Climbing Higher: Norqain Unveils the Independence Skeleton Chrono, Featuring the New 8K Manufacture Caliber

Norqain, a family-owned independent Swiss brand founded in 2018, continues its rise in the horological world with its latest release: the Independence Skeleton Chrono, powered by the new 8K Manufacture caliber. Still considered one of the great challenges in watchmaking, genuine chronograph movements are a testament to a brand’s commitment to ensuring higher standards of quality and craftsmanship. There is only a small circle of high-end brands that can take pride in being able to produce such a complex mechanism capable of measuring the fractions of time.

As such, the 8K Manufacture Caliber, developed in partnership with Sellita’s high-end division AMT and industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver, represents Norqain’s most ambitious mechanical creation to date. Fittingly, this column-wheel chronograph movement takes inspiration from the world’s 14 highest peaks, the “Eight-Thousanders,” reflecting Norqain’s audacious spirit of exploration and pursuit of new horological heights.

The COSC-chronometer certified self-winding movement with a flyback function and a 62-hour power reserve features a skeletonized construction, with the rotor and bridges displaying the alpine motif. Thanks to the likewise skeletonized dial, refined details, such as the escapement at 10 o’clock, can be admired from the front.

The Independence Skeleton Chrono is available in two distinct designs, one in stainless steel and one in titanium. Both versions are water-resistant to 100 meters and measure 41.8mm in diameter and 13.9mm in thickness. The stainless steel model is limited to 300 pieces, with a second batch announced for the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025. Pricing is marked at $6,490 for the bracelet version and at $6,190 with a rubber strap.

The titanium grade 5 iteration is limited to 300 pieces with no further production after this batch sells out. This model features a black DLC-coated titanium case with distinctive purple accents, offering a modern, sporty aesthetic. It is paired with a purple textured rubber strap that accentuates its bold color scheme. Pricing is marked at $6,990.

Norqain will be joining the WatchTime New York event this year, with the Independence Skeleton Chrono models on display with an array of other incredible timepieces as part of the event, taking place at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall from October 18th to 20th, 2024.

To learn more, visit Norqain, here.