Norqain is a new brand with only a few years of existence under their belt, but in that short period of time, they’ve managed to make quite the impression on the watch world with their excellent design and precise Swiss construction. Their Freedom 60 Chrono measures in at 43mm, with a distinct 1960s-inspired design. A black base dial with creamy white sub dials at 3, 6, and 9 giving the watch that distinct “reverse panda” look. The Freedom 60 Chrono is a capable watch, with 100m of water resistance, a sturdy steel bracelet and a solid movement inside. 

While the Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono may look like a vintage watch, the proportions are much more modern. It measures in at 43mm wide by 15mm thick in order to accommodate the automatic chronograph movement inside. Up top, a double AR coated sapphire lens protects the dial. It’s box shaped, giving it a distinctly vintage look. Three white sub dials pop out from the rich black base, and hand-polished applied indices denote the hours. A set of syringe style hands tell the time, while a polished central chronograph seconds hand runs with activation of the timing feature. Surrounding the dial, you’ll find a smooth polished steel bezel. The left side of the case features a screwed-in plate with the Norqain logo on it, while the two chronograph pushers and crown balance it out on the right hand side. The case boasts 100m of water resistance -- a very respectable amount for a chronograph without screw down pushers. Around back, there’s a transparent case back that allows you to see the movement ticking away inside. 

The movement featured in the Freedom 60 Chrono is a modified ETA 7753 automatic winding mechanical chronograph. There’s a separate push button on the left side of the case for adjusting the built in date feature that you can see through the aperture at 4:30. The movement has been personalized for Norqain, featuring their very own oscillating rotor inside. Throughout the movement, there are 27 jewels to lower friction between the moving mechanical components. When fully wound, the movement will run for 48 hours all by itself. The beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour will send the central seconds hand around the dial with a smooth sweep when the chronograph is activated. 

To add a personal touch to the watch, you can engrave the Norqain plate on the side of the case with a special date or phrase. While getting something engraved on the case back is a nice sentiment, it spends most of its time completely out of view. By having that special date, name, phrase, or location right on the side of the watch, you can see it while you’re wearing it, but it’s not on full display for everyone to see. It’s a subtle touch that only the wearer will notice. Simply select the engraving option above and you’ll receive a form after check out to fill in with your engraving details.