NORQAIN Freedom 60 Chrono Enjoy Life

The Swiss watch industry often projects an aura of stern tradition and meticulous precision, a world of hushed ateliers and centuries-old techniques. Yet, every so often, a timepiece emerges that cheerfully disrupts this stoicism, reminding us that watchmaking can also be about pure, unadulterated fun. NORQAIN, a spirited independent brand from the heart of Bienne, has just served up a perfect example of this with its latest release: the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition. This watch is a vibrant, summery take on the classic sports chronograph, drawing its inspiration from the universally joyful experience of a cold scoop of gelato on a warm day.

This special edition is a deliberate and colorful call to action, encapsulated by the motto "Enjoy Life," which is inscribed on its sapphire crystal caseback. The watch doesn't just suggest this sentiment; it embodies it through a series of playful and distinctive design choices. It’s a piece designed not just to tell time, but to evoke a feeling—the carefree spirit of summer, the simple pleasure of a weekly treat, and the nostalgic rush of chasing down an ice cream truck as a child. It’s a statement from Norqain that while they are serious about watchmaking, they believe the experience of wearing a watch should be filled with positive energy.



Visually, the watch immediately sets itself apart from the more conservative chronographs on the market. The dial is a canvas of joyful color against a clean white, matte-finished background. The three chronograph subdials—positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock—are rendered in distinct, refreshing tones: a minty green, a cheerful pink, and a cool sky blue. This pastel trio is not just confined to the counters; it extends to the corresponding sectors of the outer ring, which features a black tachymeter scale. This use of color is a first for the Freedom 60 Chrono and gives the watch an unmistakable and lively character.

The hands and indices are crafted with precision, featuring diamond-cut flat indexes that are rhodium-plated and accented with white printings. For low-light visibility, these markers are treated with white X1 Super-LumiNova®, ensuring the watch remains functional and legible in all conditions. The main hour and minute hands are diamond-cut and faceted, also rhodium-plated and filled with the same luminous material. The central seconds counter and the small counter hands are all diamond-cut and rhodium-plated, maintaining a cohesive and high-quality finish across the entire dial. An anthracite NORQAIN logo sits proudly at 12 o’clock, providing a subtle, grounding contrast to the more playful elements.

Perhaps the most whimsical and defining feature of the “Enjoy Life” edition is its unique date complication. Located in a window between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions, the display functions normally for most of the month. However, on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, the numeral is replaced by a charming illustration of a three-scoop ice cream cone. This clever detail serves as a weekly reminder to indulge in life's small pleasures, a nudge to take a moment and, quite literally, treat yourself. It’s a feature that is bound to bring a smile to the owner’s face each time it appears.

The case of the Freedom 60 Chrono “Enjoy Life” is constructed from robust 316L stainless steel, polished to a bright finish that complements its summery theme. With a contemporary diameter of 40mm, it strikes a balanced presence on the wrist, suitable for a wide range of wearers. The case thickness is 14.90mm, and the lug-to-lug measurement is a comfortable 49.20mm, ensuring a secure and proportionate fit. The width between the lugs is 20mm, a standard size that allows for versatility in strap choices.



True to NORQAIN’s design DNA, the left flank of the case features the signature NORQAIN plate, also crafted from polished 316L stainless steel. This plate is a canvas for personalization, offering owners the opportunity to have a meaningful date, name, or message engraved, making their timepiece truly one-of-a-kind. The screw-down crown, adorned with the NORQAIN logo, contributes to the watch’s practical 100-meter water resistance, making it a reliable companion for summer activities, including a spontaneous dip in the pool.

Protecting the vibrant dial is a box-type sapphire glass, a feature that adds a touch of vintage character while providing modern durability. The glass is treated with a double anti-reflective coating, minimizing glare and maximizing clarity, so the colorful details of the dial can be appreciated from any angle. The scratch-proof nature of sapphire ensures that the watch face remains pristine through daily wear and adventures.

Turning the watch over reveals an open case back, fitted with a flat, scratch-proof sapphire crystal. This window offers a view of the intricate mechanical movement within. The caseback itself is specially printed for this edition, featuring the "Enjoy Life" motto and ice cream-themed graphics, reinforcing the watch's cheerful identity from every perspective. It’s a design choice that ties the entire concept together, ensuring the spirit of the watch is evident inside and out.

At the heart of this timepiece beats the NORQAIN Calibre N19, a reliable and robust Swiss-made automatic mechanical chronograph movement. Based on the well-regarded Sellita SW510 a architecture, it is a workhorse engine known for its accuracy and durability. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and is built with 27 rubies to reduce friction and wear on its critical components, ensuring a long and dependable service life.



A significant feature of the Calibre N19 is its impressive 62-hour power reserve. This extended running time means the watch can be taken off for a couple of days—say, over a weekend—and will still be ticking accurately when picked up again, without the need for winding or resetting. For the modern watch owner, this is a highly practical and appreciated convenience. The movement also features a personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight, a touch of brand-specific finishing visible through the exhibition caseback.

