SpotlightFive New Timepieces Grace Norqain’s Independence Collection

Established in 2018, Norqain have made sustainable strides in establishing themselves as one of the cool, young independent watch brands that are in it for the long haul. Ever since their launch, they have been continuously challenging the traditional watchmaking norms with their robust and reliable watches that are meant for those who seek adventure and live life on the edge. And, to mark five years of being in the business, they’ve launched five new timepieces in their Independence collection to celebrate this milestone. “Building Norqain and working with such a passionate team has been the adventure of a lifetime and a dream come true. I am grateful to the Norqainers around the world, who believed in us from the beginning and continue to support us with their engagement in our brand’s milestones. Our independence gives us the freedom to invest in our future and long-term vision. Norqain fans can rest assured that there is a lot more up our sleeves. I can’t wait to experience the next five years of this exciting journey,” says CEO Ben Küffer in an official statement. One of the highlights is the introduction of a micro-adjustment bracelet—a stainless-steel strap that can be shortened by 9mm on the fly, withoiut any tools, and is available with these five new references. Here’s a look.

Independence Skeleton 42mm DLC

The Skeleton model presented in 2021 and 2022 is already quite popular, and building on its success, the brand have now introduced a DLC-coated version with red-gold plated hands and indexes. The movement’s open-worked structure is based on the architecture principles of beam construction—where each support point is held by at least two arms. The indexes as well as the skeletonised hour, minute, and seconds hands are filled with X1 Super-LumiNova, which is 60 percent stronger than standard Super-LumiNova. The watch comes in a 42mm, polished and sandblasted case, enhanced by DLC coating and is powered by the chronometer-certified calibre NN08S, visible through the sapphire caseback. It is presented on an integrated DLC-coated stainless-steel with on-the-fly micro-adjustment or an integrated, animal cruelty-free, black rubber strap with Milanese structure.

Independence Skeleton 42mm Blue

The second version of the skeletonised Independence model comes in a blue hue and is as alluring as its DLC-coated counterpart. Here, the 42mm case is made of stainless steel and features polished, satined, and sandblasted finishings. The skeletonised dial showcases a blue flange along with hour, minute, and seconds hands—all varnished with a semi-matte-blue lacquer. The seconds hand is easily distinguished by a red tip and the watch is presented on a stainless-steel bracelet or on an integrated blue rubber strap.

The second version of the skeletonised Independence model comes in a blue hue and is as alluring as its DLC-coated counterpart

Here, the 42mm case is made of stainless steel and features polished, satined, and sandblasted finishings

The skeletonised dial showcases a blue flange along with hour, minute, and seconds hands—all varnished with a semi-matte-blue lacquer

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Independence 40mm Mint MOP & Diamonds

This 40mm model features a refreshing mint mother-of-pearl dial, adorned with 12 white diamonds and a date window positioned at three o’clock. The bezel is lined with 60 white diamonds that complement the icy-blue dial hue. The indexes and skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands are filled with X1 Super-LumiNova, which emits a long-lasting and highly visible glow in the dark. This elegant timekeeper is driven by the COSC-certified calibre NN08, visible through the exhibition caseback. It comes on a stainless-steel bracelet or an integrated, cruelty-free white rubber strap.

This 40mm model features a mint mother-of-pearl dial, adorned with 12 diamonds and a date window at three o’clock. The bezel is lined with 60 white diamonds that complement the icy-blue dial hue

The indexes and skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands are filled with X1 Super-LumiNova, which emits a long-lasting and highly visible glow in the dark

Independence 40mm Green Gradient and Brown Gradient

These two robust 40mm models feature dials with gradients of forest green or brown that look extremely alluring, set in a stainless-steel case, presented on a matching, sturdy steel bracelet. These watches are also special as it’s the first time that Norqain have introduced timepieces with a gradient design. The dials, with their dark-to-light gradient and a date window at three o’clock, also showcase a distressed or a ‘scratched’ finish on the surface—made by hand—so every piece is unique. The black inner flange on both designs allows the colour to stand out even more. The indexes and the skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands are coated with X1 Super-LumiNova, ensuring greater legibility in low-light conditions. These models are powered by the COSC-certified calibre NN08, which can be admired through the sapphire glass caseback, on turning them over. The Independence 40mm Green Gradient and Brown Gradient are available with an integrated bracelet or an integrated cruelty-free, black rubber strap.

There are two new 40mm models with dials in gradients of forest green or brown. These watches are also special as it’s the first time that Norqain have introduced timepieces with a gradient design

The dials, with their dark-to-light gradient and a date window at three o’clock, also showcase a distressed or a ‘scratched’ finish on the surface—made by hand—so every piece is unique

The indexes and the skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands are coated with X1 Super-LumiNova, ensuring greater legibility in low-light conditions

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