introducing-the-norqain-independence-40mm-hakuna-mipaka

Introducing the Norqain Independence 40mm Hakuna Mipaka

Norqain might only be five years old, but it has managed to establish itself as a promising independent brand producing rugged, functional watches with enough personality to stand out from the crowd. Norqain’s latest watch is the result of a collaboration with wildlife ambassador Dean Schneider and flaunts a trendy leopard-print pattern on the dial and strap. As part of the Independence collection, the Hakuna Mipaka is a sporty 3-hand and date model but now comes in a smaller 40mm case and is marketed by the brand as a ladies’ watch.

Norqain Independence 40mm Hakuna Mipaka

With industry heavyweight Jean-Claude Biver on the advisory board, Norqain launched the Independence Wild One in 2022 with an innovative carbon fibre composite material and an eye-catching textured 3D laser-cut dial. The new Independence Hakuna Mipaka also features a striking textured dial with a leopard spot pattern. Designed with Dean Schneider, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to his Hakuna Mipaka wildlife sanctuary and animal rehabilitation centre in South Africa.

Featuring a smaller 40mm case size with a height of 12.05mm, the 316L stainless steel case has a black DLC coating and features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. As a member of the Independence collection, the prominent crown guards on the right side of the case are balanced out on the left to produce a look that references an iconic luxury sports watch made by Patek Philippe. Like other Norqain watches, there is a screwed-down plaque on the left case flank. The screw-down crown and caseback ensure water-resistance of 100m.

Norqain Independence 40mm Hakuna Mipaka

The leopard print pattern on the dial, which extends to the velvety rubber strap, is the star feature of the watch. The diamond-cut rose gold-plated indices and hands are treated with white X1 Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility in low-light conditions. The rose gold spear-and-shield logo of Dean Schneider’s wildlife sanctuary is featured on the dial at 6 o’clock, and there is a discreet date window with a black background at 3 o’clock.

What is somewhat surprising, given the brand’s partnership with movement maker Kenissi, is the fact that the watch is equipped with an automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement. COSC-chronometer certified, the movement has a personalised Norqain rotor, beats at a frequency of 4Hz and delivers a power reserve of 38 hours.

The Independence 40mm Hakuna Mipaka retails for CHF 3,490. More information at www.norqain.com.

Technical specifications – Norqain Independence 40mm Hakuna Mipaka

Case: 40mm diameter x 12.05 height x 46.30mm lug to lug – 316L stainless steel with black DLC coating – screw-down crown – engraved plaque on case side – flat sapphire crystal with AR treatment over dial, flat sapphire glass on caseback – 100m water-resistance

Dial: black with leopard-print pattern – rose gold-plated applied diamond-cut indices with white Super-LumiNova – rose gold-plated diamond-cut hour, minute and central seconds hands with SLN – date window at 3 o’clock – rose gold Norqain and Hakuna Mipaka logos applied to dial at noon and 6 o’clock

Movement: calibre NN08, based on Sellita SW200-1 automatic – COSC-chronometer certified – 28,800vph – 38h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking) and date

Starp: black rubber strap with leopard pattern

Reference: NB3008B03A/LEO303/320BRLP.18B

https://monochrome-watches.com/introducing-norqain-independence-40mm-hakuna-mipaka-specs-price/

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