The High-Performance Norqain Independence Wild One (Live Pics & Price)

Created in 2018 in Nidau, Norqain is an independent brand crafting functional and versatile watches. Despite its young age, the brand has come quite a long way in just a few years. In line with the brand’s active DNA, its CEO, Ben Kuffer, has always encouraged his team to create high-performance watches. With the Norqain Independence Wild One, he is proud to present what he sees as “the ultimate sports watch“, a concept sparked by Jean-Claude Biver (Norqain’s Advisor to the Board) and developed with a pool of Swiss leading suppliers.

The 42mm case of the Independence Wild One retains the now-familiar look of the Norqain Independence collection, but it comes with several innovations and tweaks. Its elaborate 25-piece construction is based on a NORTEQ protective cage with two separate top and bottom parts connected and secured with custom-made screws. Between these parts is a rubber shock absorber that surrounds a titanium container for the movement.

NORTEQ is a super-light, ultra-resistant carbon fibre composite with a polymer matrix containing 60% of bio-based material (Castor Oil), allowing for a mass-dyed carbon fibre composite. Altogether, the watch weighs 84 grams, which is 50% lighter than a stainless steel Norqain Independence watch.

Envisioned as the brand’s ultimate sports watch, the Norqain Independence Wild One was submitted to stringent test procedures and successfully passed shock tests conducted at 5000G. There is a screw-down crown, and the water-resistance is rated at a solid 200m. Last, a signature Norqain feature, there is a plate on the side of the case that can be personalised with an engraving.

The dial stands out with an eye-catching texture created by the juxtaposition of the three laser-cut layers with an intricate pattern reproducing the Norqain mountain-inspired double N logo. The three-dimensional effect is further enhanced by the applied baton-style markers with X1 Super-LumiNova.

Powering the Norqain Independence Wild One is the COSC-certified calibre NN20/1, made by Kenissi. This robust automatic movement has a weekend-proof 70-hour power reserve and runs at a 4Hz frequency. The transversal balance bridge ensures greater stability, and the stop-seconds mechanism allows for precise settings. It comes with chronometer-grade precision certified by the COSC. It is visible through the sapphire caseback with matte surfaces on the bridges and an openworked oscillating weight with Norqain’s double-N logo.

The Norqain independence Wild One collection kicks off with four different models.

There are two regular collection models: one with a black NORTEQ case, khaki rubber shock absorber, black dial and khaki rubber strap, and the other with a black NORTEQ case, blue rubber shock absorber, blue dial and blue rubber strap. The third model is released in a limited edition of 200 pieces with a burgundy NORTEQ case, grey rubber shock absorber, grey dial with red gold indexes and hands, and grey rubber strap.

Last, there is a 500-piece limited edition created with brand ambassador Dean Schneider, founder of a wildlife reserve Hakuna Mipaka in South Africa. Its black NORTEQ case features a sand-coloured shock absorber that incorporates sand from Dean’s oasis in South Africa, which creates a unique speckled design. The black dial is decorated with a lion fur pattern as well as the sanctuary’s spear-and-shield logo. Turning the watch over, this logo is also transferred on the sapphire crystal while the caption “We need to learn to love them exactly the way they are and not the way we wish them to be!” is engraved on the caseback.

The Independence Wild One comes on an integrated vegan-certified rubber strap which, together with the bio-sourced polymer used to craft NORTEQ, underlines the desire to produce the watch ethically. In 2021, Norqain made a commitment to stop using leather goods.

Watch brands rarely pay tribute to their suppliers and partners. This is not the case here, as Norqain indicates that for the development of this collection, they partnered with BIWI SA for the design, concept and material; with MRP SA for case assembly and container production; and Montremo SA for the laser-cut dial and HMS Waeber for the hands.

Availability & Price

The Norqain Independence Wild One is now available. The price is set at CHF 4,950 for the regular collection pieces. The 200-piece limited edition with grey dial and red gold indexes and hands retails for CHF 5,350. Last, the Wild One Hakuna Mipaka limited edition retails for CHF 5,250.

For more details and orders, please visit www.norqain.com.