NORQAIN held "NORQAIN PEAKS" on October 30th, 2025. The event announced the release of the Japan-exclusive model "Wild One Skeleton JP 42MM," as well as the appointment of male gymnast Shinnosuke Oka as a brand ambassador. There were many highlights, including appearances by sports climber and ambassador Tomoa Narasaki. I attended the event, so I'll report on it here.
Text by Shinichi Sato
[Article published on January 5, 2025]
The hot "NORQAIN PEAKS"
On October 30th, 2025, NORQAIN held an event called "NORQAIN PEAKS" at CÉ LA VI TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo, to announce the release of its new "Wild One Skeleton JP 42MM" and the appointment of male gymnast Shinnosuke Oka as a brand ambassador. Guests at the event included Oka, Tobias Kaffer, Vice President of NORQAIN Switzerland, and Kenji Hamaka, CEO and founder of NORQAIN Japan. Other guests included Tomoa Narasaki, a sports climber who also works as an ambassador, and Takumi Kitaguchi, CEO of Grand Central and a young entrepreneur who was selected for the Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 2025 list.
In addition to press representatives from the watch media and other media outlets, many NORQAIN fans were also invited to the event, where Tobias Kaffer explained the appeal of the new models and participated in a talk session on the brand's philosophy of "challenge." NORQAIN has been known to hold such events frequently since the brand's launch. This symbolizes the brand's close relationship with its fans, its emphasis on directly communicating the brand's philosophy and the concepts of each model to fans, and its commitment to listening to fans' opinions and incorporating them into the planning of new products.
The Japan-only model "Wild One Skeleton JP 42MM" has been announced.
The new "Wild One Skeleton JP 42MM," a Japan-exclusive model announced at the event, features turquoise blue as an accent color. The "Wild One" model's unique construction, combining different materials, allows for flexibility in case color selection, while remaining lightweight and extremely shock-resistant, making it a special piece while retaining the collection's character.
Automatic movement (Cal. N08S). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 41 hours. Nortec case (42mm diameter, 12.3mm thick). Water resistant to 200m. Japan exclusive. Price: 1,023,000 yen (tax included).
The Wild One's structure is a titanium container that houses the movement, layered with a rubber middle case and a proprietary carbon composite material, NORTEQ. The recently announced Japan-limited model, the Wild One Skeleton JP 42MM, combines an anthracite gray rubber middle case with black NORTEQ, adding a subtle contrast to the case design. The openworked automatic movement, Cal. N08S, can be seen from the dial side, with subtle turquoise blue accents.
The case design, which is kept in a calm black and gray tone, highlights the differences in appearance created by different materials, such as the carbon-derived texture that subtly emerges on the Nortec and the rubber middle case that can be seen from the side, and can be said to incorporate Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
At the event, Tobias Kaffer explained the appeal of this model and previous models while holding them in his hands. The reactions of fans at the event and the comments he received directly will likely be used as feedback for future sales strategies and new product planning.
Additionally, various NORQAIN models were on display at the event, and fans were able to actually touch and feel the precious timepieces, including limited edition models. This spirit of service from NORQAIN is sure to capture the hearts of fans.
This limited edition model celebrates the partnership with wildlife ambassador Dean Schneider. The rubber strap features a bold geometric pattern inspired by the Hakuna Mipaca oasis. Automatic movement (Cal. N08S). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Nortec case (42mm diameter, 12.30mm thick). Water resistant to 200m. Limited to 200 pieces worldwide. Price: 935,000 yen (tax included).
Gymnast Shinnosuke Oka appointed as NORQAIN ambassador
At the event, it was announced that male gymnast Shinnosuke Oka will be the brand ambassador. Oka is an athlete with a brilliant track record, having won gold medals in the men's individual all-around and horizontal bar at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as in the men's team event, and is set to win both the team and individual all-around at the 2025 Asian Championships.
However, not everything was smooth sailing for him. In 2022, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, forcing him to undergo a long rehabilitation period. His tireless pursuit of success at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics must have resonated with the philosophy of NORQAIN.
Regarding his impression of NORQAIN, Oka said, "It's a brand that I fell in love with at first sight because it's cool. I can't wear it during competitions, but I wear it when I'm traveling to the World Championships and in my private time." He also shared an anecdote about how he is strict with time management in his daily life, saying, "I plan things down to the minute, and set detailed schedules for things like when I wake up and when I have breakfast."
A talk session on the theme of "challenge" with Shinnosuke Oka, Tomoa Narazaki, Takumi Kitaguchi and others
After the announcement of Oka's appointment as ambassador, a talk session on the theme of "challenge" was held with Oka, Tobias Kaffer, Hamaka, Narazaki, and Kitaguchi as guests.
Oka reflected, "Until last week, I was competing in the World Championships in Jakarta (Indonesia). Given my results at last year's Paris Olympics, I felt some pressure, but it was a tournament where I was able to take on a big challenge in my own way." He also spoke of his future challenges, saying, "I was very disappointed with the result (5th place overall at the World Championships in Jakarta), but I would like to use this experience to help me next year. Overcoming the issues I saw at this tournament one by one will be the key to my future, so I want to keep challenging myself and work hard every day, never forgetting my attitude of continuing to challenge myself in order to grow. I hope to achieve a quadruple crown on the big stage of the Los Angeles Olympics."
Narazaki said, "I took a break in the first half of this year due to a finger injury, which gave me time to reflect on myself. During that time, I gained some new realizations, and I'm looking forward to next year and beyond even more." He continued, "In my private life, I continue to challenge myself on real rock in Finland. I've always loved climbing mountains in nature, and even outside of climbing, I try to test myself in nature. The most difficult rock in the world is in Finland, so I'm challenging myself to climb it. I couldn't make it to the top last time, so I'm planning to go to Finland again tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Kitaguchi, who started his own business at the age of 25 and is active in the business world, spoke about what he keeps in mind in his daily challenges. "It's in the company's vision, but I'm conscious of how much trust and investment I can gain from those around me, and how much inspiration and influence I can provide through my own achievements and accomplishments. Based on this thinking, I undertake a variety of initiatives, including management decisions and office design. Starting my own business at the age of 25 was itself a major challenge," he said.
