NORQAIN NEVEREST GMT Glacier

Born from Adventure and Social Responsibility

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
July 5, 2024
In the realm of Swiss watchmaking, Norqain has swiftly carved a niche for itself, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to independence, adventure, and technical innovation. The brand's collections, each imbued with a distinct personality, resonate with a clientele seeking timepieces that embody their intrepid spirit. Among these remarkable offerings, the NEVEREST collection stands as a testament to NORQAIN's affinity for the world's most formidable peaks. And now, the latest addition to this prestigious lineage, the NEVEREST GMT Glacier, ascends to new heights, seamlessly merging the brand's heritage with cutting-edge horological advancements.

NORQAIN's journey began in 2018, when a group of seasoned watch industry veterans, fueled by a shared passion for horology and adventure, embarked on a mission to create a brand that would break free from the constraints of convention. This audacious endeavor was guided by a set of core values: adventure, freedom, and independence. These values, etched into the very DNA of NORQAIN, permeate every aspect of their timepieces, from design and functionality to the stories they tell.

Courtesy of NORQAIN


The NEVEREST collection, in particular, pays homage to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. Named after the Tibetan term for "Holy Mountain," Everest has long captivated the imaginations of adventurers and mountaineers, drawing them to its treacherous slopes in pursuit of glory and self-discovery. NORQAIN's NEVEREST watches are a tribute to this unwavering spirit of exploration, embodying the resilience and determination required to conquer such a formidable challenge.

With each tick of its movement, the NEVEREST GMT Glacier not only marks the passage of time but also narrates a tale of human endeavor and the unyielding pursuit of one's dreams. It is a watch that speaks to those who dare to venture beyond the ordinary, who seek to leave their mark on the world, and who find inspiration in the raw beauty and untamed power of nature.

As the newest member of the NEVEREST family, the GMT Glacier exudes an air of rugged sophistication. The 41mm stainless steel case, shrouded in a sleek black DLC coating, immediately commands attention with its imposing presence. The bezel, crafted from the same durable material, is adorned with a black ceramic ring that features an 18-karat 5N red gold graduation and a Super-LumiNova insert at 12 o'clock. This combination of materials not only enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal but also ensures its resilience against the rigors of everyday wear.

The dial, a captivating tapestry of textures and colors, is where the GMT Glacier truly comes alive. Inspired by the crevasses that scar the icy slopes of Mount Everest, the dial's intricate "cracked" pattern evokes a sense of adventure and the untamed forces of nature. The second time zone, indicated by a 24-hour scale on a black and white ring surrounding the dial, adds a layer of functionality that caters to the needs of globetrotting explorers.

The diamond-cut faceted indexes, meticulously plated in red gold and filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova, provide exceptional legibility in both daylight and low-light conditions. The hour and minute hands, also diamond-cut and red gold plated, complement the indexes perfectly, while the flat second and GMT hands, distinguished by their red gold plating and white Super-LumiNova tips, add a touch of visual dynamism to the dial.

Courtesy of NORQAIN


Beneath its striking exterior, the NEVEREST GMT Glacier houses the NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/2, a testament to the brand's dedication to horological excellence. This mechanical automatic movement, meticulously crafted in-house, boasts a GMT function with a "jumping" local time hour hand, allowing for seamless adjustment to different time zones. The movement is also chronometer certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), guaranteeing exceptional accuracy and precision.

With 28 jewels and a personalized bridge engraved with NORQAIN's core values of "Adventure – Freedom – Independence," the NN20/2 movement is a work of art in its own right. The personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight, visible through the open case back, adds a touch of exclusivity to the watch, while the impressive 70-hour power reserve ensures that it will keep ticking even after days of inactivity.

The balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) further contributes to the watch's accuracy, ensuring that every second is measured with unwavering precision. This dedication to craftsmanship and technical prowess is a hallmark of NORQAIN's timepieces, and the NEVEREST GMT Glacier is no exception.

Beyond its aesthetic and technical merits, the NEVEREST GMT Glacier carries a deeper meaning through its association with the Butterfly Help Project. This organization, founded by Norbu Sherpa and Andrea Sherpa-Zimmermann of Wild Yak Expeditions, is dedicated to supporting the families of sherpas who have lost their lives in the Himalayan mountains. By donating ten percent of the proceeds from NEVEREST sales to the Butterfly Help Project, NORQAIN demonstrates its commitment to giving back to the communities that have inspired its creations.

