Last month I had the opportunity to attend Soccer Aid, a charitable soccer match held in Old Trafford, Manchester. Norqain was the official timing partner of the event, and invited groups of people to watch the game and hear about the brand’s official UK release. In the evening we sat down with CEO Ben Küffer and asked honest questions about the young brand. After the event, I had the opportunity to practice with Life Special Edition, one of my hit watches this summer, the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm.
I didn’t really touch Norkan, but it changed a few weeks ago in Manchester. Our large group headed to Manchester to enjoy football aid. Norcaine, as the event’s timekeeper, has taken the time to share the brand’s progress since its inception in 2018. Lucy Capetanovich, also known as @thewatchboxdiaries, and I chatted with Ben Cuffer, CEO of Norcane. A few days later I received the company’s hottest new release, the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Fany Life, on a 48-hour test drive.
Chat with CEO Ben Küffer
Before we discuss Foung Life Chronograph, let’s sum up our chat with Ben. Lucy and I were led into a small meeting room overlooking the pitch at Old Trafford to talk to Ben. As soon as we sat down we realized this would be a fun and comfortable chat. Ben is a young man with a young family. Frankly, he comes out in a different way than the typical formal Swiss watch company CEO.
Why for the UK now?
Ben shared that the UK was due to be released in early 2020, but a specific pandemic has occurred. During this period and subsequently demand from existing markets, including the US, Germany, Italy and India, consumed an annual supply of 10,000 watches. Additionally, the wild ones were under development and utilized internal resources. Currently, the time is correct as planned production has increased by around 25% and is a carefully selected group of UK partners. Norqain has also opened a dedicated office with full-time team members. For partners, expect a combination of independent certified dealers and large companies, such as Beaverbrooks and Switzerland watches.
Robbie Williams cheers on the team
Collaboration and British specials?
Who knew Ben was half of English? As a result, the market is very important for him and Norkan to get right. While we were talking, Norqain graphics were exhibited around the pitch at Old Trafford for the first time and had to stop for us all to see! There is a very mature watch scene in the UK, so Norcaine needs to bring something special. Fun has become important and the brand’s team is working hard on some products for the local market. product.
Tariffs on the US – Tough Topics
Ben visited America shortly after the announcement of the tariffs. His first stop in New York City was gloomy, but the Las Vegas Couture Show felt better. He said most brands responded to a 5% increase, but this is not enough if tariffs remain. So far, 5% has not affected sellouts, but has affected sellin for some brands. Norqain considers sold out as a health barometer.
Bystander Tyson Fury
Future products and women’s watches
Currently, Norqain has a fairly sports-focused catalogue. Lucy asked if she had any ideas about going in a small, dressy direction. We learned that the wild ones are flagships, accounting for 40% of sales and 30% of production. The decision was made to introduce one of the 39mm wild and provide a small strap on the women’s wrists. Independence accounts for 60% of production, and we can expect smaller options next year. No matter what new product, fun is always at the heart of the line. Also, celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary in 2028. There have been some record-breaking discussions about future works, but what we can share is that Ben and the team are well aware of the current trends towards smaller, thinner watches. You should expect Norqain to respond!
Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm enjoys life
After a night with Norqain, I decided it was time to practice one of the company’s watches. The hot heat in Manchester and London brought the brand’s hot summer release to my mind. The Frey Life Chronograph arrived at my gateway and stopped his mouth hist before heading to Witzleland.
Fun is the reason for this colorful chrono
During his sit-in with Ben, he stated that during the meeting a special edition of a life of fun was born. Warm, ice cream was provided, and ideas were born. The result was a 316L stainless steel chronograph using the familiar 40mm Freedom 60 case. This is a traditional chronograph with a pump pusher, a large screwed crown and a polished bezel. It also has a water resistant rating of 100 meters. However, the dial is not traditional!
Cool colors and elegant details
This chronograph brings some fun but classy touches. Instead of the standard colours, the watch features a matte white dial with three sandwich-style registers. Light green, pink and light blue are used for concentric subdials. These shows show the number of seconds, a total of 12 hours and a 30 minute counter. The color is repeated across the Tachimeter scale in three arc-shaped segments outside the dial. Finally, the dating wheel reveals a small ice cream cone every 7 days. The cone has three scoops in the distinctive colors of the watch.
Other Nueties include rhodium-plated diamond cut indexes with superluminova on the dial and within each index. The hand in the center of the facet is also filled with material. The applied logo and name brand are located at the top of the dial. Overall, the finish looks great. It has a precise touch like an oblique date window at 4:30. Additionally, tall boxy crystals give the dial a warmer look than typical flat sapphire crystals.
Sporty case
The Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Fave Life Special Edition features a 49.2mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of 14.9mm. It may sound like it’s on a bigger side, but downward lugs do a lot to keep the watch restrained. From the sides, vertical brushing and branded distinctive plates help reduce visual mass. Spend some time on this latter feature. Frankly, I have been tough in the past because it reminded me of a different decade of watch. That being said, I like the option of ordering and engraving blank ones. If the watch has important meanings, this is a cool detail.
The ride continues with a caseback
Each Funy Life Chrono includes a screw-in case with a sapphire display. Instead of a clear view of the Norqain N19, a Sellita SW510 with a bespoke rotor, the watch has a large depiction of an ice cream cone with the model name. Normally I’m not a fan of such decorations, but it fits well with the theme of this watch. As for exercise, it has a 62-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 VPH.
A watch that should work on most wrists
These days, when I try out a watch with a lug-to-lug that approaches the 50mm mark, I’m usually on alert. However, the Foung Life Special Edition fits well. As mentioned, the case is nicely bent so it does not cover the edges of your wrist. Another comfortable surprise was the bracelet. I would like it to taper further towards the clasp, but the female end link and clear link make it extremely comfortable.
The push button clasp feels solid and has three internal fine-tuning points. In addition to some tapers, the Toolless version of this is a relatively simple update. Finally, it’s great to see Norqain using screwed links for easy sizing.
Final Thoughts on Fayin Life Special Edition
Watches like the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm may come out like Life like kitsch, but I think it’s a cool release. The watch feels well made and is elegant enough to wear in a dressy scenario. The biggest challenge with watches may be finding it. Norqain lists 300 allocations per country, and in the UK, at least this watch is sold out on its website. However, checking out an authorized dealer can be a success. Overall, if this piece is a sign of fun ideas for the future, Norqain needs to continue on his growth trajectory. Ah, that needs to be said: Welcome to the UK!
