A Closer Look at the New NORQAIN Freedom 60 GMT 40mm Limited Edition

When Swiss watchmakers NORQAIN introduced a limited-edition bronze version of its popular Freedom 60 GMT in 2020, it sold out in a heartbeat. So, when we heard that the bronze was back, we decided we weren’t going to sleep on it.

Launched on Memorial Day weekend, we took the new Freedom 60 GMT Limited Edition for a test drive and a photoshoot to better illustrate why you shouldn’t wait to get your hands on this beauty.

NORQAIN knows its audience loves sporty, outdoorsy watches. Accordingly, the Freedom collection is also deeply connected to the natural world and wide-open spaces. So, naturally, this love of nature is also reflected in the design of the new Freedom 60 GMT Limited Edition’s design.

Made for wanderers and explorers, the Freedom 60 GMT 40mm Limited Edition features a deep-blue, two-layer dial that evokes the night sky and comes with an eco-friendly blue Perlon-style rubber strap. However, it can also sport the brand’s NORTIDE strap (made from reclaimed and recycled ocean plastics) or a vegan-approved Alcantara strap. Luckily, these strap options include the unique “NORQAIN stitches” –which resemble mountain tops – near the lugs.
 

The Freedom 60 GMT 40mm Limited Edition is also a wonderful expression of our relationship to time. First of all, the patina of the bronze case will evolve as you wear it. Additionally, the vintage-inspired dial display has a distinguished GMT scale with a handsome old-fashioned day-and-night indication thrown in for good measure.

Then there are the other details, such as the “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova coating the bronze hands and faceted markers.

Nature is ageless and ever-changing at the same time. So it makes sense that one of the things we like most about the Freedom 60 GMT is that it is versatile enough to be worn on all but the most formal occasions.

And while the new limited-edition has a sporty sensibility, the retro-inspired silhouette of its case, plus its domed sapphire crystal, add an element of elegance that carries the timepiece from day to night. The 40mm case size also makes it feel more comfortable on the wrist, whether you wear it to the office or a casual summer cocktail party.
 

Moreover, the Freedom 60 GMT Limited Edition’s comparatively accessible price point ($4,150) will appeal to many enthusiasts. It is an even more impressive value proposition when you consider it’s powered by NORQAIN’s exclusive Manufacture Calibre NN20/2 automatic-winding movement. The brand co-produced this high-quality calibre with Kenissi Manufacture, which has also made movements for Tudor, Breitling, and Chanel.
 

Finally, the coolest element of this GMT complication is its jumping hour feature for easy setting of the local time and date. It also includes a 70-hour power reserve, two-point traversing bridge fixation, and a branded oscillating weight that you can view through a display caseback.