There is no doubt that 2020 into 2021 changed the whole world in an unprecedented way. Since then, the watch industry has seen a welcome shift towards more expressive and creative designs and while pre-Covid luxury watches had been stuck in a period favoring classic tones, lockdown and our subsequent freedom saw a growing demand for timepieces that signalled fun – a space that was ably filled by Swiss brand Norqain. 

Founded in 2018 by Ben and Marc Küffer, Ted Schneider and Mark Streit, Norqain’s board has a collective four decades of experience in the watch industry. With advisors and partners including industry stalwart Jean-Claude Biver and, as of March 2025, entrepreneur and former Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville, the brand’s continued independence in an industry increasingly dominated by large conglomerates, allows it to be more daring in design and to form a deeper and more personal connection with its buyers. 

The new Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition is a bright, playful take on the sports chronograph, inspired by the fresh, joyful shades of gelato

The fact that the watches are robust and performance focused is a given — as an army of dedicated wearers will testify to. But the bold design philosophy underlines the brand motto of “my life, my way”. There is a constant focus on small but impactful details, such as the ‘Norqain Plate’ on the left side of every watch case that allows owners to engrave a personal message, name, date, or location. Color is also paramount at Norqain with vibrant dial hues plus accents on bezels, straps, subdials and hands — as well as the brand’s proprietary Norteq carbon fibre composite enabling color to be integrated into the cases. 

And if  early adoption focused on bolder colors, the brand has more recently introduced pastel shades, as a way to offer a different kind of vibrancy. While the concept isn’t new in itself, Norqain’s application of these colors to their sports timepieces is a deliberate design choice that distinguishes them from many of their competitors who stick to more conventional or hyper-masculine color palettes. 

Three chronograph subdials and matching outer dial sectors appear in refreshing tones of green, pink, and blue

Whenever summer rears its head, thoughts turn to sun, fun and color. Recent years have seen a resurgence of “ice cream” watches featuring either entire dials in pistachio, mint, berry blue and pink or mango sorbet shades, or simpler executions with pastel splashes or pale accents.

A complete breakaway from the monochromatic world of wearable tech, the colours used are often nostalgic, harking back to the mid-century when life was slower and free time was less likely to be impacted by the intrusions of modern technology. Somehow, they are a real reminder of carefree days away from work and pure unadulterated fun.

The motto “Enjoy Life” is printed on the sapphire crystal caseback

For obvious reasons, an ice cream palette is associated with happiness and optimism, making these watches more than mere fashion accessories. Indeed, a pop of color can elevate a simple look and complement a daring one. 

With the new Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition, the brand introduces a summery feelgood timepiece to its collection that completely embraces the Norqain DNA and “Enjoy Life” motto. The chronograph subdials and sectors of the outer ring are highlighted in baby blue, candy pink and mint green and, in an extra playful touch, the first of every month plus each subsequent seventh day is marked in the date window by means of a whimsical three-scoop ice-cream cone.

The 40mm case, crown, and chronograph pushers are crafted from polished stainless steel. The watch comes with a choice of a stainless steel bracelet or a white rubber strap suitable for beach wear. It is powered by the Norqain Caliber N19, a Swiss self-winding chronograph movement with a 62-hour power reserve.

Launching at a Las Vegas Norqain pool party during Couture, the watch will unveil its playful energy at a series of Ice Cream-themed events throughout the summer where every guest is invited to “Enjoy Life”. And, in case you forget what season we are in, each watch comes in special edition packaging complete with a pair of sunglasses. 

Tech Specs: Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm “Enjoy Life” Special Edition 

Reference: N2201.19S01.C01.S01 / N2201.19S01.C01.R01
Movement: Self-winding Norqain Caliber N19 (SW510 a); 62-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph functions
Case: 40mm × 14.9mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 100m
Dial: White dial with green, pink and blue counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock; black tachymeter scale on green, pink, blue outer ring
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or white rubber strap with steel pin buckle
Price: USD 5,050 (rubber strap) / USD 5,190 (steel bracelet)