Norqain reveals a new orange colour for its most advanced chronograph
Zach BlassWhen the Independence Skeleton Chrono first launched, it was a big deal for Norqain. It debuted a new 8K manufacture calibre created with AMT to not only best reflect Norqain’s adventurous and outdoorsy essence, but also elevate its chronograph offerings with a higher-spec manufacture movement. Due to the complexity of the calibre, it is a limited production model for the brand, but that has not stopped Norqain from debuting a new colour configuration for its most advanced chronograph in its catalogue: orange.
The case
With one of the brand’s more elevated calibres inside, this 42mm stainless steel case, daily-wearer-solid with its 100-metre depth rating, takes things up a notch with its detailing. The typical mix of alternating brushed and polished surfaces is present, but the lugs and even the pushers of the chronograph have been scalloped and sandblasted. This triple-mix of finishes is something you are far more likely to see on more premium and higher-priced watches, far less common on a below US$7K chronograph like this. The crown, as well, exhibits a sandblasted backdrop for the logo.
As far as chronographs go, the case is just shy of relatively slender at 13.9mm, and it has a comfortable lug-to-lug span of 49.8mm that makes sense considering its 42mm diameter. For a modern, active lifestyle chronograph, the proportions suit the design very well.
The dial
So far, the Independence Skeleton Chrono has been made available with black, purple, and jade green colourways. This new orange hue, however, is my personal favourite. Legally, I have to choose my words carefully here; the orange, in my opinion, is evocative of the signature Hermès orange – a colour I am very fond of. I also, aside from finding it quite striking, feel that it makes a somewhat busy dial easier to read with the white printing on the outer minutes track legible to the eye. Speaking of legibility, all three central hands, along with the well-finished applied hour indices, are filled with Super-LumiNova. You will also likely notice the mountainous shape of the orange highlights, which is by no means random. It is very intentional – but more on that later.
The strap
To match the orange accents of the dial, Norqain has outfitted the new Independence Skeleton Chrono on an orange “Milanese rubber strap” – denoted as such due to the texture of the rubber’s upper. Though the example we went hands-on with is on a dial-matching orange strap, the watch can also be purchased on a case-matching steel bracelet. Normally, I am team bracelet, but this design, to me, feels so at home on the rubber strap.
The movement
The calibre is called the 8K in honour of the fourteen highest peaks in the world above 8,000 metres, which explains its openworked dial with an unmistakable mountain motif. This 8K movement does not particularly exhibit high horology finishes, like hand-bevelling that would make it much more expensive or Geneva stripes that would make it feel much more traditional… However, the blackened aesthetic, along with brushed and matte surfaces, makes it feel high-tech and modern – befitting of an adventurous, robust chronograph. In terms of spec, the 8K calibre is a COSC-certified 62-hour column-wheel flyback chronograph movement with nice, crisp actuation.
The verdict
At US$6,650 on the rubber strap and US$6,850, there will inevitably be some who try to say this watch is priced too high. Such individuals can decry Sellita movement or it’s a Norqain all they want, but that is far more indicative of ignorance than expert knowledge. For anyone down the rabbit hole enough to know how AMT and Sellita are connected, AMT is ultimately the higher-end arm that delivers far more bespoke and upgraded offerings. Norqain worked hand in hand with AMT to realise its manufacture-exclusive 8K calibre, which, with its mountainous architecture, is very reflective of the brand’s requirements aesthetically and technically. In fact, like I said before, the complexity of the calibre and its more premium nature require Norqain to make this model a limited production rather than regular production.
I would also emphasise the externals, with a very handsomely finished case and a rubber strap that is among the best quality in the industry, as a point of value too. Every watch is more expensive than we would like. We’re watch addicts, we want them all, right? This is the bane of luxury at the end of the day. I would argue, however, that though Norqain has established itself as a reputable watchmaker in the game, it does not rely on its name or brand power laurels and instead backs up its offerings with strong points of difference and a detail-oriented selection of components that ensure you are getting a high-performing, quality watch.
Though I think the case here is very well-finished, I would look forward to the day when this movement perhaps finds itself in a Wild One case. That could be very cool, Norqain, just saying…
Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono Orange pricing and availability
The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono Orange is available now for purchase, but it is a limited annual production model. Price: US$6,650 (rubber strap), US$6,850 (steel bracelet)
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Independence Skeleton Chrono Orange |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) 49.8mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Openworked, orange accents |
| Strap | Orange “Milanese rubber” strap, steel pin buckle Stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | 8K (NK24/1), manufacture calibre, automatic, COSC |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph |
| Availability | Limited production annually |
| Price | US$6,650 (rubber strap) US$6,850 (steel bracelet) |