Hands On Review of the NORQAIN Adventure Sport Chronograph

Feb 04, 2020,04:54 AM
 


I was excited recently when a good friend shared with me his latest acquisition from industry newcomer, NORQAIN. Admittedly, I was skeptical of a new brand at first, but as I looked closer at his piece, I started to appreciate the look and the overall build quality. 

My curiosity got the best of me, so I reached out to NORQAIN with a few questions. The brand was remarkably responsive to the point they even shipped me a piece for review, a NORQAIN Adventure Sport Automatic Chronograph, my personal favorite from the brand’s lineup. Best of all, they allowed me ample time through the holidays to enjoy this model before returning it.
 
I point all this out because NORQAIN, from the beginning, demonstrated extraordinary confidence in their watches along with accessibility and open communications. This refreshing transparency reminded me of the age-old rule; “buy the seller, not the watch.” 


The "New" Brand that Isn't So New

I was surprised to find that NORQAIN was founded by industry professionals that came from other brands from across the industry. In fact, the staff at NORQAIN has more than 110 years of combined experience from throughout the watch industry.



Back to the Watch

So what makes this NORQAIN different? At face value, it’s a classic, stainless steel ETA powered 3-6-9 chronograph – certainly the genetics of a solid timepiece. Where NORQAIN really shines, however, is in its design. For me, the brand strikes an exciting balance between contemporary creativity and classic conservatism. It’s fresh, yet classic, but in any case, unique. 


When I consider a new watch, my decisions are made in the context of my collection. This model was unlike anything in my arsenal. The polished grey ceramic bezel, carbon texture dial, Cordura strap and orange details really make it pop. I was excited when I saw the pics online, but in my hands, it’s a stunner!
 


A Solid Case for NORQAIN

 NORQAIN produces their cases from 316L stainless, a marine grade stainless steel known for it’s hardness and durability. The case has a brushed finish contrasted by beautifully polished edges that tickle the light when viewed from various angles. Certainly not flashy, more of what I’d call “playfully practical.” 


I love the pushers. Classic, non-screw down. Simple and sweet, but what NORQAIN does next is simply brilliant!

Yes, each watch has a plate on the left side that can be engraved - a signature feature of NORQAIN. But this piece offers two more significant contributions to the watch.

 
First, the plates may be custom engraved, but because they’re removable, they can be replaced with new inscriptions down the road. Simply put, engraving a NORQAIN is never permanent, a plus for future generations. 

The other contribution of this plate is that it provides balance. As with any chronograph, the pushers and crown add visual weight to the right side of the case while the left is typically…meah. Not so with the NORQAIN, where the addition of the plate provides a measure of optical offset, balance to the “gestalt” of the piece. For me, this feature is more significant than the engraving. Well done.

 
The polished ceramic bezel establishes the grey theme of the watch that carries through the dial and strap. I was confused at first with the knurled edge of the bezel until I realized it is in fact functional. Though it’s not positioned as a dive watch or GMT, the rotating bezel was a pleasant  surprise. It has a firm grab and turns smooth yet solid, for me the signs of a good build.


Next up is NORQAIN’s signature CF patterned dial. What I find most unique is its split personality. Seriously, sometimes I get drawn in, staring at the mesmerizing details of the carbon-fibre“ish” pattern. But with a slight change in light, it reveals a perfectly smooth grey dial. As Billy Joel would say, “Oh, she never gives out and she never gives in - she just changes her mind.” For me, the predictably unpredictable dial is part of the fun of wearing a NORQAIN. #neverboring.
 
 

The Devil is in the Details

Ok, I have to give props to NORQAIN for NOT inciting one of my chronographic pet peeves. Few things are more dysfunctional as a chronograph with all-matching hands. On this model, NORQAIN clearly delineates functions by executing the chronograph hands in bright orange. Besides looking cool, it’s practical. This is not rocket science, it’s common sense. Well played, NORQAIN!


What Moves You?

The Adventure Sport is powered by NORQAIN’s Calibre NN18, what the brand readily reveals as an ETA 7753, a reliable industry workhorse to say the least. 

With 120 parts and 27 jewels, it beats at 28,800 vph (4Hz) with a 48 hour power reserve.


Perhaps my favorite feature is the date pusher located just north of the engraving plate. Pressing this little dimple allows you to quickly set the date without fiddling with the crown, no doubt saving wear and tear on the keyless works.


