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Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as PiagetBulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

Introducing The New Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono in Steel & Titanium

The first chronograph in the Independence collection, powered by the new 8K Calibre

Since it was established in 2018, Norqain has quickly made a name for itself in the watch industry with its distinctive timepieces despite being a relatively young brand. Each release reflects the brand's commitment to quality and adventure, appealing to a new generation of watch enthusiasts who appreciate both style and craftsmanship. In 2020, Norqain announced its partnership with Kenissi, and two years later, the brand introduced the renowned Independence Wild ONE collection, which has since expanded with notable models like the Coral and Gecko. 

Now, Norqain is debuting the Independence Skeleton Chrono, the first chronograph in the Independence series, powered by the new 8K Manufacture Calibre, developed in collaboration with Manufacture AMT.

The new Independence Skeleton Chrono is available in two versions: one crafted from 316L stainless steel, and another in a black DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium case. Both models feature a 41.8mm diameter and a thickness of 13.9mm. The case showcases a combination of sandblastedpolished, and brushed finishes, topped with a double anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Additionally, it has a sapphire crystal caseback, along with a screw-down crown, chronograph pushers, and 100 meters of water resistance.

The skeletonized dials feature openworked bridges in either black or purple hue, adorned with Norqain's signature double "N" mountain logo. The dial includes two sub-dials: a 30-minute chronograph counter positioned at 12 o'clock and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The hands and indices are gold-plated and coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility.

The name of the 8K movement (NK24/1) is inspired by the world's tallest mountains—14 peaks exceeding 8,000 meters, commonly known to mountaineers as the "Eight-Thousanders." This aligns perfectly with Norqain 's adventurous brand identity. Developed by Manufacture AMT with input from Norqain Advisor Jean-Claude Biver, who also played a key role in the launch of the Independence Wild ONE colleciton, the movement reflects the brand's pursuit of excellence. Notably, AMT is a high-end movement producer under the Swiss manufacturer Sellita. The 8K is a COSC-certified automatic column-wheel flyback chronograph, operating at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a power reserve of 62 hours.

The steel variant comes with an integrated stainless steel bracelet priced at AED 25,000, or a black textured rubber strap priced at AED 24,000. It won’t be limited, except by production. Initially, 300 pieces of the Independence Skeleton Chrono Steel have been commissioned, with a second batch expected in time for Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025. In contrast, the purple variant is limited to 300 pieces and comes with a purple textured rubber strap, priced at AED 27,100.

For more information you can visit Norqain’s official website. 

Technical specifications: Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono
  1. Reference: NNT3200BC/P321 (purple variant), NN3200SC/B323/102SKC (steel variant with bracelet), NN3200SC/B323/322CHBR.20S (steel variant with strap)
  2. Case: 316L stainless steel or black DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium, sandblastedpolishedbrushed, double anti-reflective sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal caseback, screw-down crown, chronograph pushers
  3. Diameter: 41.8mm 
  4. Thickness: 13.9mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: skeletonizedopenworked bridges in either black or purple, Norqain's signature double "N" mountain logo, 30-minute chronograph counter positioned at 12 o'clock, small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, gold-plated Super-LumiNova coated hands and indices
  7. Movement: 8K (NK24/1) caliber, automatic, Manufactured by AMT, COSC-certified, column-wheel flyback chronograph, 31 rubies
  8. Power reserve: 62 hours
  9. Frequency: 28,800vph (4Hz) 
  10. Functions: chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds
  11. Bracelet / Strap: stainless steel bracelet, black of purple rubber strap 
  12. Availability: steel limited production, Purple limited to 300 pieces 
  13. Price: (Steel with bracelet) AED 25,000, (Steel with strap) AED 24,000, (Purple with strap) AED 27,100

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