Norqain bring the summer heat with the new Freedom 60 Chrono Enjoy Life
Russell SheldrakeThere’s nothing better than relaxing on the beach with a cold ice cream in hand, not a care in the world as you lazily ponder when to ask for your next fruity cocktail from the bar. And it is that exact carefree attitude that Norqain is channelling with its latest release, the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life. Based on the brand’s trusty chronograph model, it has been given a refreshing paint job with a few hidden details to help make this an ideal summer watch.
The dial
This is the biggest and clearest departure from the standard Freedom 60 Chrono, with three bright colours used across the sub-dials and the outer tachymeter track. These colours, being blue, pink, and green, were chosen to evoke ice cream flavours, and while the brand doesn’t specify exactly which flavours they went for, I feel safe in assuming we have bubblegum, strawberry, and mint, although it could be pistachio. The rest of the dial remains a crisp white, with the Norqain logo printed in black, along with all other dial text. Having these pastel-like colours breaking up what would otherwise be a very clean and stark dial makes this watch feel incredibly lighthearted.
The outer tachymeter track is split into thirds, each being the same colour as its corresponding sub-dial – another detail that we do not see very often. This level of whimsy in design certainly adds to Norqain’s mission statement of not taking life too seriously, and it feels like it falls into the same level of considered design with just the right amount of fun that you find at Studio Underd0g.
The dial also features a date window at 4:30, a controversial placement, but the twist Norqain has added here is perhaps the best part of this watch. On the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th of every month, the date numeral is replaced with a small graphic of an ice cream cone. This is Norqain’s ubiquitous sign of reminding us all to give ourselves a little treat every week, and reward the hard work we put in on every other day. An important message if I’ve ever heard one.
The case
Perhaps the most distinctive part of this 40mm case is the screwed-in Norqain plate that is attached to the side, proudly displaying the brand’s name. This does add a little bit of width, but there is nothing apologetic about this watch or this brand – they have always been bold in their statements, and this detail only goes to prove that. The rest of the case is highly polished, including the thin bezel and downward-sloping lugs. I’m also a big fan of the vintage-styled mushroom pushers that still allow this watch 100m of water resistance.
The playfulness of the design is not restricted to the dial. Turn the watch over, and we have a large ice cream cone with those same bright colours featured, and the motto emblazoned across it, “enjoy life”. This does sit on the sapphire crystal display caseback, obscuring most of the view of the movement, but as we’ve already discussed, this watch is not for those who wish to recite specs or pore over historic reference tomes. And covering the movement with another reminder to enjoy life when you may be tempted to pull out a loupe to inspect what lies beneath feels almost perfect.
The strap
The watch comes with either a metal, three-link bracelet that has its centre links brushed, very much the standard offering with this model, or you can choose to have it on a white rubber strap with Norqain’s signature arrow stitches at the lugs and a choice of either a folding or pin buckle. The white strap I think allows the colours of the dial to pop more, and certainly feels more summery to me. And while we may be used to getting an additional strap or two with a watch these days, Norqain has gone one step further here and supplies each model with a pair of sunglasses. The perfect accessory for the perfect summer watch.
The movement
Inside, nothing has changed from the standard model, with the Norqain N19 running the show. This is based on the trustworthy Sellita SW510, a cam-operated chronograph with 62 hours of power reserve and quick-set date. This is a reliable movement that is widely used across the industry, but does mean the thickness sits at a significant 14.9mm.
The verdict
It is often a fair criticism of this industry that we take ourselves too seriously, and so it’s nice to have this fresh reminder that there are still brands out there willing to choose a different pace to life. The Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life is an extremely easy-going watch, and could never be accused of taking itself too seriously. And with (Northern Hemisphere) summer right around the corner, it might be the perfect companion for those in need of a quick ice cream break.
Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life pricing and availability
The Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life Special Edition will be a limited production run, with orders open now. Price: €4,650 (rubber strap with pin buckle), €4,750 (matching bracelet), €4,800 (rubber strap with folding buckle)
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model |
Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life Special Edition
|
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 14.9mm (T) x 49.2mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | White with red, blue, and green sub-dials |
| Bracelet and strap |
Steel bracelet, folding clasp
White rubber strap, pin buckle or folding clasp |
| Movement | N19, Sellita SW510, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Limited production time |
| Price | €4,650 (rubber strap, pin buckle) €4,750 (steel bracelet) €4,800 (rubber strap, folding clasp) |