News: Zenith’s and Norqain’s Latest Watches Have Dials To Die For
A distinctive dial can elevate a watch from merely stunning to sublime, even becoming one of the most remarkable things about it. Consider the tapisserie effect of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak or the horizontally embossed ridges of Patek Philippe's Nautilus which add irresistible depth, texture and contrast. Thankfully, such desirable dials are not limited to the most expensive brands, as proved by these two superb new releases from Zenith and industry upstart Norqain...
Zenith Defy Classic Fusalp
Limited to just 400 pieces—100 in white and 300 in black—this 41mm ceramic watch is a collaboration with the French luxury ski-wear brand, Fusalp, which is celebrating 70 years of kitting out the kind of ultra-chic uber-rich who spend their winters on the slopes of Saint Moritz. The dial combines Zenith’s famous star logo with a snowflake design and features the colours of Fusalp’s logo (shared with those of France’s ‘Tricolore’ flag) on the periphery.
Zenith’s skeletonised Elite 670 in-house calibre, which holds a power reserve of 50 hours, is exposed through the dial and both versions are paired with a supple and textured matching rubber strap.
Case | Ceramic
Dimensions | 41mm
Dial | Open-work, skeletonised
Crystal | Sapphire
Water-resistance | 100 metres
Movement | Zenith Elite 670, automatic
Power Reserve | 50 hours
Frequency | 28,800 VpH
Strap | Rubber
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date
RRP | $10,000 (black ceramic) to $11,000 (white ceramic).
Norqain Adventure
Meanwhile Norqain, the fledgling Swiss indie that’s starting to get the recognition it deserves, has released this 42mm bronze watch as part of its Adventure collection. The overlapping dial pattern has been used before on its cheekily titled Neverest models but not in this colour. Within the bronze case—which will develop a unique patina over time—the green glistens like wet leaves beneath the red pop of the seconds hand, making a nice contrast.
While on the subject of Norqain, its Neverest Glacier watch is also worth a look, with a textured white dial designed to resemble the jagged crevasses of Everest’s lethal Khumbu Icefall. It’s the perfect budget alternative to Grand Seiko’s famous ‘White Birch’, easily one of the most attractive dials around today.
Case | Bronze
Dimensions | 42mm
Dial | Patterned
Crystal | Sapphire
Water-resistance | 100 metres
Movement | Norqain caliber NN08 (base Sellita SW 200-1)
Power Reserve | 38 hours
Frequency | 28,800 VpH
Strap | Khaki green rubber strap or black Cordura strap.
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date
RRP | $2,590
