Hands-On With The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to go hands-on with several new Norqain watches. It’s been a positive experience and somewhat surprising. Generally, I’m not a fan of open-worked dials, but on the wrist, the brand’s pieces shine. Comfortable straps and wrist-conforming case designs help too. Today, I’m taking my first spin with a more complicated piece in a new color that’s perfect for the season. The Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange is here with a bit of Halloween flair.
Thus far, I’ve handled three-handed, open-worked watches from Norqain. They’ve all been more fun than I would have expected, and I’ve come away impressed. As a dyed-in-the-wool lover of boring watches, test-driving a Norqain is quite refreshing. More than that, I can understand why folks enjoy owning this type of watch. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the new Skeleton Chrono.
The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange
Over a year ago, I covered the then-new purple versions of the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm. However, this was at arm’s length since I wasn’t able to wear them. The latest model trades grapes for oranges, but otherwise, it’s quite similar. This translates to a 42mm by 49.8mm 316L stainless steel case with a 13.9mm profile. While a bracelet option is available, Norqain sent the watch on a textured orange rubber strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. Both choices are suitable for utilizing the watch’s 100m water resistance rating. The case, with its chiseled-out flanks, features the company’s calling card on the side opposite the crown. It’s a removable nameplate that can be customized with any engraved design.
A numbers-defying case
These days, I tend to turn my nose up at case sizes above 40mm. I also find that watches with lug-to-lug measurements longer than 47mm can look too large on my wrists. The Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange is an odd bird, though, because it fits perfectly. The thick bezel surrounding the flush-mounted and flat sapphire crystal works with correspondingly short lugs to give the watch a compact appearance.
Also, each lug curves downward dramatically, which provides a slim profile and hugs the wrist. It doesn’t mean that the watch is small, but it is wearable across a wider range of wrist sizes than the measurements suggest.
An open-worked dial with orange and anthracite details
Norqain’s press materials for the new Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange feature Antelope Canyon in the background. That’s apt imagery due to the dial’s hue. Instead of a bright orange tone, this shade recalls copper or Georgia red clay. I like it because it looks more natural than the typical colors used on watch dials. This also works well with the anthracite, rhodium-plated metal, and white Super-LumiNova details. It always takes some time to get used to an open-worked dial from a legibility perspective. This chrono is readable, though, thanks to the luminous hand tips. Otherwise, the dial features a mountain motif and allows for a clear view of the underlying movement. Running seconds and 30-minute totalizers sit within concave anthracite, open-worked subregisters. They are placed vertically, as on a vintage regulator.
The Norqain 8K caliber in the Skeleton Chrono
It’s my first time using the Norqain 8K caliber. This is a column-wheel-equipped automatic chronograph with a bespoke flyback complication. Interestingly, AMT builds the caliber exclusively for Norqain, which explains using the SW500 as a base. Performance-wise, the caliber is a COSC-certified chronometer with 62 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph. When depressing the upper pusher of a modern chronograph movement, most evoke the same feeling as when a new driver selects first gear in a car without fully applying the clutch. The 8K movement couldn’t be further from this, with its buttery actuation. It feels robust and high-end.
Where this watch fits
It’s easy to look at a Norqain and compare it to other open-worked offerings from brands like Zenith, Hublot, or TAG Heuer. For me, the Skeleton Chrono is a worthy competitor due to fit, finish, and design. Plus, the nicety of a chronometer certification is a bonus. Otherwise, companies like Omega also offer skeletonized pieces, such as the Speedmaster Apollo 8. The nice thing is that the Norqain is quite approachable compared to many of its competitors.
Final takeaways
The Skeleton Chrono 42mm Orange is not a limited edition and is available now at authorized dealers and via the brand’s official site. It is priced at £5,150 / €5,900 on a strap or £5,370 / €6,150 on the bracelet. While it is an investment, Norqain presents an interesting alternative to the previously mentioned brands. The colors hit quite nicely and look wonderful against the skin. Plus, the watch should look great with several of the brand’s available straps. I’d highly suggest going to check one out in the metal. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on this latest release.
