Hands-on with the Norqain Independence Wild One Black & Khaki Watch
Friday - 07 October 2022
Norqain releases a robust, shock-proof and corrosion-resistant sports watch in a sleek black proprietary case material named NORTEQ. Meet the new Norqain Independence Wild One Black & Khaki watch
Norqain has launched a new and innovative composite carbon case material called NORTEQ that introduces a process where different colours can now be enjoyed alongside shock resistance, corrosion resistance, robustness and a lightweight feel on the wrist. The independent Swiss brand partners this with a striking 3D dial effect created by a three-tier construction and an eye-catching repeated double N logo. Other unique features include a specially decorated chronometer-certified automatic movement that can be viewed via a sapphire crystal glass caseback, adorned with the brand’s core values and the signature double N logo once again. To finish, the new Wild One watch is fitted on a vegan-certified rubber strap in khaki green to match the shade of its dial and crown guards. Here, we take a close look at the new Norqain Independence Wild One Black & Khaki watch.
Norqain has released the ultimate sports watch in the design of the new Independence Wild One Black & Khaki watch. The model has been released alongside a black and blue alternative that joins the standard catalogue in a non-limited form, plus a burgundy red carbon-cased limited edition model. Lastly, a limited edition Hakuna Mipaka watch has been released in collaboration with Swiss-born animal-lover Dean Schneider, inspired by the South African Oasis that thousands of species of animals now call their home.
The new Norqain Independence Wild One Black and Khaki watch follows the same design elements as its black and blue counterpart and is a result of a fully collaborative effort. To design the case, dial, movement and style of this new robust sports watch, the company has partnered with 5 other Swiss companies as well as seeking the help of industry legend Jean-Claude Biver, who has worked with Hublot, Omega, Blancpain and TAG Heuer in the past. Montremo SA has helped to develop the watch’s laser-cut dial, Kenissi has produced its chronometer-certified movement, and Waeber HMS SA has designed the skeletonised hands that have become such a signature design code of the brand’s popular Independence watch collection.
The NORTEQ case design
The design of the Wild One’s multi-material case construction, however, is an entity within itself. It has taken the collaborative work of Norqain and BIWI SA to produce its corrosion-resistant and shock-proof composition. The strength of the case has been proven, having withstood quality tests that challenge the watch beyond normal limits. To do so, it was strapped to the wrist of Swiss mountain biker and skier, Andre Ragettli.
The case of the new Independence Wild One watch can survive extreme shocks and bumps, making it a perfect companion for exhilarating runs, ambitious trails and mountain biking to name just a few examples. The new NORTEQ case comprises a total of 25 individual components and is 100% Swiss-made. It has separate top and bottom parts that have been developed in collaboration with BIWI, including a protective cage that secures with custom-made screws to promise ultimate shielding around a chronometer-certified automatic movement sitting within.
At the centre of the carbon composite material, created from a carbon fibre and a polymer mix made up of 60% caster oil, is a rubber core that acts as a shock absorber. In the design of the Wild One Hakuna Mipaka watch, the sand-coloured rubber shock absorber incorporated real sand taken from the South African Oasis itself. In the black and khaki iteration, pieces of this khaki-coloured rubber core have been exposed through the surface of the case to give it a dynamic and colourful look. Inside this rubber structure is a titanium core with sapphire crystals applied to both of its sides for protecting the movement further. The four screws used for the design of the case are decorated with a mountain-peak design, whilst its overall weight is three times lighter than titanium and six times lighter than stainless steel.
The three-level laser-cut dial
The three-level laser-cut design of the dial in this new Norqain Independence Wild One Black & Khaki watch features an intricate mandala-style pattern with a mountain-inspired double N logo that references the Norqain brand. The levels are separated by a 0.5mm space, creating a great sense of depth and dimension throughout the entire display. This eye-catching 3D effect is combined with skeletonised, rhodium-coated and diamond-cut hands, as well as markers that have been treated with X1 Super-LumiNova.
Inside the 200-meter water-resistant NORTEQ case of the new Independence, Wild One Black & Khaki watch is the Kenissi-manufactured Calibre NN20/1. It features a traversing bridge with a two-point fixation for improved power and performance. Its unique Norqain decorations, such as the double-N” Norqain logo (also featured on the dial), can be admired through a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature, as well as the “Adventure – Freedom – Independence” lettering emblazoned upon the surface of the oscillating weight – a nod to Norqain’s core values. The movement also offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve once fully wound.
To match the khaki-coloured elements running throughout this Wild One watch by Norqain, a khaki-coloured rubber strap is fitted to this model - vegan-certified with a petite-Milanese structure that makes it appropriate for virtually any activity on land and water. If you’d like more information on this new Norqain Independence Wild One Black & Khaki watch, you can call our Jura Watch sales team today on 01335 453453
