Norqain is a relatively young brand and it will probably be worth going into their offerings in the near future, due to the impressive product offering they already have, as well as the professional manner in which the brand has been created and built. This is probably on account of the fact that it was started by industry veterans, with some notable ones associated with the pre-Georges Kern incarnation of Breitling.
This version of their Adventure Sport Chrono 44mm is particularly interesting because it does in some way speak to the values of the brand, as well as the environment that their watches are designed for. Their logo is meant to resemble a mountaintop, with the associated values of sporting excellence, reaching the summit and conquering your goals.
This watch then would certainly be useful on the wrist of an explorer as it has a large, 100 metre water resistant, 44mm wide case containing the tri-compax variant of the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement – the 7753 – which the brand calls the calibre NN18. Measuring elapsed time to 12 hours, the watch also has a grey toned unidirectional bezel in ceramic that matches the anthracite dial, as well as a date complication between the 4 and 5 o’clock position.
A note about the unique weave pattern on the dial, it’s a Norqain signature, so look for it to appear with some regularity in other watches from the brand.
Another unique signature feature – that plate on the side of the case, which is a space that can be personalized with a short word or initials. This is a great idea since this plate can easily be removed and changed as needed, being secured by two screws. I haven’t seen this in another watch before, but it is a nice option to have particularly if you are buying it for someone else as a gift, or want to commemorate a personal achievement.
The most interesting thing about this watch for me though, has to be the RECCO® strap that it comes mounted on. The RECCO® reflector is an advanced rescue technology chip (50mm x15mm x1mm) that NORQAIN has directly integrated into the strap of the watch, and it allows rescuers to be able to find you since it can be picked up by a hand-carried radar. This is certainly useful if you find yourself trapped under snow.
The use of the RECCO® reflector is by no means unique to Norqain as it has been implemented with other types of adventure products, however it’s nice to see it being adopted since it makes sense given what the brand is all about.
This version of the watch is a special edition as evidenced by the caseback, as it incorporates the famous #nosnownoshow slogan of Norqain brand ambassador and German ski legend, Felix Neureuther, as well as Switzerland’s most iconic symbol – the Matterhorn.
It’s an impressive overall presentation, and the build quality and attention to detail of the watch is evident in the hand and on the wrist, particularly if you account for the price segment that Norqain are aiming for. This particular watch comes in at SGD$6380 which is reasonable for what you get. Another notable model that I look forward to look at soon is the Adventure Neverest GMT 41mm that starts at SGD$5580, which is also reasonable considering that it is a “true” GMT.
Technical Specifications
Movement: NORQAIN calibre NN18 (7753), Mechanical automatic chronograph movement, Separate push button for date adjustment, Personalised NORQAIN oscillating weight, 48 hours power reserve, Balance frequency: 28’800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Case: 316L polished, satined stainless steel, Polished NORQAIN plate on the left side of the case made of 316L stainless steel, 44 mm diameter, 16 mm thickness, 22 mm band lugs width, 50.2 mm lug to lug, 100 m water resistance, Double AR sapphire crystal,
Bezel: Stainless steel bezel with ceramic ring, Unidirectional, counter-clockwise rotating with click system, 60 minute graduation
Dial: Special NORQAIN pattern, 3 counters at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock, Date window between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock, Hand-applied polished, faceted indexes, C1 Superluminova luminous markers on indexes, Hand applied and faceted hands with Superluminova luminous markers, Chronograph second hand made of steel with red tip
Straps: 316L stainless steel strap – folding clasp with additional security clasp, Rubber strap inspired by the knurled bezel design – pin clasp, Nordura fabric strap with the inner side made of leather – pin clasp