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers, is a practical addition that blends seamlessly into the dial design.
The Sky Blue variant boasts a classic "panda" dial configuration, with dark blue sub-dials contrasting against the sky blue main dial. This time-tested design is both stylish and functional, ensuring optimal legibility. The Pistachio dial, with its unique pastel green hue, is a breath of fresh air, injecting a playful personality into the watch. The Peach dial, limited to 300 pieces, is a true collector's item, its warm color radiating a sense of joy and exclusivity.
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The diamond-cut hands of the Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors watches are a sight to behold. The hour and minute hands are faceted, reflecting light in a captivating way. The central chronograph seconds hand is slender and elegant, effortlessly gliding across the dial. All hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
The sub-dial hands are equally impressive, with their diamond-cut flat design adding a touch of refinement. The chronograph sub-dials, located at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, track elapsed minutes, hours, and running seconds, respectively. The small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock features a NORQAIN logo, a subtle reminder of the brand's attention to detail.
The NORQAIN caliber N19, a modified Sellita SW510 a movement, is the beating heart of the Summer Colors collection. This mechanical automatic chronograph movement is a workhorse, offering reliable timekeeping and a 62-hour power reserve. It features a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and a central chronograph seconds hand.
The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing you to admire its intricate workings. The personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight, adorned with the brand's logo, adds a touch of exclusivity to the watch. The movement's 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) frequency ensures smooth and precise operation of the chronograph functions.
The NORQAIN Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors collection is priced at $4,550, a figure that reflects the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design that go into each watch. These are not mass-produced timepieces; they are carefully crafted instruments that are built to last. The limited-edition Peach variant, with its unique dial color and exclusivity, is a particularly attractive proposition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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While the Summer Colors collection is inspired by the vibrant hues of summer, these watches are not limited to a single season. Their versatile design and robust construction make them suitable for year-round wear. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, attending a formal event, or simply going about your daily routine, the Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors will be a reliable and stylish companion.
In conclusion, the NORQAIN Freedom 60 Chrono Summer Colors collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and independence. These watches are not just timekeeping instruments; they are wearable works of art that tell a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. With their vintage-inspired design, vibrant colors, and reliable movement, these chronographs are sure to become cherished additions to any watch collection.