Independence 21 42mm Blue - Bracelet - Ltd Ed 200pcs Ref. NN3000S03A/A301

Since beginning, indie brand Norqain unveiled three collections: the sporty diver style Sports Adventure, the vintage ones from  Freedom 60 collection, and lastly the advent garde Independence. Focusing on the latter, the Norqain Independence is where Norqain shows its savoir faire  - a true modern design that not only balance out the whole brand’s portfolio, but the pursue of modern watchmaking. It is especially so with sports watches like these that allows one to wear it for adventures and exploration, without feeling too dated. Once you get the picture we know their trailblazing spirit echoes within what these limited edition timepieces are about. Developed as an 21st century all-rounder watch, the Norqain Independence 21 42mm Blue LE delivers some exciting elements in its vintage design and overall character, echoing a powerful yet incredibly refined visuals, ready for a lifetime of adventures the watch is intended for. At its modern core, the Independence 21 presents a sporty design, executed to a high level of detail in every aspect.

Norqain Independence 21 42mm Blue - Bracelet - Ltd Ed 200pcs Ref. NN3000S03A/A301

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.

Crafted out of 316L stainless steel, the Norqain Independence 21 42mm Blue LE comes in a pleasing size truly fit for a modern sports watch. Measuring with a case diameter of 42mm, a lug to lug distance of 48.75mm and a thickness of 11.8mm, these attractive dimensions translate into a versatile look on the wrist that wears exceptionally well in just about every situation. The brand’s signature and distinctive “Norqain” polished plate rests at the left side of the case, a unique feature prominent throughout all of Norqain’s collections.

Stunning black textured dial with satin brushed case

For the most part, the case is meticulously finished with fine satined finishing across the top of the lugs and the side of the case. However, a closer look reveals a highly-polished chamfer along the elegant 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 is presented on a steel bracelet, complementing the sporty accents of the watch.

Accompanying the fixed satined steel bezel, the Norqain Independence showcases a midnight blue dial decorated with what Norqain calls a "scratched pattern," all finished by hand so that no two dials are exactly the same. The finer details just gets more impressive with a set of hand applied and finished faceted handsets, reflecting on the brand’s incredible mastery in watchmaking. Same goes for the applied hour markers, both are treated with powerful X1 Super-LumiNova that comes alive with a bright green glow in the dark, glowing 60% brighter than standard Super-LumiNova. Notably, the hour markers stand out with a contrasting black tone to ensure highest levels of visibility. To top it all off, the dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, treated with double anti-reflective coating for an ultra-clear view of this magnificent dial.

X1 Super-LumiNova

Under the hood, the Norqain Independence 21 42mm Blue LE belies the chronometer certified Norqain manufacture Caliber NN20/1 automatic movement, a powerhouse of a Swiss-made movement delivering superior mechanical performance with 27 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.

Limited to 200 pieces, the Norqain Independence 21 42mm Blue LE beautifully discovers the brand’s ambitious drive, passion for new challenges and never-resting spirit in a splendid offering with so much to love. The young Swiss brand definitely deserves a closer look for both seasoned watch lovers and those who are seeking for a first luxury timepiece, packing a stylish design and a powerful mechanical engine that will evoke a sense of adventure every time you put in on the wrist.