Few young watch brands have gained popularity as quickly and aggressively as the independent Swiss brand NORQAIN. Since its launch in 2018, the company has built a stellar reputation among enthusiasts and established a close manufacturing partnership with Kenissi, a movement manufacturer affiliated with Tudor, to develop exclusive calibers for its watches.
The limited 2020 Independence 20 series served as the launchpad for these 'manufacture' Kenissi movements and became one of the brand's most successful models to date: the entire run sold out in just a few days.
In 2021, NORQAIN is expanding its sporty Independence line with two new models, each featuring unique finishes and chronometer-grade movements but with entirely different executions. The new limited edition NORQAIN Independence 21 and the limited edition NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton highlight the impressive quality and versatility of the brand's modern sporty aesthetics while showcasing movement work that far exceeds expectations.
Both the NORQAIN Independence 21 and NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton models feature a 42mm stainless steel case. The overall design of both models echoes the Independence 20 series: an angular, contemporary approach to classic sports watches with an athletic feel in their appearance.
As in the Independence 20 series, the smooth beveled bezel, shallow side cutouts on the case, and bold square crowns feature matte, polished, and sandblasted finishes, adding depth and dynamism to the form.
As with all NORQAIN models, the brand adds its signature plaque on the side of the case at 9 o'clock to both Independence 21 models. The Independence 21 DLC Skeleton model stands out from its predecessors thanks to its eponymous black DLC coating, giving the basic design an aggressive and stealthy look. Both the Independence 21 and Independence 21 DLC Skeleton boast a solid sport watch water resistance of 100 meters.
Naturally, the most striking visual difference between the NORQAIN Independence 21 and the NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton lies in the dial design. Both models feature a black outer ring, applied rectangular luminescent indices, a skeletonized dauphine handset, and a spear-shaped seconds hand with a red tip borrowed from the Independence 20 model, but nearly all other visible elements under the sapphire glass are new.
For the most part, the Independence 21 repeats the visual features of the Independence 20, including the hand-applied matte 'scratched dial' finish, which leaves a unique pattern on each example. However, instead of the forest green of the Independence 20, the main dial surface here is a deep oceanic blue.
However, for the dial of the NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton with a full skeleton, the brand takes a much more radical approach. As with many other full skeleton models, the intricate web of movement bridges can create legibility issues in first images, but NORQAIN aims to address another drawback of skeleton watches in this design.
Due to narrow bridges and aesthetics-based construction principles, many full skeleton movements suffer from low shock resistance compared to traditional movements. NORQAIN uses an architectural approach to skeletonization, ensuring each pivot point is supported by at least two skeletonized arms.
The brand claims that the result, despite its airiness and complexity, provides much higher shock resistance. NORQAIN completes this intricate skeletonized structure with bridges coated in ruthenium for added shine.
In the NORQAIN Independence 21 model, the brand uses the automatic NN20/1 movement, developed and manufactured in partnership with Kenissi. The NN20/1 shares several features with the Tudor MT5621 movement developed by Kenissi, including a large 70-hour power reserve at 28,800 beats per second and a nearly identical balance bridge. The NN20/1 movement is also COSC-certified as a chronometer, attesting to its accuracy. The finishing is minimal, with a matte rotor featuring the NORQAIN double N logo.
NORQAIN equips the Independence 21 DLC Skeleton with the automatic skeletonized Sellita SW200-1 S movement. Despite the relatively modest base movement, the SW200-1 S is COSC-certified for accuracy and represents the brand's very first skeleton.
As with the standard Independence 21 model, the SW200-1 S finishing from NORQAIN is clean and straightforward, aside from the aforementioned ruthenium coating, with virtually no stripes, polishing, perlage, or beveled edges. Unlike the NN20/1 model with its large power reserve, the SW200-1 S offers a below-average power reserve of 38 hours at 28,800 beats per second.
NORQAIN outfits the Independence 21 and Independence 21 DLC Skeleton models with either a black leather strap with a heavily textured curved end or the brand's signature three-link 'oyster-style' stainless steel bracelet with fluted polished center links.
For the Independence 21 DLC Skeleton, this is also the brand's first bracelet with a black DLC coating.
The limited editions NORQAIN Independence 21 and NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton, representing two strikingly different approaches to the same base design, expand the brand's visual range by showcasing its technical and material capabilities.
The NORQAIN Independence 21 model will be released in just 200 pieces, while the NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton will be limited to 100 units. Both models are now available at authorized dealers, with the starting price for the NORQAIN Independence 21 at USD 3,110 and the starting price for the NORQAIN Independence 21 DLC Skeleton at USD 3,990. More information can be found on the brand's website.