To complete the look, NORQAIN offers two distinct strap options for the “Enjoy Life” edition. The first is a classic and sporty three-link stainless steel bracelet. It features brushed center links that provide a subtle contrast to the polished outer links and case, adding a layer of visual texture. It secures with a sturdy steel clasp, offering a secure and integrated look. This option gives the watch a more substantial, all-purpose feel.

The second option is a vibrant white rubber strap. This choice fully leans into the watch's summery, casual aesthetic. The strap is distinguished by the signature NORQAIN "knitted" pattern on its surface and is fastened with a simple and secure steel pin buckle. The white rubber is comfortable, durable, and perfectly complements the colorful dial, making it an ideal choice for warm weather and active days.

The experience of acquiring the Freedom 60 Chrono “Enjoy Life” extends beyond the watch itself. Each timepiece is delivered in a special edition box designed to match the exuberant spirit of the watch. In a thoughtful and thematic touch, the package also includes a pair of stylish sunglasses, ensuring the new owner is fully equipped to "enjoy life" from the moment of unboxing. It’s a complete package that underscores the brand’s commitment to creating a holistic and joyful customer experience.



Founded in 2018, NORQAIN has quickly established itself as a dynamic force in the Swiss watch industry. As a fully independent, family-owned company based in Nidau, Bienne, it operates with an agility and passion that sets it apart. The brand is guided by a board of directors that includes respected industry veterans and elite athletes, with the legendary Jean-Claude Biver serving as an Advisor to the Board. This blend of experience and fresh perspective fuels NORQAIN’s drive for innovation.

The brand’s collections are divided into three pillars: Independence, Adventure, and Freedom, each representing a different facet of the NORQAIN lifestyle. All NORQAIN watches are equipped exclusively with mechanical automatic movements, a testament to their commitment to traditional Swiss watchmaking. In recent years, the brand has elevated its horological credentials by introducing two exclusive Manufacture Calibres in collaboration with Kenissi, the esteemed movement manufacturer, as well as a flyback chronograph calibre developed with Manufacture AMT.

NORQAIN's identity is deeply intertwined with the world of sports and adventure. The brand proudly serves as the Official Timekeeper of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. It also holds the title of Official Timekeeper for the historic Spengler Cup Davos ice hockey tournament and is the Official Watch Licensing Partner of the Swiss Football Association. These partnerships highlight the brand's connection to an active, passionate, and goal-oriented community.

According to NORQAIN Founder and CEO Ben Küffer, the purpose of the brand is simple: "to bring positive energy, to inspire joy, and to create watches that make people feel good." He sees the "Enjoy Life" Special Edition as a perfect embodiment of this mission. "It’s summery, it’s fresh, and it puts a big smile on your face," Küffer states. He explains that the watch is a tribute to the inner child in everyone, with the ice cream cone in the date window serving as a reminder to not take life too seriously and to cherish a playful spirit.



The launch of this ice cream-inspired watch was kicked off with a fittingly festive event in Las Vegas, hosted by esteemed retail partner Bucherer. The celebration continued with a NORQAIN pool party at the Hilton Resorts World, an event designed to bring the colorful, playful energy of the timepiece to life and encourage guests to fully embrace its motto. This is just the beginning of a series of "Ice Cream"-themed activations planned for the summer, further cementing the watch's identity as a seasonal icon.

The NORQAIN Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition is available for purchase starting June 4th. The version with the white rubber strap and pin buckle is priced at $5,050, while the model equipped with the stainless steel bracelet is priced at $5,190. This special edition offers a unique proposition in the market, combining serious Swiss watchmaking credentials with a lighthearted and joyful design philosophy that is both refreshing and deeply appealing.

Case: 316L stainless steel body; Diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 14.90mm; Lug to lug: 49.20mm; Water resistance: 100m; Screw-down crown; Double anti-reflective, scratch-proof, box type sapphire glass.

Movement: NORQAIN calibre N19 (SW510 a); Mechanical automatic chronograph; 62 hours power reserve; Balance frequency: 28’800 vibrations per hour (4Hz); 27 rubies.

Dial: White dial with matt finish; Green, pink and blue counters and outer dial ring sectors; Black tachymeter scale; Diamond-cut flat indexes with white X1 Super-LumiNova®; Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

Strap: 316L stainless steel bracelet with brushed center links and steel clasp or a white rubber strap with signature NORQAIN stitches and a steel pin buckle.

Price: USD 5,190 (steel bracelet); USD 5,050 (white rubber strap).

Reference Number: N2201.19S01.C01.S01 (steel bracelet); N2201.19S01.C01.R01 (white rubber strap).

Notes: Special edition with an open case back featuring "Enjoy Life" motto. The date window displays an ice cream cone illustration on specific days of the month (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th). Includes a pair of sunglasses in the special edition box.