Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono
We’ve had a few watches come through from Norqain, but this new Independence Skeleton in Orange might just be the most striking so far. With its 42mm stainless steel case, it sits perfectly on my 7½-inch wrist. At 49.8mm lug-to-lug, it might feel a touch large for those with smaller wrists, but on mine it’s not only comfortable—it looks cracking. The case has a mix of alternating brushed and polished surfaces, the lugs, crown and chronograph pushers have been sandblasted giving a premium overall look.
The thick bezel surrounding the flush-mounted flat sapphire crystal, paired with those short lugs, gives the watch a surprisingly compact appearance. The orange highlights on the skeletonised dial really pop, especially when paired with the matching “Milanese”-style FKM rubber strap.
With previous Independence models in black, purple, and jade green, it’s the orange that really steals the show. Skeleton dials can sometimes be tricky to read, but with lume-tipped polished hands and that bold orange mountain design, this one’s far more legible than most. The anthracite sub-registers at 12 and 6, the white-printed orange chapter ring, and the polished, lume-filled applied hour markers all work together harmoniously to create a balanced and vibrant display.
The 8K Norqain Caliber is a column-wheel-equipped automatic chronograph featuring a bespoke flyback complication. Interestingly, AMT builds this caliber exclusively for Norqain, using the SW500 as its base. Performance-wise, it’s a COSC-certified chronometer offering a healthy 62-hour power reserve.
This isn’t a limited edition, but rather an additional colourway, one that I suspect will prove very popular. Some may find the £5,150.00 price tag a touch steep, but it sits comfortably within Norqain’s range. It’s exceptionally well made, extremely comfortable, and has just the right amount of flair to stand out. For those after a watch with a little something extra, this might be the one.
Norqain continues to deliver hit after hit, and the build quality is right up there. I’d still love to see this model in orange without the skeleton dial, but until (and if) that happens, the Independence Skeleton Chrono offers something for those bold enough to wear it. No shrinking violets here — and that’s part of the charm. Norqain has never been afraid to have fun with colour or design, and this model feels like a confident statement of that philosophy.
There’s an energy to the brand that reminds me of the early days of some now-established independents, a willingness to take chances, to back bold design decisions, and to keep things interesting. The orange edition feels like a watch made for those who want to stand out without shouting. It’s sporty, expressive, and yet refined enough to wear daily.