NORQAIN, an independent, family-owned Swiss watch company, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains in Nidau (Biel/Bienne), has quickly established itself in the world of horology. The brand's ethos centers around adventure, freedom, and independence, drawing inspiration from the exhilarating experiences of outdoor exploration. NORQAIN'S timepieces are designed not just as instruments for measuring time but as companions for life's journeys. NORQAIN’s collections are exclusive mechanical automatic watches, each a testament to Swiss watchmaking tradition with a unique, adventurous twist. The Freedom collection, in particular, resonates with the spirit of the 1960s, blending vintage design with modern functionality.
The
Norqain Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite is a striking example of the brand's commitment to quality and adventure. Limited to just 300 pieces, this watch captures a retro aesthetic while incorporating cutting-edge watchmaking technology. It's a watch designed for those who appreciate the heritage of watchmaking, for you that are not affraid of the call to the great outdoors, and the capabilities of modern mechanics. The satin-finished bronze case offers an elegant, yet vintage look.
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The case of the Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite is meticulously crafted, showcasing a blend of polished and satin-finished bronze on the top, complemented by a stainless steel case back with a bronze PVD coating. This construction not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the durability of the watch. The case measures 40mm in diameter and 14.5mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 49.3mm and a width between the lugs of 20mm. These dimensions strike a balance between presence and wearability, making the watch suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The bronze material, known for developing a unique patina over time, gives each watch a distinctive character, making it a personal emblem for the wearer.
The dial of the Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite is where the watch truly comes to life. The anthracite color, enhanced with a sunray finish, provides a captivating backdrop for the bronze-colored hands and indexes. The contrast not only ensures excellent readability but also adds a touch of class. A second time zone is ingeniously indicated through a 24-hour ring, divided into black and white sections to signify night and day, respectively. This feature is particularly useful for travelers, allowing them to track time in two different zones simultaneously. The hands and flat indexes are coated with Old Radium Super-LumiNova®, a luminescent material that enhances visibility in low-light conditions, reminiscent of vintage watch designs.
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At the heart of the Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite lies the
Norqain Manufacture Calibre NN20/2, a mechanical automatic movement developed in collaboration with Kenissi. This movement is a powerhouse of precision and reliability, boasting a 70-hour power reserve, which means the watch can run for nearly three days without winding. The movement is chronometer-certified by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), ensuring its accuracy and dependability under various conditions. One of the standout features of the NN20/2 is its jumping hour GMT function, which allows for easy adjustment of the local time and date, both forward and backward, a boon for international travelers. The movement's technical prowess is matched by its aesthetic beauty, visible through the open case back, featuring a personalized bridge and oscillating weight that highlight NORQAIN's core values.
The NN20/2 Calibre is not just about telling time; it's about reliability and ease of use. The jumping hour feature is particularly notable. It allows the wearer to adjust the local time without stopping the watch, making it convenient for travelers. The date can be changed at any time of the day without risking damage to the mechanics, thanks to a patented clutch system. This system ensures clear-cut setting positions for the crown, preventing any accidental missteps in adjusting the date.
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NORQAIN offers the Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite with a black Perlon rubber strap, secured with a pin buckle. This strap option combines durability with comfort, suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear. The Perlon rubber is known for its resilience and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for an active lifestyle. Additionally, the watch can be paired with an Alcantara strap, offering an alternative look and feel that emphasizes luxury and comfort. The choice of straps allows the wearer to customize the watch to their personal style and needs.
The NORQAIN plate, a signature feature of the brand, is located on the left side of the case. This small, engraved plate, made of satin-finished bronze, is more than just a branding element. It offers the owner the opportunity to personalize their watch with a custom engraving. This feature reinforces the idea of the watch as a personal companion, marked with messages or dates that are significant to the wearer.
The screw-down crown, adorned with the NORQAIN logo, ensures water resistance up to 100 meters, making the watch suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The case back is engraved with "LIMITED EDITION ONE OF 300," indicating the exclusivity of the timepiece. The box-type sapphire glass, treated with double anti-reflective coating, protects the dial from scratches and reduces glare, ensuring legibility under various lighting conditions. The same high-quality sapphire glass is used on the open case back, offering a view of the meticulously crafted movement.
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The bronze case, while visually appealing, is also practical. Bronze is known for its robustness and resistance to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for a watch designed to withstand the rigors of adventure. The addition of a stainless steel case back with a bronze PVD coating ensures that the watch remains comfortable against the skin while maintaining its vintage aesthetic. This 40mm watch fits a variety of wrist sizes, and the vintage aesthetic mixed with the sturdy case, provide a reliable time keeping device.
The attention to detail extends to the smallest components of the watch. The sandblasted, faceted hands and indexes provide a subtle texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, sunray-finished dial. The use of Old Radium Super-LumiNova® not only enhances visibility but also adds a vintage touch, paying homage to the classic watches of the 1960s. The GMT hand, with its red tip, offers a clear and distinct indication of the second time zone, ensuring that functionality does not compromise style.
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The movement's 28 rubies ensure smooth operation and longevity, reducing friction and wear within the mechanism. The balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) contributes to the watch's accuracy, providing stable timekeeping. The personalized bridge, engraved with NORQAIN's core values—Adventure, Freedom, Independence—serves as a constant reminder of the brand's ethos and the spirit of exploration that the watch embodies.
The NORQAIN Freedom 60 GMT Bronze Anthracite is priced at $4,490. This price point reflects the watch's high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the exclusivity of being a limited edition timepiece. It is available through authorized NORQAIN retailers and the brand's official website, ensuring authenticity and access to customer support and warranty services. The watch comes with a standard 4-year warranty, which can be extended to 5 years by joining the NORQAINER Community, demonstrating the brand's confidence in its product and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Case: Polished, satin-finished bronze top, stainless steel case back with bronze PVD coating. Diameter: 40.00mm. Thickness: 14.50mm. Lug-to-lug: 49.30mm. Width between lugs: 20.00mm. Water resistance: 100m. Double anti-reflective, scratch-proof, box-type sapphire glass. Open case back with "LIMITED EDITION ONE OF 300" engraving, scratch-proof sapphire glass. Screw-down crown with NORQAIN logo. Engraved, satin-finished bronze NORQAIN plate on the left side.
Movement: NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/2 by Kenissi. Mechanical automatic. Second time zone with jumping hour feature. Chronometer certified (COSC). 28 rubies. Personalized bridge with "Adventure – Freedom – Independence". Personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight. 70-hour power reserve. Balance frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).
Dial: Anthracite domed dial with sunray finish. Second time zone with 24-hour indication in midnight black and white ring. Sandblasted flat indexes, bronze color, with white printing and Old Radium Super-LumiNova® markers. Gold NORQAIN logo. Sandblasted faceted hour and minute hands, bronze color, Old Radium Super-LumiNova®. Sandblasted flat central second hand, bronze color. Sandblasted flat GMT hand, bronze color with red tip.
Strap: Black Perlon Rubber Strap with pin buckle. Also available with Alcantara Strap with pin buckle.
Price: $4,490
Reference Number: NNZ2100ZLG/T215
Notes: Limited edition of 300 pieces. Features customizable NORQAIN plate. The GMT movement has a jumping hour for easy local time setting and date changes.