The New NORTEQ Case Developed by Norqain

Norqain’s next-gen material is showcased in the new Independence Wild One watches, promising lightweight and shock-resistant properties, as well as superior corrosion resistance and toughness.

Norqain’s new Wild One watch from the company’s Independence watch collection is a high-performance sports watch with a style and design that has been developed as a result of a collaborative effort between leading names within the industry. Before we talk about the complex layering process of the complex carbon composite material named NORTEQ, we’ll touch on the dial and strap elements of each design, together with the movement that powers each model.

Norqain marks this new milestone in its young life with the release of four models named the Wild One. Within this set of four are two non-limited edition variants (a black and blue and black and khaki watch), along with a burgundy red-cased option limited to 200 pieces and a limited edition Hakuna Mipaka model exclusive to just 500 pieces. The latter is a collaborative effort with Swiss-born Dean Schneider – the proud owner of a southern African Oasis that is home to many thousands of native species as well as rescued animals. This special release incorporates real sand taken from the Hakuna Mipaka Oasis within its shock-resistant rubber core. The red limited edition Wild One watch is equally as special since it marks the first of its kind – a carbon composite material offered in a different colour than black.

The development of the new Norqain Wild One watch is special to many of those who have been involved in its design from the beginning right through to the end, including Jean-Claude Biver, who has worked with trailblazing watch companies such as Hublot, TAG Heuer and Omega to name just a few examples. He explains: “When I began working with NORQAIN, my first step was to challenge the team to innovate; to create a lightweight and shock-resistant timepiece that reflects the brand’s active DNA. This watch concept is exactly the kind of revolutionary development I was hoping for. The Wild ONE collection is the result of close collaboration between the best of the best Swiss suppliers and NORQAIN’s passionate, knowledgeable team. This collection is a 3-in-1 because it combines unique design, a revolutionary new concept and high-tech material. NORTEQ is the optimal material on every level: aesthetics, light weight, robustness and ethical production”.

Adding to this, Ben Küffer, Norqain’s CEO extends on the painstaking determination at the root of this rugged sports watch: “There is no better way to describe the Wild ONE than the ultimate sports watch for every NORQAINER. It’s the culmination of over two years of close collaboration between Jean-Claude Biver, our team and the best Swiss suppliers. The Wild ONE is 100% Swiss-made. From the entire development process to the production of every component of the watch – it all came to life within a small radius from Jura to Bienne and Neuchâtel. Our motto throughout the project was ‘zero compromise’ and we delivered on this by always opting for the highest-quality solution. I am incredibly proud of the final result.”

Now let’s take a look at the innovative case used in the design of each of these new Independence Wild One watches. Think of its design as the four structures of the earth. We have the crust, the mantle, the outer core and the inner core. The wild one’s dial is the curst in this scenario. Developed in collaboration with Montremo SA and Waeber HMS SA, the crisp and highly legible display of each watch is afforded by its three-tier layered and laser-cut dial and its skeletonised hands respectively. Each dial is adorned with a mandala-style pattern with a repeated N logo that refers to the Norqain brand. The diamond-cut skeletonised hands relay the time effortlessly and are either rhodium-coated or rose gold-coated depending on the model.

Under the dial is the carbon composite case. The limited edition red and grey iteration features a burgundy-coloured case – a premiere within the luxury watch industry. The composition is made up of carbon fibre and a polymer mix made up of 60% caster oil. This is the mantle. The outer core is the Wild One’s shock-resistant rubber structure that protects the internal components of the watch. Coloured blue and khaki green in the non-standard models, grey in the burgundy limited edition watch, and sand-coloured in the Hakuna Mipaka watch - elements of these rubber structures are exposed through the surface of the case to inject a touch of colour into each iteration. Within this outer core structure is the inner core – a titanium body with sapphire crystal applied to both of its sides for guaranteeing utmost protection over a chronometer-certified movement fitted within.

Above all, the new NORTEQ cases for the Wild One watch series are anti-magnetic and will not corrode over time. They also have a captivating marble-like effect and are three times lighter than titanium, not to mention six times lighter than stainless steel.  The materials left over from the manufacture of these cases are 100% recycled and upcycled. The latter is yet another way in which Norqain upholds its CO2-NEUTRAL certification by Swiss Climate.

The Wild One watches complete their bold and daring looking with vegan rubber straps crafted in either matching or contrasting colours to their dials depending on the model. Each buckle is also crafted from the same NORTEQ material and the movement powering each wristwatch is the Kenissi Calibre NN20/1, which 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 and can be admired through a sapphire-backed case within its 42mm housing.

If you’d like more information on any of the four Wild One watches from Norqain you can call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453