Norqain, the Swiss family-owned independent watch brand have recently released their first skeletonized flyback chronograph. Presenting the Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM!
Review: the new Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM Limited Edition
The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM Limited Edition has a retail price of SGD 10,450 while the standard stainless steel model is priced at SGD 9,250 for the rubber strap variant and SGD 9,650 for the steel bracelet model. Both prices are inclusive of GST and is correct at the time of publishing.
Norqain have just released a pair of new watch from the Independence series. First up, it is the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM in 316L Steel Case paired with either a steel bracelet or their signature integrated “milanese” rubber strap. Second is the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM Limited Edition in Grade 5 Titanium case with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating with purple “milanese” integrated rubber strap. In this review, we focus on the Skeleton Chrono 42MM Limited Edition. The Limited Edition watch is limited to 300 pieces worldwide, of which Asia Pacific region is only allocated 30 pieces.
First Impression/ The Case
We were presented with the Norqain Skeleton Chrono 42MM Limited Edition at Pan Pacific Orchard at the Singapore’s launch event. When we laid eyes on it, the DNA of the Norqain Independent series of watches radiates, with a strong feel that it is ready for an adventure just like it’s siblings.
When we don on the watch, the 42mm case with a 13.90mm thickness has a presence of an adventure watch. However, despite it being a chunky watch, it weighs less than 90 grams, making it a comfortable watch to wear all day for any adventure which the watch is designed for.
The lightweight character is all attributed to the Grade 5 Titanium case. It is Norqain’s first ever watch that features a case made entirely of the lightweight metal. The titanium case is then treated with diamond-like carbon coating which provides the watch with a stealthy all black look but at the same time providing more durability to the already durable metal.
The chronograph pushers are integrated pushers to case side, with a screw down crown achieving a 100 meter water resistance. On the left flank of the watch, it features the typical Norqain plate which has space for the owner to engrave up to 14 characters to give the watch a form of individuality.
The Dial
Once we look past the case and through the double anti-reflective sapphire glass, we see the skeletonised satin finished dial finished with purple detailing. The bi-compax chronograph dial layout is fairly typical, with a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a running seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The purple accents are on sloped rehaut and selected bridges which are chosen to form the shape of a mountain. Reminding the wearer of Norqain’s second home in the Swiss Alpine resort of Zermatt.
Being an adventure inspired watch brand such as Norqain, easy legibility of the dial is paramount. During the day, the stark contrast of the diamond cut indexes and hands against the dark coloured skeletonised dial defies the usual stereotype of a hard to read skeletonised watch. When night falls, the indexes, hours and minute hands are filled with X1 GL C3 Super-LumiNova® which shines brightly for the wearer during any adventure.
The Movement
The movement on the Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42MM is a new mechanical milestone for the young adventure watch brand. The Norqain 8K Manufacture Caliber (NK24/1) is a mechanical automatic flyback chronograph movement developed in partnership between Norqain and Manufacture AMT. The movement is conceived under the guidance of Norqain’s founder and CEO Ben Küffer and Norqain’s Advisor to the Board, Jean-Claude Biver.
Manufacture AMT might not be a known movement manufacture to many but we are all familiar with it. AMT is a division of Sellita, set up to manufacture a range of high end custom or bespoke “manufacture” movement. Manufacture AMT have manufactured movements for renown watch brands such as Tag Heuer, appearing on the Aquaracer range , the TH 31 series of movements and Hanhart on it’s 417 ES 1954 Flyback Panda and Reverse Panda 39.
Norqain christened the AMT Manufactured movement as the 8K Manufacture Caliber. The movement takes its name from the world’s highest mountains. There are 14 peaks over 8,0000 meters and often referred by mountaineers and explorers as the “Eight-Thousanders”. The 8K manufacture caliber not only has an impressive name, it comes with an impressive flyback chronograph complication. The flyback functionality enables the user to reset the chronograph back to zero instantly upon depressing the bottom pusher without stopping the timer.
Norqain’s flyback chronograph movement is controlled through a column wheel helps with the actuation of the chronograph. This results in a “buttery smooth” feedback when we depress the pushers of the chronograph.
Apart from the flyback chronograph function and the industry benchmarked column wheel, the 8K Manufacture Caliber features a weekend proof 62 hours power reserve with COSC certification ensuring it keeps time well though out the weekend and is ready for any adventures that the upcoming weekday may bring. Winding up the mainspring in movement is a bespoke oscillating weight with engravings of the Norqain’s double-N Logo.
As we look past the bespoke oscillating weight, the movement features a mountain shape on one of the bridges as a decorative finishing. The movement bridges and main plate features satin black finishing with polished and sandblasted surfaces. The interesting dark choice of finishing gives the movement a more mysterious vibe just like the mountains during the snowy winter nights.
The Strap
Apart from the design of the dial, the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Limited Edition retains the DNA of the Independence collection with it’s strap. The Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Limited Edition is paired with an integrated purple rubber strap with “Milanese” pattern and the watch is secured in place by a black DLC Titanium pin buckle.
We fondly remembered that Norqain had the same strap on the Wild One Skeleton we reviewed last year. It is a comfortable strap that is ready for any adventure. One little nitpick… The tang buckle supplied does not allow micro adjustment. Perhaps Norqain might consider using a deployant buckle with fine adjustment instead. Would make the cool strap even cooler.
Competitive Landscape
Norqain have entered into a really competitive era where by quite a number of big brands have introduced Flyback Chronograph in the recent years with very competitive pricing. Here are some of our top picks that rivals against this new kid on the block.
First up, it is the Longines Spirit Flyback in Titanium which retails for SGD 7,910 with a full titanium bracelet. Though the Longines is priced lower than the Norqain, it is no slouch! It also features a mechanical automatic flyback chronograph movement with column wheel that is COSC certified. And the choice of either will boil down to whether the skeleton dial and colour accents on the Norqain are more appealing than the more staid look of the Longines.
Second watch that is a strong contender, is the Zenith Pilot Big Date Chronograph. Though the Zenith is more expensive coming in at SGD 17k, it carries with it the strong heritage of the El Primero fame. Furthermore, the complication of the big date would come in handy for some. The Zenith was a watch that we had as a loner for an extensive period of time and we really enjoyed it. But it too lacks the skeleton dial, if that’s important to you. And the fancier colourway offered by Norqain.
Third watch that would rival the Norqain is the Tag Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer which retails at SGD 20.1k. The Monza collection of watches was initially launched in 1976 to celebrate the historic accomplishment of Ferrari winning the constructors and driver’s Formula One Championship. Fast forward to 2023, the Monza Flyback Chronometer was released. The contemporary Monza now features a 42MM carbon case, encasing an in-house skeletonised flyback chronograph movement that is COSC certified. Now that’s one hell of a package where it has both the looks and the functionality. What a drool-worthy piece!
Conclusion
The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 8K is a functional piece that will be able to get one through the adventures in life. It features a masculine and unmistakable design along with a robust Selita based drivetrain which will withstand the test of time.
It wears well, with the 42mm case, and the colour scheme is a love it or hate it kind of scenario. We kinda love it, most of the time, but for a less flashy alternative, the regular Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 8k might be more suitable than our review sample.
