Norqain Releases New Independence Skeleton Chronographs

Norqain has expanded its Independence collection with the addition of two new flyback chronograph models that borrow some styling cues from the popular Wild One time-only models. The new Independence Chronographs feature the “8K Manufacture Caliber (NK24/1),” which is a movement developed for Norqain by Sellita's Manufacture AMT SA, not by the brand’s usual movement partner, Kenissi. The “8K” is a reference to the world’s highest peaks, known as the “Eight-Thousanders,” of which there are 14 total. This mountainous theme is carried through in the design, as well. The new watches are offered in steel, as a regular production model, and in titanium, as a limited edition of 200 units.

Norqain continues to lean into extreme adventure and lifestyle elements with its releases, and these new chronographs may be the most direct in doing so. The company calls this a Skeleton watch, though it is more accurately described as a watch whose open dial reveals a view to the balance and escape wheel, and some plates over the keyless works on the other side of the dial. There is a bridge plate connecting the dial components, which gets a dramatic mountain-peak design worked in along the 3 o’clock side. The design drives home the “extreme adventure” tone the brand is going for, though the compromise to legibility may render it slightly less than ideal in actual adventure scenarios. 

Titanium makes a lot of sense for a watch of this stature, and I’d have liked to see it as the standard material here. Both of the cases measure 42mm in diameter, and 13.9mm in thickness, with a lug-to-ug length of 49.8mm. This size won’t be for the faint of heart, but the titanium variation should find itself within the realm of reasonable wearability, especially on Norqain’s formed rubber strap. Yes, the case still uses an engraved plaque along the 9 o’clock wall. 

The movement at use here is something new for Norqain. It was developed in partnership between Norqain and Manufacture AMT, and makes use of custom bridges and oscillating weight. We have seen a flyback chronograph from ATM, the AMT5100, in watches from the likes of Hanhart and Furlan Marri, and this would seem to be a variation of that movement, though what exact changes have been made remain unclear. To Norqain’s credit, its release for these watches is transparent about where the movement is sourced from, and doesn’t use terms like “in-house.”

Manufacture ATM is the high-end production arm of Sellita, where bespoke creations and requests are handled. The manufacturer is located in Grenchen, Switzerland, not far from its movement producing competitor, ETA, as well as Breitling, and other familiar names. This is Sellita’s way of offering custom services to brands looking for personalized options. The Sellita AMT5100, TAG Heuer TH31-00, Airain AM2, are other calibers known to be produced here, and it would appear that Norqain is making use of a similar structure for the flyback chronograph movement seen here.

Unlike the Furlan Marri and Airain watches, which are priced between $3,000 - $4,000, the Independence Chronograph from Norqain is priced from $6,190 on a rubber strap, and $6,490 on a steel bracelet. The limited-edition titanium model is priced at $6,990. That said, fans of the brand will no doubt appreciate the dramatic design and opened-up dial which add a unique style that will no doubt make an impression from across a room. I particularly like the use of colors like purple here, which pushes the concept over the top altogether. 

The Norqain Independence Chronograph watches are available now, and allotments for the limited-edition titanium model can be requested on the brand’s website.