The Norqain Independence Skeleton 42mm, now in Grey

Norqain’s Independence family is home to many of the brand’s most coveted models, including the recently released Independence Skeleton Chrono with a proprietary manufacture calibre developed with GMT. The Independence is also home to the robust carbon fibre Wild One, conceived with Jean-Claude Biver, as well as the brand’s first skeletonised model introduced in 2021. Today, Norqain revisits its 42mm Independence Skeleton model with a grey flange and red gold-plated indices and hands.

Identical in build to earlier editions like this Independence Skeleton 22 released two years ago and the fifth-anniversary Skeleton models of 2023, the only detail that has been changed is the grey colour of the flange.

Measuring 42mm across, the stainless steel case has a height of 11.80mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 48.75. Living up to its sports watch reputation, the case is water-resistant to 100 metres with a screw-down crown protected by guards. Like all Norqain watches, there is a screwed-on plate on the left case flank. The case has polished and brushed finishes with a sandblasted treatment inside the hollowed areas of the lugs. The dial and caseback are fitted with flat sapphire crystals.

Forgoing a traditional dial, the openworked dial reveals different components of the NN086 automatic calibre, a skeletonised Sellita SW200-1S. Attached to the grey sloping flange with a five-minute scale is the chapter ring bearing the red gold-plated indices. Diamond-cut and faceted, the applied indices surpass the limits of the chapter ring and are treated with white X1 Super-LumiNova. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are also red gold-plated with luminescent tips, and the central seconds hand has a red arrow at its tip, also filled with lume.

To maintain the watch’s sporty credentials, each mounting point of the Sellita SW200-S1 is secured by connecting arms for greater rigidity and resistance to impacts. Visible from the front and back, the ruthenium finish of the COSC chronometer-certified movement gives it a contemporary look and feel. It runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and delivers a modest 41-hour power reserve.

The Independence Skeleton fitted with an integrated stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp retails for CHF 4,100; the same model on a grey textured rubber strap retails for CHF 3,850. More information at Norqain.com.