The Independence Skeleton Chrono is the latest from Norqain, the maker of affordable sports watches. Available in stainless steel or DLC-coated titanium, the Independence Skeleton Chrono is equipped with a new movement, the “8K Manufacture Calibre (NK24/1)”. Developed in partnership with AMT, the NK24/1 is based on the architecture of the Sellita SW500 but upgraded in several ways, including a flyback function and a column wheel to replace the customary cam.

Initial thoughts

The Independence chronograph is now Norqain’s top-of-the-line offering, so it costs substantially more than the brand’s prior chronograph models. Still, the Independence arguably offers a similar value proposition as past Norqain models because while it’s more expensive, it is more watch. The case has more detail and the movement is more customised for the model.

The NK24/1 is a new development but clearly based on the Sellita SW500, but with enough upgrades for the price point. However, the NK24/1 is still as thick as a Sellita SW500, so the Independence is chunky and almost 14 mm high.

The Independence is priced at US$6,490 on a steel bracelet, and a bit more in titanium. The value proposition is good, but not quite great. While the execution of the Independence is as good as, or even a bit better, than many of its peers in the price segment, it can’t quite reach the value proposition of the leaders in the segment, namely Tudor and Longines, both of which enjoy economies of scale practically no one else can match.

Open-worked dial

The Independence is available in steel with a strap or bracelet, or titanium coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC) that’s a limited edition available only on a purple rubber strap.

The case is large at 41.8 mm in diameter and 13.9 mm in thickness. Water-resistant up to 100 m, the case is finished with a mixture of mirror-polishing and satin-brushing, with additional detail in the form of sandblasted recessed on the side of the lugs. Notably, the left flank of the case sports a plate secured with two screws that can be personalised with engraving.

Unusually for Norqain that mostly employs solid dials, the dial is skeletonised to form the Norqain logo of a double “N” that’s actually a stylised silhouette of a mountain range.

The dial has an appealing two-register layout arranged vertically, which is relatively uncommon for modern chronographs. It gives the dial a cleaner look that allows the skeletonisation to have maximum visual effect.

On the steel model, the open-worked dial is finished in dark grey with gilded hands and indices, while the titanium version has striking purple accents.

The open back reveals the NK24/1, a flyback chronograph movement with a column-wheel that’s also a COSC-certified chronometer. It was developed for Norqain by AMT (short for Advanced Mechanical Technology), a division of Sellita focused on premium, customised movements.

As it is built on the Sellita SW500 architecture, the NK24/1 has the same basic specs as the SW500, namely a balance oscillating at 4 Hz or 28,800 beats per hour, along with 62 hours of power reserve.

Besides the column wheel upgrade, the movement has been customised for Norqain with skeletonisation on the front and back, with even the bridges on the reverse echoing the Norqain mountain range logo.

Key facts and price

Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42 mm
Ref. NN3200SC/B323/102SKC (steel on bracelet)
Ref. NN3200SC/B323/322CHBR.20S (steel on rubber strap)
Ref. NNT3200BC/P321/322CHPR.20T (titanium on rubber strap)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 13.9 mm
Material: 316 steel or DLC grade 5 titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. NK24/1
Features: Hours, minutes, small seconds and flyback chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 62 hours

Strap: Matching stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap

Limited edition: Titanium model limited to 300 pieces; steel is regular production
Availability: Now at Norqain boutiques and retailers
Price: US$6,190 for steel on rubber; US$6,490 for steel on steel bracelet; US$6,990 for titanium

For more, visit norqain.com.