Being completely honest, I never heard of this brand before until today but I am glad I found out about them. Norqain is a brand that was founded in 2018, and for a brand that only has a history of 4 years compared to others with decades to even hundreds of years they are definitely making strides in the watchmaking industries and I am glad more Swiss brands are not only taking the case and movement seriously but also their dial which is where these four new watches shine for me personally.
As mentioned, Norqain was founded in 2018 and they are fully independent Swiss watch company, their style revolves around adventure and outdoors. They have also recently been partnered with Jean-Claude Biver who was the CEO of TAG Heuer and then became the president of the LVMH’s watchmaking decision until his retirement after an incredible 43 years in the industry. For Norqain he currently serves as an Advisor to the Board. For such a legend in the watch industry to choose to work with Norqain shows the belief he has and the potential for growth in the brand.
The brand features and utilizes a case material known as NORTEQ which has a marble appearance but is made out of carbon fibres and polymer matrix. It is six times lighter than steel and it is completely anti-magnetic and resistant to corrosion. It is a highly durable and lightweight and with their case shape makes it extremely protected against shocks and impacts.
The case comes in a case size of 42mm and is 12.3mm thick, the case is made out of two pieces of NORTEQ that are bolted together to create that full shape of the watch. It also features a rubber shock absorber in the structure itself providing even more versatility and strength in the case, and despite all the intricacies and nuts and bolts it is water resistant to 200m. Now the real appeal to me personally is that dial, which features three different layers and gives the pattern a beautiful effect. The hour markers are skeletonized as well to help feature that dial even more, the tips of the hands feature X1 Super-LumiNova. The dial comes in three colours, black with silver hands and hour markers, blue also with silver hands and hour markers and grey with gold hands and hour markers. Do note that the Burgundy and Grey version is a limited edition of 200 pieces. The final fourth watch features a black dial with a different pattern inspired by lion fur and has sand-coloured accents on the case and is limited to 500 pieces.
All four watches feature an in-house Caliber NN20/1 automatic movement that is chronometer-certified with a power reserve of 70 hours. This movement can be viewed through the exhibition caseback that just like the face of the watch features sapphire crystal. And all four watches come equipped with a rubber strap.
I know there are a few brands that do like to pay a lot of attention to their dial and try and create incredible art pieces and patterns and designs and I am glad to see it done in such an intricate level. While I usually see this done either through more higher end pieces such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, JLC and Grand Seiko I am glad more brands are taken this direction and I cannot wait to see where Norqain goes and develops in the future. The core black and blue versions retail at $5,290 while the limited-edition Burgundy and Gray version is priced at $5,690 and the black limited-edition retails at $5,590. All four watches can be viewed here.
The Watchlist 