Norqain Introduces its First Flyback Chronograph, The Independence Skeleton Chrono

Norqain reaches an important milestone in its relatively short lifespan with the introduction of its first flyback chronograph movement. Known as the calibre 8K, the movement was developed in partnership with AMT and makes its debut inside the brand’s Independence collection with a skeletonised dial. As a brand that designs watches for outdoor adventures and alpinism, the name of the new flyback chronograph movement is inspired by the world’s 14 highest peaks, collectively known as the eight-thousanders. Let’s discover the new Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono in detail.

Founded in 2018 in Nidau, Norqain is an independent, family-owned watch brand with a portfolio of sporty, adventure-ready models congregated in three collections: Freedom, Adventure and Independence. With Ben Küffer at the helm, the brand has ascended with impressive speed thanks to the input of industry veterans like Jean-Claude Biver, who, as a board advisor, pushed the development of the Wild One with its high-tech, shock-resistant carbon fibre composite case.

In a similar move to Norqain’s partnership with Kenissi, the new flyback chronograph movement was, as the brand states, “developed in partnership between Norqain and Manufacture AMT”. AMT SA is the bespoke branch of Sellita where brands searching for something more advanced than off-the-shelf movements can order higher-end calibres.

In this case, AMT has taken a classic Sellita SW500 (a clone of the Valjoux 7750) and subjected it to heavy modifications to comply with Norqain’s brief. AMT’s extensive modifications to the base movement include the replacement of the cam-lever chronograph mechanism with a more sophisticated column wheel ensuring the precise and smooth activation of the pushers; the incorporation of a flyback function; an extended power reserve of 62 hours; COSC chronometry certification; and fully personalised and skeletonised, black-coated bridges and plates.

Fitted inside a 42mm Independence case, the new Independence Skeleton Chrono in steel has a slightly thicker case of 13.9mm (vs 11.8mm for a three-hand Independence) with a 22mm lug width and lug-to-lug distance of 49.8mm. The prominent ears on either side of the case impart a robust, virile vibe. The brushed surfaces on the lugs and bezel contrast with the polished bevels and recessed sandblasted areas on the left flank with the brand’s plate that can be personalised. Now, with the integration of chronograph pushers, the case has a more asymmetric profile. Thanks to the screw-down crown and caseback, the water-resistance rating is still 100m.

Proud of its new accomplishment, Norqain has gone for a skeletonised dial with black openworked bridges revealing parts of the K8’s mechanics. The bridges in the top half of the dial feature a superimposed black cut-away structure representing Norqain’s double N mountain logo. The two vertically aligned sub-dials – 30-minute totaliser at noon and small seconds at 6 o’clock – have snailed rings, white markings, golden numerals and gold-plated hands. The gold-plated theme continues with the indices and the openworked hour and minute hands. For enhanced legibility, the indices and hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova. The black-plated central chronograph hand has an arrow-shaped SLN-treated tip that alights on the white precision minutes/seconds track on the black peripheral sloping flange.

The sapphire window on the caseback reveals the black openworked rotor with Norqain’s double N mountain logo and contemporary sandblasted, polished and brushed finishings throughout. Norqain gives the option for the steel model between a black textured rubber strap closed by a pin buckle, or a brushed-polished stainless steel bracelet closed by a folding clasp with additional security clasp.

Availability & Price

The 8K calibre powering the non-limited stainless steel Independence Skeleton Chrono will also be fitted inside a black titanium DLC model with purple accents in a limited edition of 300 pieces retailing for CHF 6,450. Although the steel version is not a limited edition, Norqain has only commissioned 600 examples of the 8K calibre but plans to have a second batch in time for Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025. The Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono in stainless steel retails for CHF 5,950 on the 4-link stainless steel bracelet or CHF 5,700 on a rubber strap.

For more information, please consult norqain.com.