With a colourful special edition of its Freedom 60 Chrono, Norqain marks the start of summer with a model that combines seasonal design elements with proven mechanical performance.
Just in time for the start of summer, Swiss watch brand Norqain presents a vibrant new version of its popular Freedom 60 Chrono 40 mm: the so-called “Enjoy Life” Special Edition. This watch aspires to capture the positive emotions of summer, expressed through brightly coloured sub-dials and a multi-hued tachymeter scale integrated into its chronograph function. Which stylistic elements Norqain has chosen to give the watch its summery character, how the brand’s identity is reflected in this creation, and what other surprises the model has in store – all of this will be explored in the following article.
Norqain’s rapid rise from a start-up founded in 2018 to an established brand selling over 10,000 watches annually ranks among the most remarkable success stories in the watch industry in recent years.
With the new Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” special edition, Norqain now presents a watch whose colourful subdials embody the self-image of a brand that does not take itself too seriously. Norqain founder and CEO Ben Küffer puts it in fitting words: “I’m often asked what the purpose of NORQAIN is. For me, the answer is simple: we’re here to spread positive energy and joy, and to create watches that make people feel good. Every NORQAIN timepiece is designed with exactly that intention – and the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm ‘Enjoy Life’ Special Edition expresses it perfectly.”
The Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition is a faithful translation of a watch that unites the vibrant colours and uplifting energy of a summer holiday. At the centre of attention is the dial, brought to life through green, pink and blue accents inspired by the colourful scoops of Italian gelato. These colours are distributed across the 3 o’clock minute counter, the 6 o’clock hour counter and the small seconds at 9 o’clock – each sub-dial rendered in a different hue. Framing them is the tachymeter scale along the outer edge of the dial, which continues the playful colour theme in three distinct segments.
A tachymeter scale is a common feature of watches with chronograph complications and is used to measure units per hour – such as a car’s average speed. Completing the dial of this special edition is a date window at 4:30, which, on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of each month, replaces the numeral with a whimsical illustration of an ice cream cone featuring three scoops – in the very same colours as the sub-dials.
Originally only available in a 43 mm case, Norqain introduced a more compact version of its popular Freedom Chrono in 2022, featuring a reduced diameter of 40 mm. The “Enjoy Life” Special Edition is also presented in this stainless steel 40 mm case, which measures 14.90 mm in height, 49.20 mm lug-to-lug, and is fitted with a box-shaped sapphire crystal.
Thanks to its water resistance of 100 metres, this colourful special edition is well-suited for a variety of water activities and beachside holidays. It is complemented by the brand’s signature Norqain Plate on the case flank, which buyers can personalise with an engraving. Turn the watch over, and the sapphire caseback reveals the “Enjoy Life” logo – featuring an ice cream cone as a recurring design motif.
Inside the Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition beats the Norqain calibre N19, visible through the sapphire caseback. This automatic Swiss chronograph movement offers a power reserve of approximately 62 hours and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). The movement is based on the Sellita SW510, which in turn draws on the proven Valjoux 7750 – a true classic among chronograph calibres. Sellita has been producing this calibre for many years in collaboration with ETA, one of Switzerland’s most renowned movement manufacturers.
Buyers of the “Enjoy Life” Special Edition can choose between a stainless steel bracelet with satin-brushed centre links and a folding clasp, or a white rubber strap featuring Norqain’s signature stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle. Each timepiece is delivered in a special presentation box that not only captures the watch’s spirited character through its design, but also includes a matching pair of sunglasses adorned with the Norqain logo.
As carefree as the watch itself is the way Norqain has chosen to launch it. The debut of the new “Enjoy Life” edition begins with an exclusive pool party at the Hilton Resorts World, where the colourful, playful design of the watch takes centre stage – perfectly capturing the “Enjoy Life” spirit. The event marks the start of a series of summer-themed happenings and initiatives centred around the “Ice Cream” concept, set to accompany the collection throughout the season.
The Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition will be available from 4 June, priced at €4,650 with a white rubber strap and pin buckle, or €4,750 with a stainless steel bracelet.
