NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60 Review

I like the Freedom Chrono 60’s combination of an anthracite dial, contrasting subdials, and an ivory Nortide strap. It gives a familiar chronograph layout a softer, more vintage character. Here is my closer look at the design, movement, and proportions.

This review covers the 40mm anthracite reference N2201S22C/T221, with its original specifications and price context. My NORQAIN brand review includes this watch alongside the current Freedom editions. The links labeled “Explore Current Freedom Watches” below lead to the current collection, rather than the exact configuration photographed here.

NORQAIN: The Brand

Being a relatively new brand, NORQAIN has managed to establish itself as a prominent player in the watch industry by offering top-notch timepieces that excel in both materials and movements. While their branding highlights the Swiss outdoor lifestyle, the versatility of their watch designs defies categorization. It comes as no surprise that NORQAIN is rapidly gaining popularity and earning widespread respect in the industry. This can be attributed to their exceptional combination of unique design, undeniable quality, and an affordable price point.

NORQAIN derives its name from a concealed significance that perfectly embodies the brand’s essence: New, Open-minded, Rebellious, Quality time, Adventure, Independent, Niche. While the essence of the name carries a delightful significance, my favorite hidden detail lies within the logo, where the initial and final letters ‘N’ are ingeniously merged to create a visual depiction of a mountain. This artistic element adeptly strengthens the brand’s adventurous outdoor persona.

NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60 (Ref# N2201S22C/T221): Overview

The NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60 has a very elegant appearance that combines a refined look with a resilient characteristic. A chronograph is obviously a more sporty choice when it comes to watches, however, the Freedom Chrono 60 has more of an elegant appearance with its 40 mm case width that looks on the smaller side due to the case’s rounded edges.

Additionally, the Freedom Chrono does not feature Roman or Arabic numerals on the dial, and the Arabic numerals present on the inner tachometer are tastefully subdued, thus making the overall appearance understated and elegant.

Dial

The dial itself is constructed of two layers. The top layer is a sunburst anthracite, and it is placed on top of the white lower sub-dials and outer ring that has the tachymeter.

Designing a chronograph with the tachymeter being part of the dial instead of the bezel is difficult if the goal is a clean and elegant look, but the NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60 perfectly achieves this. And the fact that the case itself is only 40 mm wide makes this accomplishment even more impressive.

As mentioned earlier, no Roman or Arabic numerals are used for the hour markers, the dial uses Super-LumiNova-covered rectangular hour markers. The date window is located between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.

The hour and minute hands utilize the classic syringe design, using the vintage elements that make this watch an absolute classic.

The dial is perfectly balanced, combining a classic sporty look with elegant details to create a true classic that can easily be your everyday go-to watch.

Case

The Freedom Chrono 60 has a beautifully polished case with a width of 40 mm, and a 49.2 mm lug-to-lug distance. The thickness of the case is 14.9 mm, which gives the watch a more substantial feel. I like the compact diameter, although the 49.2 mm length and 14.9 mm thickness still deserve a fitting before choosing it for a smaller wrist.

As with all NORQAIN watches, the left side of the case has a polished plate with NORQAIN engraved on it, however, this is something you can customize if you wish. 

The screw-down crown has the NORQAIN logo engraved, and in classic chronograph fashion, the pushers are positioned at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions.

The domed sapphire crystal has a double anti-reflective coating, helping keep the dial visible beneath its curved surface.

The exhibition case back is also made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass.

The Freedom Chrono 60 is water resistant up to 100 meters.

Movement

The NN19 caliber is a 27-jewel automatic movement that is based on the Sellita SW 510 a movement. It provides 62 hours of power reserve.

Through the exhibition case back, I can see the movement and its personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight.

Strap & Bracelet

There are a few different options for bracelet and straps:

• Stainless Steel Bracelet
• Perlon Rubber Strap – pin clasp
• Ivory colored Nortide Linen Strap – as featured in my photos. This is made with ocean-bound recycled plastic by tide ocean SA
• Alcantara Strap – which is a durable textile material that has a soft, suede-like feel.

Pros and Cons

These are the strengths and tradeoffs that stand out to me:

Pros

• Versatile look, the Freedom Chrono 60 can be easily dressed up or down.
• Elegant appearance with refined design elements.
• Very comfortable wear.
• The customizable polished plate on the left side of the case is a great way to make the watch your own. 
• The 40 mm diameter offers a more compact starting point than the larger Freedom Chrono, though the case is still long and thick.

Cons:

• The watch can look too small on bigger wrists.

Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60

The NORQAIN Freedom Chrono 60 is a very elegant timepiece that combines sophisticated design elements with the classic chronograph sporty appearance. The sunburst anthracite top layer of the dial gives the watch tastefully thought out visual dynamism. 

The Freedom Chrono 60 features unique touches from the NORQAIN brand, such as the customizable stainless steel plate on the side of the case.

Paying homage to vintage aesthetics, the Freedom watches showcase a design that incorporates domed sapphire glass, vintage straps adorned with the distinct NORQAIN stitches, and captivating dials reminiscent of the timeless elegance of the 1960s. Crafted with wanderers and explorers in mind, the NORQAIN Freedom family is dedicated to those who cherish the liberating spirit of outdoor adventures.