I'd like to say more about the movement, but when it’s a 7753, it has a proven track record that transcends any hype. It’s solid.



A Strapping First for Me.

Last time I added up the nylon/NATO straps in my collection, I counted….zero. I don’t (didn’t) like them because in my early days as a soldier, nylon straps captured sweat, skin and oils resulting in stains and odors. That’s just the reality of an active lifestyle. 

 
On the other hand, again as a soldier, Cordura is the fabric of life. We used it on everything. When I saw NORQAIN used Cordura in their straps, I had a difficult time reconciling durability with wear ability based on my life experiences. 


NORQAIN negates my prior concerns with the addition of a leather backing. The result is a rugged Cordura strap without the drawbacks typically associated with nylon. It’s the best of both worlds, and for the first time in more than three decades, I am excited about a nylon strap! Another homerun for the NORQAIN. 



Future Proof

There’s an uncommon commonality about NORQAIN that extends beyond its ETA underpinnings to a pleasantly practical business model that refreshingly favors the customer.


As luxury brands become increasingly reliant on repairs as a revenue stream, availability of OEM parts are drying up, or simply denied to outside repair facilities. 


NORQAIN has shirked this industry trend by adopting a global network of trusted partners, independent service centers that can attend to your timepiece without the astronomical premiums typically associated with luxury brands.


In the U.S., NORQAIN has contracted with Stoll, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio for service under warranty and beyond.
 

Behind the scenes, Stoll, Inc. is quietly an industry juggernaut, the service center supporting many of the best known watch brands and retailers to the tune of about 15,000 watch repairs per month. Perhaps I’m biased, but it’s exactly this kind of experience I want working on my watches. (Which is perhaps why Stoll Inc. has been my recommended repair facility almost as long as I’ve been collecting)


I reached out to Ron Stoll about his company’s experience working on NORQAIN pieces, but to date, there has not been a single NORQAIN returned for service. Sorry, Ron.


My point is simply that service is a realistic concern, especially when considering a new brand. NORQAIN, from it’s inception has built a practical business model by using proven components and a service model that eases repair concerns without creating a tether to expensive and notoriously slow brand specific in-house service centers.



Bottom Line:

With a list price of $3,630 USD, the Adventure Sport is certainly competitive, even in a crowded field at this price point. Fortunately, NORQAIN comes to the game with more than just slick designs. Their decades of experience result in watches that are rock solid. Best of all, they shirk the industry trends by providing a common sense after sales service that is practical and reasonable. For a newcomer to the industry, NORQAIN has certainly covered all its bases. If the Adventure Sport Chrono is any indication of where the brand is going, count me onboard!


SPECIFICATIONS:  (From NORQAIN Web Site)

CASE

• 316L polished, satined stainless steel
• Polished NORQAIN plate on the left side of the case made of 316L stainless steel
• 44 mm diameter
• 16 mm thickness
• 100 m water resistance
• Double anti-reflective, scratch-proof sapphire glass
• Case back made of scratch-proof sapphire glass
• Screwed crown with engraved NORQAIN logo

MOVEMENT

• NORQAIN calibre NN18 (ETA 7753)
• Mechanical automatic chronograph movement
• Separate push button for date adjustment
• 120 parts
• 27 rubies
• Personalised NORQAIN oscillating weight
• 48 hours power reserve
• Balance frequency: 28’800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
• ¼ second accurate chronograph

BEZEL

• Stainless steel bezel with ceramic ring
• Unidirectional, counter-clockwise rotating with click system
• Knurled bezel to ensure optimal handling
• 60 minute graduation

DIAL

• Special NORQAIN pattern
• Grey with white counters
• 3 counters at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock
• Date window between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock
• Hand-applied polished, faceted indexes
• C1 Superluminova luminous markers on indexes
• Hand applied and faceted hands with Superluminova luminous markers
• Chronograph second hand made of steel with orange tip

STRAP

• Nordura fabric strap with the inner side made of leather – pin clasp





































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Comments: view entire thread

 

Very interesting review, Todd. I will re read it. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2020-05:26
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Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! [nt]

 
 By: JToddH : February 4th, 2020-13:15
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Great review I enjoyed reading it.

 
 By: kev09 : February 4th, 2020-07:01
That’s a very attractive watch. I love the colour combinations. Regards Kev.
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I agree. I don’t want to send it back!

 
 By: JToddH : February 4th, 2020-13:17
I think this review may end up costing me $ 🤔 🥰💪🏻😍
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