Norqain makes their best selling Freedom 60 Chronograph in a smaller size with strap options.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
New: Norqain Freedom 60 now in 40mm
Retail price for the Norqain Freedom 60 in 40mm is set at SGD 6,180 / CHF 3,890 in steel bracelet and SGD 5,780 / CHF 3,630 in either strap options. Prices are inclusive of Singapore GST and Swiss VAT.
Commentary
The new model is presented in two colour variations featuring a royal blue or anthracite dial. This is in addition to the existing model in 43mm case. The price reflects the smaller case, and is about SGD 200 less than the 43mm version.
Additionally, they are presenting two new watch strap options made with recycled materials. The key difference between this Freedom 60 Chronograph and its predecessors is the smaller 40mm case size allows NorqaIn to market it as a unisex model.
The dial is in a two tone with the base royal blue or anthracite colour contrasting with the white found on the outer ring and three counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. This is achieved by a two layer dial, with the coloured disc placed over a white disc. This gives dimensionality with the two layer construction. The sunburst pattern also aids in making the colour stand out.
The movement remains the same NN18 which is a derivative from the Valjoux 7753.
Release details
The new Freedom 60 Chronograph now features a comfortable 40mm stainless steel case with a royal blue or anthracite two-layer dial. NORQAIN delivers on its promise to use only vegan-certified watch straps with innovative options developed with AppleSkin and tide ocean SA.
In 2021, the brand announced a commitment to phasing out all leather straps in its collection, a bold statement that underscores NORQAIN’s unconventionality in the watch industry. As part of the announcement, NORQAIN promised that all new timepieces would be introduced with only vegan-certified straps or metallic bracelets. These new Freedom 60 Chronograph models are presented with the wearer’s choice of four vegan straps, two of which make use of everyday materials in a highly innovative way.
The new Freedom 60 Chronograph 40mm
The key difference between this Freedom 60 Chronograph and its predecessors is the comfortable 40mm case size which makes it a stylish unisex model. The dial is available in royal blue or anthracite. The colour stands out from the white outer ring and three counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock – not only because of the mesmerizing sunburst effect, but also because the coloured dial is placed on top of a white disc. This two-layer dial gives the watch a dynamic appearance that distinguishes it from its counterparts in the NORQAIN Freedom family.
The watches in the Freedom 60 collection are known for the vintage design that gives the line its name. The 60s-inspired design elements found on the Freedom 60 Chronograph include a domed sapphire glass covering the dial, Old Radium Super-LumiNova® luminous markers, and faceted hands coated with Old Radium Super-LumiNova®.
The case thickness is 14.9mm, the distance between the lugs is 20mm and the lug-to-lug length is 49.2mm. Visible through the transparent caseback is the automatic winding NORQAIN Calibre NN18, based on the ETA 7753, with an exclusive NORQAIN-branded oscillating weight.
Linen strap made from ocean-bound plastic by #tide ocean material®
For this launch, NORQAIN teamed up with the Basel-based company tide ocean SA, also known as #tide or #tide ocean material®. #tide collects plastic trash polluting the ocean and coastlines and, in partnership with the Swiss University of Applied Sciences and the Institute for Materials Technology and Plastics Processing (IWK OST), upcycles it into a premium granular material made of 100% ocean-bound plastic.
During this process, no chemicals or virgin plastic is added. This second-life raw material is then used to create other products, such as the yarn that is woven together in our ivory- coloured linen fabric strap. The signature NORQAIN stitches onthestrapandthenameofthematerial–“Nortide”–signify a long-term NORQAIN-#tide collaboration. The smooth underside of the strap is an AppleSkin leather alternative.
Alcantara with apple peel
The second vegan-certified strap resembles premium suede, both in appearance and quality. The rich brown colour pairs perfectly with the blue and anthracite dials. This versatile material is commonly used in the interior of vehicles, proving that it has tried-and-tested durability that is prepared to withstand the activity and adventure of any NORQAINER. The AppleSkin underside is made from apple peel and core that is recovered from the food industry. The leftover pulp is transformed into a powder before being mixed with pigment and a binder. It is then dried until it turns into a PETA-approved leather-like material. The product contains a minimum of 50% apple material.