The NORQAIN NEVEREST GMT Glacier is more than just a watch; it is a symbol of adventure, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. Its rugged elegance, technical prowess, and commitment to a noble cause make it a timepiece that resonates with those who seek to live life on their own terms. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this remarkable watch in the second part of this article, we will explore its additional features, functionality, and the stories it has yet to tell.

Courtesy of NORQAIN


The GMT Glacier's bidirectional rotating bezel is more than just an aesthetic flourish; it's a testament to NORQAIN's commitment to functionality and user experience. Crafted from stainless steel with a black DLC coating, the bezel features a knurled edge that not only enhances grip but also adds a tactile dimension to the watch's overall feel. This knurling, inspired by the rugged terrain encountered on mountaineering expeditions, serves a practical purpose, allowing for effortless manipulation even with gloved hands.

But the bezel's true prowess lies in its ability to track a second time zone. The black ceramic ring, adorned with an 18-karat 5N red gold graduation and a Super-LumiNova insert at 12 o'clock, serves as the GMT scale. By simply rotating the bezel, the wearer can align the local time with the 24-hour scale, instantly transforming the watch into a dual-time companion. The click system ensures precise adjustments, while the Super-LumiNova insert glows brightly in low-light conditions, ensuring legibility at all times.

Returning to the dial, we find a meticulously crafted tableau that mirrors the icy expanse of a glacier. The cracked pattern, reminiscent of the crevasses that form on mountain slopes, is not merely decorative; it's a functional design element that enhances legibility. The contrasting black and white rings surrounding the dial delineate day and night hours, while the diamond-cut faceted indexes and hands, coated in Super-LumiNova, ensure that time can be read with ease even in the dimmest light.

The date window, discreetly positioned at 3 o'clock, adds another layer of practicality to the watch. The date disc, color-matched to the dial, seamlessly integrates into the overall design, maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.

One of the most distinctive features of NORQAIN watches is the personalized plate located on the left side of the case. This engraved stainless steel plate, also finished with a black DLC coating, can be customized with a personal message, making each timepiece a unique expression of the wearer's individuality. Whether it's a meaningful quote, a special date, or a personal motto, the NORQAIN Plate adds a sentimental touch to the watch, transforming it into a cherished heirloom.

Courtesy of NORQAIN


The NEVEREST GMT Glacier comes with two options for securing it to your wrist: an integrated stainless steel bracelet with a DLC coating and a black rubber strap inspired by the knurled bezel design. Both options exude a sporty yet sophisticated vibe, perfectly complementing the watch's overall aesthetic.

The stainless steel bracelet, with its sturdy construction and folding clasp with quick micro-adjustment, offers a seamless and secure fit. The rubber strap, on the other hand, is ideal for those who prefer a lighter and more flexible option. The pin buckle, also finished with a black DLC coating, ensures that the strap stays securely fastened during even the most strenuous activities.

For those eager to embark on their own horological adventure with the NORQAIN NEVEREST GMT Glacier, the watch is available for $5,190. Given NORQAIN's reputation for quality and craftsmanship, this price point represents excellent value for a timepiece that seamlessly blends functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the NEVEREST GMT Glacier is its versatility. With its 41mm case size, it strikes a perfect balance between boldness and wearability, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. Whether you're scaling a mountain peak or attending a formal event, this watch will effortlessly adapt to any occasion.

The black DLC coating, while adding a touch of stealthy sophistication, also serves a practical purpose, protecting the watch from scratches and wear. This makes it an ideal companion for those who lead an active lifestyle, as it can withstand the rigors of everyday wear and tear without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal.

Courtesy of NORQAIN


The NORQAIN NEVEREST GMT Glacier is more than just a watch; it's a testament to human ingenuity, a celebration of adventure, and a symbol of the unyielding spirit that drives us to explore the unknown. With its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative features, and commitment to a noble cause, this timepiece is not only a valuable addition to any collection but also a meaningful companion for life's journey.

As we conclude our in-depth exploration of the NEVEREST GMT Glacier, we invite you to experience the watch for yourself and discover the countless stories it has to tell. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or simply someone who appreciates fine horology, this watch is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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