Norqain just dropped the perfect autumn watch: the panda-dialled, limited edition Freedom 60 43mm Off-White
Tom AustinA few months ago, Norqain bought us the smash-hit Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life, and it turned out to be the perfect beach-ready watch. The ice-cream colours paired with the white dial meant it was ideal for sunny climates. But sadly for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer season is very much coming to an end. With the changing weather, we’re beginning to put our summer watches away and are reaching for something more autumnal. Thankfully, Norqain once again have our seasonal watch needs covered. Their latest release is a slightly larger 43mm Freedom 60, this time featuring warm, off-white panda dial vibes, and it will be available in the Time+Tide Shop! Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The Freedom 60 43mm Chrono Off-White features a case in polished 316L stainless steel, with a similar design to the 40mm model. Its beefed-up proportions give it even more wrist presence, and the Norqain plaque on the left side of the case does add to that chunkiness, but it’s not some overbearing monster on the wrist. With a 53.1mm lug-to-lug measurement and 15mm thickness, its proportions appear substantial on paper, but thanks to clever design features, such as the thin bezel and tidy angled lugs, it wears sensibly without being overly prominent.
These proportions certainly enhance the functionality of the case, as it manages to achieve 100-meter water resistance despite having traditional pushers, and a 20mm lug width ensures compatibility with a vast array of straps. Up top, there’s a double anti-reflective box sapphire crystal, and on the reverse, a sapphire exhibition caseback, with an engraved note to remind you that the watch is limited to 300 pieces.
Everyone loves a panda dial, and while Norqain offers a few similar designs, none of them are a true panda, apart from this one. First of all, it’s important to note that the name ‘Off-White’ bears no relation to the late Virgil Abloh’s fashion brand, but rather it denotes the gorgeous hue of creamy white on the dial. It has a similar tone to the cream dial on Norqain’s other 43mm offering, but nevertheless, it’s a definite off-white, as the name suggests. In true panda fashion, it’s contrasted with black subdials at 3,6, and 9, and a tachymeter scale frames the dial with a black background.
The off-white dial is complemented by red gold accents, found in both the Norqain logo and lumed hands and hour markers, all of which are diamond-cut and beautifully polished. The box sapphire crystal achieves the cool effect that traditionalists love, where it distorts the edges of the dial when viewed at an angle, but when viewed straight on, everything’s crystal clear. Yes, the controversial 4:30 date window remains, but honestly, with this stunning dial, it’s not off-putting at all and blends in very well indeed.
Inside the watch sits the Norqain calibre N19 automatic chronograph movement, which is based on a Sellita SW510a. This triple-register automatic calibre features a substantial 62-hour power reserve, 27 jewels, and beats at 28,800 vph. As far as chronograph movements go, it’s a straightforward and reliable movement from a reputable brand and keeps excellent time. In the Freedom 60, it has been slightly modified to feature a bespoke Norqain oscillating weight, which is a nice addition considering it’s in full view through the exhibition caseback.
Finally, the watch is available with three strap solutions. The first is the excellent H-link stainless steel bracelet, which features brushed centre links and a folding clasp. Secondly, there’s a black sporty perlon rubber option, and finally a luxurious brown Alcantara strap, both of which are closed either with a pin buckle or a folding clasp; the choice is yours. Personally, I think the panda dial is best matched with the Perlon rubber strap, which has an almost 70s vibe, but the Alcantara really does make this watch the perfect autumnal companion, especially matching those red gold details.
Norqain Freedom 60 43mm Off-White pricing and availability
The Norqain Freedom 60 43mm Off-White is available now in the Time+Tide Shop, and is limited to 300 pieces worldwide. Price: £3,650 (Alcantara strap), £3,770 (perlon rubber strap), £3,850 (bracelet)
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Freedom 60 43mm Off-White |
| Reference | N2200.19S02.C01.L01 (Alcantara strap) N2201.19S01.C01.R01 (black perlon rubber) N2200.19S02.C01.S01 (steel bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 15mm (T) x 53.1mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Off-white with black panda subdials and red gold accents |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, black perlon rubber strap or brown Alcantara, either with folding clasp or pin buckle |
| Movement | Calibre N19, Sellita SW510a base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 62 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Limited to 300 pieces |
| Price | £3,650 (Alcantara strap) £3,770 (perlon rubber strap) £3,850 (bracelet) |