Three New Interpretations of the Norqain Wild One in Titanium

Norqain, the independent, family-owned Swiss watch brand, has amassed a solid reputation for robust, action-oriented sports watches. CEO Ben Kuffer has relied on exceptional friends since he started the brand in 2018; one is Jean-Claude Biver, whose valuable input helped create the Wild One. Beefed up with components made from the brand’s proprietary Norteq carbon fibre material, the Wild One is Norqain’s ultimate high-performance sports watch. Joining the extensive Wild One family, three new models with titanium top plates join the collection: two skeletonised references in 39mm and 42mm cases and a third 42mm model with a meteorite dial.

The Wild One’s incredibly robust build relies on Norteq, a super-light, ultra-resistant proprietary carbon fibre composite that forms a protective cage at either end of the elaborate 25-part case construction, complete with rubber shock absorbers around the titanium movement container. Shock-tested to 5,000 Gs, the Wild One is also up for underwater adventures with its screw-down crown and 200m depth rating.

Marking a first for the collection, the new models still employ the sandwich case construction, but they now replace the Norteq top cage with a grade 5 titanium top plate (bezel and lugs). Moreover, the pin buckle and signature Norqain plate screwed on the left case flank are now produced in titanium.

Wild One Skeleton Titanium 39mm

With its dark grey suit, the 39mm Wild One reveals the new titanium armour replacing the Norteq top cage. The brushed titanium bezel and lugs, in a silvery-grey tone, give the watch a raw, metallic look that pairs well with the grey rubber shock absorber, crown guards and bezel ring, along with the black rubber-coated screw-down crown. Protecting the sandblasted titanium movement container and caseback is a black Norteq back plate. The rectangular indices are suspended over the movement and, like the faceted openworked hour and minute hands, feature light yellow Super-LumiNova inserts. Powered by the calibre 4K, an automatic movement developed with AMT Manufacture (a subsidiary of Sellita), the COSC-certified movement runs at 4Hz and offers an extended 65-hour power reserve, up from 41 hours in earlier editions.

Quick facts: 39mm diameter x 11.75mm thickness x 45.75mm lug-to-lug – grade 5 titanium top plate, black Norteq back plate, grey rubber shock absorber, titanium container and caseback – black rubber-coated screw-down crown – 200m water-resistant – titanium Norqain plaque – flat sapphire crystal front and back – openworked dial – indices and hands with light yellow Super-LumiNova  – calibre 4K (NK26/1) automatic, COSC-certified chronometer – 28,800vph (4Hz) – 65h power reserve – limited edition 400 pieces – grey rubber strap and black Norteq pin buckle EUR 5,950 – grey rubber strap with titanium pin buckle EUR 5,950 – grey rubber strap with black DLC titanium folding clasp EUR 6,320

Wild One Skeleton Titanium 42mm

Similar to the more compact edition and sharing the same movement, the 42mm model emphasises the contrast between its new titanium top plate and its mint green rubber shock absorber, rubber strap and bezel ring. The brushed top plate gives the watch a more technical character, framing the openworked dial with its skeletonised bridges designed like mountain peaks. Other novelties on the two skeleton versions include a repositioned logo on the flange and a new titanium plaque engraved with Norqain on the left side of the case. Picking up on the mint green rubber elements, the flat indices and hands are treated with mint green Super-LumiNova.

Quick facts: 42mm diameter x 12.3mm thickness x 49.4mm lug-to-lug – grade 5 titanium top plate, black Norteq back plate, mint green rubber shock absorber, titanium container and caseback – black rubber-coated screw-down crown – 200m water-resistant – titanium Norqain plaque – flat sapphire crystal front and back – openworked dial – indices and hands with mint green Super-LumiNova  – calibre 4K (NK26/1) automatic, COSC-certified chronometer – 28,800vph (4Hz) – 65h power reserve – mint green rubber strap and black Norteq pin buckle EUR 5,950 – mint green rubber strap with titanium pin buckle EUR 5,950 – mint green rubber strap with black DLC titanium folding clasp EUR 6,320

Wild One Meteorite Titanium 42mm

Although the Wild One has hosted a meteorite dial before, this 42mm model marks a first for the family, pairing meteorite with a titanium top plate. A veritable study in grey, the grey iron meteorite dial with its distinctive Widmanstätten patterns, the grey metallic tonalities of the titanium elements, the grey rubber shock absorber, the grey mesh rubber strap and even the grey overmoulded rubber on the screw-down crown all contribute to its powerful monochromatic presence. Equipped with the Kenissi automatic NN20/1, the COSC-certified movement runs at 4Hz, delivers a solid 70-hour power reserve and features a customised rotor.

Quick facts: 42mm diameter x 12.3mm thickness x 49.4mm lug-to-lug – grade 5 titanium top plate, black Norteq back plate, grey rubber shock absorber, titanium container and caseback – grey rubber-coated screw-down crown – 200m water-resistant – titanium Norqain plaque – flat sapphire crystal front and back – meteorite dial – indices and hands with white Super-LumiNova – calibre NN20/1 by Kenissi, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer – 28,800vph (4Hz) – 70h power reserve – grey rubber strap and black Norteq pin buckle EUR 6,400 – grey rubber strap with titanium pin buckle EUR 6,500 – grey rubber strap with black DLC titanium folding clasp EUR 6,770

More information at norqain.com.