Reviewing the NORQAIN Wild One Red & Grey Watch
Tuesday - 27 December 2022
Limited to 200 pieces, the new Norqain Independence Wild One Red & Grey watch is a 100% Swiss-made sports watch with plenty of robustness, scratch resistance, and shock-absorbing toughness to offer. The launch comes simultaneously alongside two non-limited models in black and blue and black and khaki, plus a limited edition Wild One Hakuna Mipaka watch, designed in collaboration with Dean Schneider. Crafted as a collaborative effort with some of the most renowned names in the industry, the new burgundy red Norqain Independence Wild One watch immediately stands out with its laser-cut dial and grey-coloured vegan rubber strap.
Norqain is a relatively young Swiss brand, but independence runs through the very veins of each one of its innovative releases, including this new Independence Wild One watch, limited to just 200 pieces worldwide. The watch features an ultra-tough case crafted from a new composite carbon material - a world premiere within the watch industry. It’s the first of its kind to be available in colour as opposed to black. Norqain CEO Ben Küffer delves into the uniqueness of these new models; “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.”
The proprietary composite used for the case of the new Wild One watch is a mix of carbon fibre and a polymer mix made up of 60% caster oil. The special blend creates a case that is three times lighter than titanium and six times lighter than stainless steel. The case of the watch includes a grey rubber core, making its structure incredibly shockproof. The special grey rubber core is courtesy of Norqain’s collaboration with BIWI, which has worked with the likes of Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. Elements of grey are exposed through the case, contrasting beautifully with the rich burgundy tones of the watch’s carbon composite shell.
Measuring a diameter of 42mm, the multi-material case of the red Wild One watch has a composition of 25 individual parts. Inside the rubber centre is another material – a lightweight titanium piece with a coating of sapphire crystals on both sides. This structure houses a chronometer-certified automatic movement. The case is also integrated with 200-meter water resistance with the help of a screw-down crown and the tip of the watch is sealed with a piece of scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass.
The movement sitting inside this new red and grey Independence Wild One Limited Edition watch by Norqain 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. This movement can be admired through a sapphire glass pane, sealed to a caseback that is engraved with limited edition details.
Through a sapphire crystal glass top, the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the dial of this Norqain watch, courtesy of Montremo SA, can be fully appreciated. The company collaborated with Norqain to produce this laser-cut diamond in a three-tier construction, equipping it with skeletonised hands developed by Waeber HMS SA. The hands and hour markers have also been rose gold-plated and diamond cut before being treated with X1 Super-LumiNova for assisting with timekeeping in the dark or during the night. Adorned to the dial is a grey mandala-like pattern, which repeats a double N logo. The elements on this 3D-effect dial match the tone of the grey vegan rubber strap, executed with a Milanese structure and fitted with a Burgundy NORTEQ pin buckle for a secure fit.
To close, this review of the new Norqain Independence Wild One Red & Grey Limited Edition watch, Jean-Claude Biver shares his thoughts on this new collaborative effort; “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”.
If you’d like more information on any of the new Wild One watches from Norqain, you can check the models out in more detail here or call and speak to a member of our sales team today on 01335 453453
