Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black Ref. NNZ2001ZA/B205

Apart from Norqain’s Adventure and Independence collection of sports watches, the Freedom line up focuses on elegant design elements inspired by the vibes of the 1960s. Deriving its name from the excitement of travel and exploration, and the experience of individual freedom, the Freedom collection showcases a series of classic-styled timepieces that combines vintage artistry with modern day advanced watchmaking capabilities. For the very first time, this new collection houses the chronometer grade Norqain Manufacture Calibres developed in partnership with Kenissi, a distinguished Geneva-based mechanical movement manufacturer founded by Tudor — a true marvel to behold for the young and growing Swiss watch manufacturer. 

Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black Ref. NNZ2001ZA/B205

Founded by CEO Ben Küffer in 2018, family-owned and fully-independent Luxury watch manufacturer Norqain is based in Nidau (Bienne) at the heart of the Swiss watch industry. Built on the abundance of experience and deep ties in the Swiss watchmaking industry of founder Ben Küffer and the Küffer family, Norqain explores the brand’s passion for Swiss mechanical watches with a bold sense of authenticity, uniqueness and rebellious character trait for those who are not afraid to carve their own path in life. Despite being on the market for a relatively short span of time, Norqain has brought a huge shake up in the luxury Swiss watch manufacturing industry, rapidly growing with an impressive range of creative dial designs and performance-driven Swiss mechanics. 

Fabricated out of bronze, the rounded case of Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black approaches a different character compared to stainless steel, exhibiting a warm rustic appearance that will develop an attractive patina over time. Following the style of the collection, the watch comes in a classic 39mm size, leaning towards the dressier side of the spectrum, evoking a feeling of retro vintage timepieces. Measuring with a lug to lug distance of 48mm and a case thickness of only 11.4mmm, you can expect a comfortable fit on the wrist with an elegantly charismatic presence.

Fine vertical brushing finishing bronze case

For the most part, the case is meticulously finished with fine vertical brushing across the top of the lugs and the side of the case. However, a closer look reveals a highly-polished chamfer along the lugs, reflecting on the brand’s close attention to detail to ensure no expenses were spared despite being a rather young brand. Keeping in line with the rest of Norqain’s timepieces, Norqain’s distinctive screw-on polished plate rests at the left side of the case. The watch comes presented on a quality brown Norlando strap made of Italian leather with matching bronze hardware. 

The deep black no-date dial of the Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black holds an understated beauty with its clean three-hand layout with minimal clutter on the dial. The finer details just gets more impressive with a set of hand applied and finished faceted bronze indexes and Old-Radium Super-Luminova treated bronze syringe-style handsets, reflecting on the brand’s incredible mastery in watchmaking. To complete the vintage look, the watch houses a double anti-reflective box-style domed sapphire crystal, mimicking the look and feel of a retro acrylic crystal commonly found in the 60s. 

Old-Radium Super-Luminova treated bronze syringe-style handsets

Underneath the impressive exterior, the Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black is driven by the chronometer certified Norqain manufacture Caliber NN20/1 automatic movement, a powerhouse of a Swiss-made movement delivering superior mechanical performance with 28 rubies and a hefty 70 hours of power reserve. Running at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement features Norqain’s custom rotor alongside a personalized bridge engraved with the core values of the brand. At the back of the watch, a sapphire exhibition caseback reveals this magnificent movement in all its glory. 

At a time where vintage-inspired timepieces are one of the most popular genres of watches, the Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Bronze Black is an impressive offering as a sub-40mm vintage-style model executed with an exceptional level of craftsmanship and one truly majestic automatic engine.