NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm Watch Review
The NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm is the latest creation from the family-owned, independent watch firm founded in 2018. Although a comparatively young company, NORQAIN has a vast amount of expertise at its disposal, something that is manifest with this latest creation. Angus Davies provides an overview of the brand’s latest model, a highly versatile sports watch, and explains why horophiles should always look beyond the ‘usual suspects’.
Independent watchmaking
As the young boy pushed the carrots around his plate, his mother uttered those immortal words, “Go on, just try one”. With a degree of trepidation, the boy summoned courage, harpooned the dreaded carrot and, in a moment of surprise, discovered the delights of a flavoursome root vegetable.
When it comes to purchasing a luxury watch, there are some nervous types who stick to what they know. The so-called ‘default purchase’ may be ‘safe’ but can sometimes appear a tad bland. But beyond the usual suspects, there are a plethora of independent watch firms out there all offering something different; a world of tasty horological dishes, just waiting to be discovered.
NORQAIN watch
A few months ago, I visited the NORQAIN exhibition stand at Watches & Wonders 2024. I had previously heard of the independent watch brand but had never had a ‘hands-on’ experience with one of its timepieces. With an interesting backstory, I was keen to discover more about the company’s watches.
NORQAIN has a diverse portfolio of products split across three collections: ‘Independence’, ‘Adventure’ and ‘Freedom’. Despite each collection having its own distinctive character, all models evince a sporty vibe. During my visit to the NORQAIN stand, I took the opportunity to appraise each reference between forefinger and thumb. I could readily discern the quality of the cases and dials. Moreover, noting that some models feature Kenissi chronometer-certified movements (the brand also uses ETA and Sellita calibres), I could see there was more to this brand than just slick marketing.
To my shame, my NORQAIN notes from Watches & Wonders have remained in my in-tray. Occasionally, the brand has sent press materials, serving to remind me that a NORQAIN feature is long overdue. Recently, NORQAIN released a new model, the Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm, a handsome timepiece worthy of some column inches. However, before I talk about this model in detail, I think it is incumbent upon me to provide some background information on the brand.
NORQAIN founded in 2018
Established in 2018, NORQAIN was founded by Ben Küffer, Ted Schneider and Mark Streit. Independent and family-owned, the company has some impressive talent on its books. Breitling devotees may recognise the name Schneider. Ted’s grandfather, Ernest Schneider, purchased the Grenchen-based firm from Willy Breitling in 1979. Ted’s father, Théodore Schneider, took over the reins in 1994 and successfully ran Breitling until the firm was sold to CVC Capital Partners in 2017. Clearly, watchmaking courses through Ted’s veins.
Image – Ben Küffer
Another notable presence in the NORQAIN board room is industry veteran, Jean-Claude Biver. Monsieur Biver has an impressive CV having held senior roles at Blancpain, Hublot, TAG Heuer, Zenith, etc. Infectiously charismatic, Biver has a remarkable knack of identifying what the market wants and then delivering it.
Image – Jean-Claude Biver
Founder and CEO Ben Küffer, Messrs Biver, Schneider and Streit certainly seem more than capable of steering NORQAIN on its ever upward ascent. Indeed, back in April 2024, having chatted with Ben for a while, I soon ascertained that he not only has a clear vision for NORQAIN but also the necessary tools to achieve success. Tobias Küffer also works for the family firm as Vice President.
Image – Tobias Küffer (Vice President)
NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm – dial
The NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm is the brainchild of the company’s in-house design team. Its notable expertise is evident with the ice blue dial which is designed to emulate ‘the crevasses on Mount Everest’. Its rich texture confers interest without inhibiting ease of read-off.
Blue faceted hour and minute hands collaborate with matching indexes to proclaim the prevailing time. Both the hands and indexes are lined with Super-LumiNova, augmenting legibility in restricted light. The centre seconds hand is slender and fitted with a red luminescent tip. Finally, a track encircles the dial, featuring 1-second and ¼-second markings.
