Partnership with a major sports league like the NHL is a significant event for the Norqain brand.
In the context of the watch industry and corporate strategy, it is commendable that such a young brand managed to secure a partnership of this scale. Usually, such licenses and collaborations are acquired by more experienced and well-established market players - TAG Heuer with Formula 1, Rolex with tennis, Breitling with the NFL, and others. However, the collaboration between Norqain and the NHL is more logical and justified than random.
The History and Key Figures of the Norqain and NHL Partnership
In the context of the Norqain brand, you have likely heard the names Ben Küffer (CEO of Norqain) and Jean-Claude Biver (a legend in the watch industry and advisor on the Norqain board). However, to understand this collaboration, it's important to know the name Mark Streit - co-founder of Norqain, a Swiss gentleman, former NHL star, and Stanley Cup winner. Given such a close personal and professional connection to hockey, it would be wrong for anyone else to have struck a partnership with the NHL.
Design and Features of Norqain Adventure Sport NHL Limited Edition
The first Norqain model as the official luxury sports watch of the NHL is crafted with great taste and demonstrates a savvy approach to design that can serve as a benchmark for other sports leagues and their licensed watches. Instead of cluttering the dial, case, and other elements with branding, Norqain successfully blends the best features of both brands without letting one dominate.
Hockey Elements in the Design
- NHL Logo is placed very neatly - in the chronograph counter at the 6 o'clock position.
- At the "9 o'clock" position is an unusual small seconds sub-dial with a "face-off" design: two crossed sticks form a frame for the puck that indicates the current seconds.
- The dial is white with a "scratched ice" effect. Lines mimicking skate marks on the ice dynamically change depending on the angle of light.
- Around the dial is a strap reminiscent of a pulse meter - a "timeout" scale which reminds the player to take a pause when the pulse is elevated.
Case, Back Cover, and Strap
- The back cover with transparent sapphire glass is adorned with a large engraved NHL logo.
- The watch is available both on a steel bracelet and a unique black rubber strap. The latter is made from real NHL hockey pucks and has a central channel that replicates the puck's texture with a characteristic relief.
- Such a strap is the perfect choice for hockey fans, reflecting the spirit of the game and the target audience of the model.
Adherence to Norqain's Signature Style
Even without obvious hockey elements, the "scratched ice" dial fits harmoniously into Norqain's overall design philosophy, akin to the Adventure Neverest model with a glacier dial inspired by the spirit of adventure and mountains. Norqain does not use vivid sports attributes on the case and bezel, and collaboration with BIWI allows the brand to experiment with materials and recycling, enhancing the uniqueness of its products.
Even the most noticeable hockey element - the "face-off" small seconds sub-dial - stylistically resembles mysterious dials often found in watchmaking. This confirms that the Norqain Adventure Sport NHL Limited Edition watch is not just a themed accessory but a full-fledged, well-thought-out product.
Technical Specifications and Prices of Norqain Adventure Sport NHL Limited Edition
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Adventure Sport NHL Limited Edition |
| Case Size | 41 mm (diameter) x 15 mm (thickness) x 48.9 mm (lug-to-lug) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters, screw-down crown with protection |
| Glass | Flat sapphire at the front and back |
| Dial | White with "scratched ice" effect |
| Strap | Black rubber strap made from NHL pucks, steel clasp |
| Steel bracelet with folding clasp | |
| Movement | Caliber N17, Sellita SW500 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 62 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, day, date, chronograph, rotating bezel |
| Limited Edition | Limited to 1917 pieces |
| Price | 5490 USD (black rubber strap) |
| 5690 USD (steel bracelet) |
Conclusion
The Norqain Adventure Sport NHL Limited Edition is an example of a successful and well-thought-out collaboration between a watch brand and a major sports league. The model combines hockey aesthetics and Norqain's signature style, avoiding excessive obtrusiveness and creating a harmonious and functional product. For hockey fans and watch collectors, this limited series presents an interesting and sought-after object, combining quality, exclusivity, and a sporty spirit.