Norqain's hottest new model, the Wild One, is a lightweight, durable, and powerful sports watch! Introducing three new color-themed models

Three new models have been added to the NORQAIN Wild One series. The Wild One is a sports watch that is extremely lightweight and highly shock-resistant thanks to its proprietary NORTEQ cage. Of these new models, one is a Japan-exclusive variation model, and the other two are the first skeleton models for the Wild One. We will introduce these new models, as well as what kind of brand NORQAIN is and what kind of collection the Wild One is.

Why Norqain is attracting attention

　Norqain's best-selling model, the Wild One, has firmly established its position in the Swiss watch industry and is a collection that strongly reflects the Norqain brand.

　Three new models were added to the Wild One line on June 23rd. In this article, we will introduce these new models, as well as review the Norqain brand and how important the Wild One is to the Norqain brand.

　Norqain is an up-and-coming independent brand launched in 2018 by former Breitling executive Ben Kaffer. Its policy is to preserve the culture of Swiss mechanical watches, and it offers models that combine the technical capabilities of leading Swiss parts suppliers.

　Its price range is noteworthy, with most models priced in the 50 yen range, and basic models in the 30 yen range, making it a mid-range watch. Its high quality compared to its price is highly rated, and its simple yet not too conservative design has made it a popular and honest tool watch.

　The fact that Norqain's employees are very young, with an average age of around 35 (as of 22), also has a major impact on the brand's activities. In addition to actively posting on social media, Ben Kaffer himself actively interacts with fans by attending new product launch events in Asia, including Japan.

　The company also calls its fans "Norqainers" and welcomes ambassadors who take on challenges in a variety of fields, including sports, exploration, social contribution, and environmental protection. NORQAIN supports the activities of NORQAINers, and NORQAINers support NORQAIN's activities, thereby continuing to promote mechanical watches and their respective fields.

Two big names join Norqain

　These efforts have attracted attention and the circle of cooperation is expanding. Let us introduce two partnerships that are particularly big names in the watch industry.

Movement supplier Kenissi

　The first is Kenissi. Kenissi is a movement supplier founded by Tudor, and the performance of its movements is highly regarded as some of the best currently available in mass-produced watches.

　Kenissi has been increasing its supply destinations in recent years, but immediately after its founding, its supply was limited to major brands such as Tudor, Chanel, and Breitling, with which it has close ties.However, since 20, it has had a long-term partnership with Norqain.

　Moreover, when you consider that Norqain was one of the first to supply not only conventional movements but also a new movement with a smaller diameter and GMT, you can see how high Kenissi's expectations for Norqain are.

Jean-Claude Biver, a watch industry giant

　Another big name is Jean-Claude Biver, who became an advisor to Norqain in June 2022. By 2022, Norqain had established good relationships with numerous suppliers, including Kenissi, and was gaining popularity with its attractive lineup.

　However, this was also the time when the brand needed experience to continue evolving, and Biver, who liked the challenging spirit of NORQAIN, was appointed as an advisor.

　Biver is a watch industry giant who revived the dormant Blancpain and grew Hublot into a global watchmaker. His success in growing a young brand in just a few years could provide Norqain with the impetus to take a leap forward.

"Wild One" is a lightweight, shock-resistant, and tough watch.

　It is against this backdrop that the Wild One from the Independence Collection was released. The Independence Collection is positioned as NORQAIN's flagship watch, with a theme that represents symbols of independence and success, and the Wild One inherits its design codes.

　A distinctive feature of the Wild One is the use of the company's proprietary material, "NORTEQ," for its exterior parts. NORTEQ is a carbon composite material that combines carbon fiber with a high-performance polymer matrix that contains 60% bio-derived materials. Its properties make it lightweight (about one-third the weight of titanium), highly rigid, and have excellent color development.

　The movement is the Kenissi Cal. NN20/1. Its thick, sturdy construction and solid design, including a double-supported balance cock, have earned it a reputation for reliability. The Wild One houses the Cal. NN20/1 in a titanium container (inner case) and secures it in place with a Nortec cage via a rubber shock absorber.

　This complex structure acts as a protective cage, achieving high shock resistance that easily passes tests conducted at 5000G. In addition, it is waterproof to 200m and, together with its lightweight packaging, it is suitable for a variety of activities.

"Wild One JP" is a monotone model specially designed for Japan.

　The Wild One has recently added three new models. The first model is the Wild One JP, the first Wild One special edition for Japan.

　This model is a monotone model with white shock absorbers and inner rings combined with black Nortec. This chic color scheme, with the highest contrast among previous models, gives this high-performance tool watch a bold and masculine look.

　The white rubber strap is a special edition that integrates with the lugs. It has a fabric-like texture and black edging to match the white and black exterior coloring. Combined with the lightweight watch body, it is comfortable and a good choice for the sporty scenes that this model is intended for.

　The Kenissi Cal. NN20/1 movement it is equipped with has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and is a COSC-certified chronometer, making it highly practical. In addition, its excellent time-setting and winding feel also contribute to the high level of perfection of this watch.

Two new models of "Wild One Skeleton" featuring skeleton dials

　The remaining two models are the Wild One Skeleton, the first skeleton model of the Wild One. The Independence stainless steel model was released as a limited edition skeleton model in 21, which quickly sold out and became a regular model in 22.

　This model incorporates the concept of this popular model into the Wild One, and like the Independence skeleton model, it is equipped with the automatic Caliber N08S. Caliber N08S is based on a Sellita movement, and although it has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, it is a COSC-certified chronometer, making it quite practical.

　Generally, if a frame is overly skeletonized in an attempt to enhance aesthetics, it can lack rigidity, but the Wild One is a shock-resistant model aimed at Norqainers who lead active lifestyles, and a lack of rigidity would not be in line with the concept.

　Therefore, the Cal. N08S is designed to support all of the gear support points with at least two arms, allowing the Wild One Skeleton to withstand a shock of 5000 g.

　The colors available are turquoise and burgundy, both of which have a summer sea theme but have different looks.

Turquoise inspired by the sea on a sunny day

The turquoise, inspired by the ocean seen from the beach on a bright, sunny day, is used for the shock absorber, as well as the tips of the hands and indexes, and is combined with a black Nortec cage to complete the overall look.

　The watch also comes with a matching strap for a coordinated look. It also comes with a matching Norqain cap, perfect for a beach holiday.

Burgundy reminiscent of a summer evening

　Burgundy is a popular color that was introduced when the Wild One debuted in 22 and immediately sold out. The muted, calm burgundy was chosen because it evokes the light of a summer evening.

　The burgundy Nortec cage evokes the crimson of the sea and sky, while the red gold-colored indexes and hands evoke the sparkle of the ocean.

Norqain's future developments are exciting to watch

　Among NORQAIN's flagship Independence Collection, the Wild One is an important model that drives the brand and reflects NORQAIN's positioning. The further expansion of the Wild One collection means more than just the release of a new model. It's a model worth keeping an eye on in the future.