And that’s it. Clean and free of unnecessary clutter, the dial is optimally designed to impart information clearly. Not only does it fulfil this functional role with welcome efficiency, it also delivers a smile-inducing quotient of style.
NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm – case
Measuring 40 mm in diameter, this watch will suit the majority of wrist sizes. The stainless steel case has a thickness of 12.55 mm, hence will not unduly project from the arm and will easily slip beneath the cuff of a shirt.
With a maximum water resistance of 200 m, the Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm is perfectly suited to an active lifestyle and, courtesy of its unidirectional bezel, is ideal for a spot of snorkelling. At first glance, the crown nestling within a protector would suggest the NORQAIN has a few Y chromosomes; however, look again at the ice blue dial and you will see its appeal is universal and not gender specific.
To the rear of the watch, a flat pane of sapphire crystal grants sight of the NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/1.
NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/1
Surprisingly, despite a modest price of £2830 for the rubber strap version, the Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm features a ‘Manufacture Calibre’. Produced by movement specialist Kenissi, the Calibre NN20/1 is chronometer-certified (COSC).
Back in 2015, Tudor unveiled its first in-house movement. Equipped with a variable inertia balance, packing an impressive 70-hour power reserve and COSC certified, it delivered a level of excellence seldom found in watches competing in this price segment.
One year later, in 2016, Tudor formed Kenissi, a company intended to develop and make movements both for Tudor branded watches as well as third-parties. Breitling was the first external company to order movements from Kenissi. In 2018, Kenissi, based in Le Locle, ‘formed an industrial alliance with Chanel‘ and thereafter it has gone from strength to strength.
The Calibre NN20/1 incorporates a personalised bridge and oscillating weight, both bearing NORQAIN branding.
Personally speaking, I’m mightily impressed to see a watch at this price point featuring a variable-inertia balance. On a regular index-regulated balance, the rate is altered by adjusting the effective length of the balance spring. However, with a variable-inertia balance, the length of the balance spring is fixed and the rate is adjusted by altering the balance wheel’s moment of inertia. This approach facilitates more precise setting of the rate and should the watch be subjected to a shock it is less likely to require remedial regulation.
A further enhancement found on the Calibre NN20/1 is that the inertia weights/screws are recessed within the rim of the balance wheel, mitigating air turbulence and thereby augmenting precision. This level of horological fastidiousness shames many watches that purport to be Haute Horlogerie.
NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm – closing remarks
The hue and texture of the dial of the Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm prove a refreshing alternative to some of the conservative options offered by watchmaking’s old guard. While being eminently stylish, the dial also proves highly legible.
On its website, the Swiss Maison states ‘NORQAIN embodies Swiss craftsmanship beyond mere inscriptions on watch dials’. In a price segment where Swiss brands often procure parts from suppliers beyond its borders, it is pleasing to see the family-owned brand remind customers of the Swissness of its products, something that is not typical at this price level.
This brings me to the matter of value. NORQAIN’s quality in terms of its dial, case and movement is mightily impressive. Moreover, given the specification of the Calibre NN20/1, the price of the Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm is simply remarkable.
Returning to my introduction, sadly some children never change their diet and spend the rest of their lives feasting on burgers, chicken nuggets and French fries. Likewise, some horophiles limit their watch buying habits to focussing on just a handful of well-marketed brands. NORQAIN shows the wisdom of trying new horological dishes that confer a world of exciting flavours, textures and colours. Furthermore, these dishes not only look good, they’re wholesome too!
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Ice Blue 40 mm
- Reference: NN1001SC2CA/IAGL109/15AR.18S (rubber strap)
- Reference: NN1001SC2CA/IAGL109/150SS (steel bracelet)
- Case: 316L stainless steel, diameter 40.00 mm, height 12.55 mm, water resistance 20 ATM (200m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/1, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 27 jewels, power reserve 70 hours
- Price: £2,830 (RRP as of 9.8.2024) – rubber strap
- Price: £3,130 (RRP as of 9.8.2024) – steel bracelet
- Limited Edition: 300 pieces