Norqain in bronze for autumn

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Norqain in bronze for autumn - Norqain
3 minutes read
The young brand from Nidau is launching no fewer than four new models today: two in bronze and two in steel, all with in-house movements. This might just be the best news of the autumn so far.

The days are getting shorter, the weather colder and wetter. There could be no better excuse for a change of scene, and something to bring a little more light to the day. So here’s some good news: Norqain is doing both. With the four new models being launched today, the brand is bringing back the warm sheen of bronze, as well as issuing an invitation to travel with its very first GMT Manufacture, ideal for a trip to find sun and sand on the other side of the world.

Audience engagement

The startups of the 21st century are in direct contact with their clients. Social networks, ambassadors, global events, online sales – there’s no shortage of channels to ensure that customers feel close to the brand. Norqain is no exception. Indeed, the new GMT is a concrete expression of audience engagement: the model is the result of a survey conducted with Norqainers, fans of the young upstart from Biel.

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Norqain has dedicated a limited series of 300 pieces in bronze to this demanding and extremely impatient audience: the Freedom 60 GMT Brown Dial (40.5 mm). It is crammed full of new features. First of all, it’s the first ever bronze GMT the brand has produced. Bronze is surfing a wave of popularity in the industry, from Bell & Ross to Eterna, not forgetting Oris and Tudor, among many others. Norqain now brings its own take. In fact, this watch employs a bronze-silicon alloy frequently used in marine applications. It’s very resistant to wear and corrosion, but nevertheless retains the metal’s characteristic ability to develop a patina over time, which collectors value because it makes every watch truly unique.

Freedom of movement

This is also the first GMT movement to join the Freedom collection. It is based on a manufacture calibre, the NN20/2, specially designed by the Kenissi manufacture, also based in Biel and an offshoot of Tudor (Rolex group). The COSC-certified movement is “weekend-proof”, which means it can sit on the bedside table all weekend and still be accurate on Monday morning, thanks to its 70-hour power reserve. As proof of the brand’s confidence in its reliability, the movement comes with a four-year guarantee, plus an additional year if you join the Norqain club.

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Finally, a “jumping hour” adjustment, which works both forwards and backwards, is a highly appreciated detail that saves a great deal of time when setting local or home time. The bronze version is in a 300-piece limited edition, while the steel alternative is unlimited. It is priced at CHF 3790 in bronze or from CHF 3490 in steel. Both versions come with many of Norqain’s signature features: the bridge is inscribed with the brand’s values – “Adventure – Freedom – Independence” while the oscillating weight features the Norqain logo, a double “N” symbolising the Swiss Alps, which also appears on the aged leather strap. The sapphire case back is a welcome addition, as is the choice of vintage beige lume (Old Radium) on the hands and markers, in keeping with the 1960s vibe of this piece.

Sexes, unite!

Norqain has simultaneously unveiled two “HMS” models (hours, minutes, seconds). The keywords here are elegance and quality workmanship, with a new in-house calibre, the NN20/1, also COSC-certified with a 70-hour power reserve. The steel and bronze versions each come in a diameter of 39 mm. This choice owes nothing to chance. First, it underlines the vintage spirit of this new Freedom 60, which harks back to a time when XL watches were unheard of. To further enhance the sixties image, Norqain has developed a bronze version with a cream dial, an unusual combination that really captures the vintage spirit.

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Another important point is that a 39 mm diameter is equally suited to a man’s or a woman’s wrist, making this a unisex watch. Legibility, understatement, elegance: the Freedom 60 39 mm ticks all the boxes. The combination of a steel case with a light taupe strap is a rare but extremely handsome combination.

Finally, purchasers can seal the deal with with an engraving of their choice on the plaque affixed to the caseband. A special date, wedding anniversary, birthday... collectors can always find a reason to buy a new watch. Or even two.

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