A Watch Born for Adventure: The Origins of Norqain’s Neverest Collection
Norqain, a relatively young player in the Swiss watch industry, has quickly carved out a niche for itself by focusing on adventure-inspired timepieces.
The Neverest collection is no exception. Drawing inspiration from Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, these watches are designed for those who embrace extreme challenges.
But what sets the Neverest GMT apart is not just its robust construction—it’s the brand’s commitment to social responsibility, reflected in its partnership with the Butterfly Help Project.
The Butterfly Help Project: Climbing for a Cause
Founded in 2016 by Norbu Sherpa and Andrea Sherpa-Zimmermann, the Butterfly Help Project is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting the children of Sherpas who have been injured or killed in mountaineering accidents.
The Sherpa community, integral to Himalayan expeditions, often faces life-threatening risks, and the project aims to alleviate some of the resulting burdens.
Through its contributions, Norqain has funded education for over 50 children as of 2021, with plans to extend this support in the future.
This partnership underscores the brand’s ethos: blending high-performance craftsmanship with a cause resonates deeply with the spirit of adventure.
Craftsmanship and Performance: What Makes the Neverest GMT Stand Out
A GMT Designed for Global Adventures
The Neverest GMT is built to withstand the rigors of global travel and extreme environments.
The 41-mm stainless steel case offers durability, while the GMT function allows wearers to track multiple time zones—a feature essential for adventurers and frequent travelers.
The blue dial variant, with its 24-hour time scale and additional hour hand, ensures timekeeping remains precise and legible, no matter the location.
One of the standout features is the manually adjustable main hour hand, which can be advanced in hourly increments.
This allows for quick timezone adjustments without disrupting the home time display—a crucial feature for those navigating different time zones.
The bezel, crafted with a scratch-resistant ceramic inlay, can also be rotated to track a third time zone, adding to the watch’s versatility.
The Heart of the Watch: Kenissi Calibre NN20/2
At the core of the Neverest GMT is the Kenissi Calibre NN20/2, an automatic movement developed in partnership with Swiss movement manufacturer Kenissi.
Known for producing movements for renowned brands like Tudor, Kenissi ensures the NN20/2 is both reliable and precise.
With a 70-hour power reserve and COSC certification, this movement meets the high standards expected of a Swiss-made timepiece.
However, like many Tudor movements, the NN20/2 is primarily focused on performance rather than aesthetics, offering minimal decoration.
The Design Philosophy: Balancing Functionality with Style
The Adventure-Ready Aesthetic
Norqain’s design philosophy for the Neverest GMT is rooted in functionality.
Every element of the watch is designed to serve a purpose, from the robust stainless steel case to the ceramic bezel resists scratches.
The dial’s layout is clean and legible, with hands and markers designed for easy reading in any condition.
The addition of a plaque on the case at 9 o’clock adds a personalized touch, allowing wearers to engrave their own message for an additional fee.
Strap and Clasp: Built for Comfort and Durability
The Neverest GMT comes with a textile-look rubber strap, offering both durability and comfort.
The strap is paired with a high-quality buckle featuring a milled pin, ensuring a secure fit during any adventure.
For those who prefer a more traditional look, Norqain offers a stainless-steel bracelet option.
Despite the watch’s rugged design, it remains comfortable for daily wear, though some may find the 15-mm height slightly bulky.
Performance Analysis: How Does the Neverest GMT Measure Up?
Rate Performance: Precision Under Pressure
In testing, the Norqain Adventure Neverest GMT showed strong overall performance, though there were some areas for improvement.
The watch’s rate performance was solid, with an average daily deviation fell within acceptable limits.
However, the largest difference among tested positions indicated a slight inconsistency, which might be a consideration for those who demand absolute precision in their timepieces.
Bezel Functionality: A Minor Drawback
One of the few drawbacks noted during testing was the bezel’s alignment.
When rotating the bezel to adjust for a third time zone, the hour indexes did not always snap precisely into place over the 24-hour markings on the dial.
While this is a minor issue, it can be a point of frustration for users who require exact alignment for tracking time across multiple zones.
Displaying the hour, minute and seconds with a level of precision exceeds industry standards, this Manufacture Calibre has been designed to withstand the movements and jolts of an active lifestyle.
- Sturdy construction for lasting durability
- Weekend-proof power reserve
- Certified precision (COSC)
Market Position: Where Does the Neverest GMT Stand?
Competing in the Adventure Watch Segment
The adventure watch market is crowded with offerings from well-established brands like Rolex, Omega, and Breitling.
However, Norqain has managed to carve out a niche by offering high-quality watches with a compelling backstory and a commitment to philanthropy.
The Neverest GMT is positioned as a premium option for those who value both performance and purpose.
Priced at $3,760, it competes with other luxury GMT watches, offering comparable features at a competitive price point.
Customer Reception and Feedback
Customer feedback on the Neverest GMT has been largely positive, with many praising its build quality, design, and the brand’s charitable efforts.
The watch’s versatility and functionality have made it a favorite among adventurers and frequent travelers.
However, some users have noted the minor bezel alignment issue as an area for improvement.
Overall, the Neverest GMT has been well-received, with its blend of style, functionality, and social impact resonating with a wide audience.
Case
- 316L stainless steel case
- Diameter: 40.00mm
- Thickness: 12.55mm
- Width between lugs: 20.00mm
- Lug to lug: 48.30mm
- Water resistance: 200m
- Double anti-reflective, scratch-proof, double-domed sapphire glass
- Open case back with scratch-proof flat sapphire glass
- Screw-down crown with NORQAIN logo
- Engraved 316L stainless steel NORQAIN Plate on the left side of the case
Bezel
- 316L stainless steel bezel with ceramic ring
- Grey ceramic ring, with minute graduation and Superluminova insert at 12 o’clock
- Unidirectional, counter-clockwise rotating with click system
- Knurled bezel to ensure optimal handling
Dial
- White Glacier dial with cracks inspired by crevasses on Mt. Everest
- Diamond-cut, faceted, indexes with white Superluminova
- Black colour NORQAIN logo
- Diamond-cut faceted hour and minute hands, filled with white Superluminova
- Diamond-cut flat central second hand, red painted tip filled with white Superluminova
Movement
- NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre NN20/1 by Kenissi
- Mechanical automatic movement
- Chronometer certified (COSC)
- 27 rubies
- Personalised bridge with NORQAIN core values: “Adventure – Freedom – Independence”
- Personalised NORQAIN oscillating weight
- 70 hours power reserve
- Balance frequency: 28’800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Straps
- Integrated 316L stainless steel bracelet – folding clasp with additional security clasp
- Rubber strap inspired by the knurled bezel design – pin buckle
- Flex fabric strap – hook
Warranty
4 + 1 year warranty (NORQAINER Community)
Conclusion: The Norqain Adventure Neverest GMT—More Than Just a Watch
The Norqain Adventure Neverest GMT is more than just a tool for telling time; it’s a statement of intent for those who seek to push boundaries, both in their personal endeavors and in supporting a greater cause.
With its robust design, practical features, and connection to the Butterfly Help Project, the Neverest GMT embodies the spirit of adventure and compassion.
