Journey to the Mediterranean with the Latest Wild ONEs from NORQAIN

If the spirit of summer were to be encapsulated in the form of watches, it can take the shape of NORQAIN’s two new additions to the Independence collection. At first glance, the newly introduced Wild ONE Skeleton 42 mm Turquoise (Ref. NNQ3000QBQ1AS/B007/3W1QBR.20BQ) and the Wild ONE Skeleton 42mm Burgundy Limited Edition (NNQ3000QUB1LAS/B008/3W1BR.20RQ) bring to mind the quintessential Mediterranean beach day that ends with a stunning sunset.

The vibrant, high-performance watches combine two NORQAIN best-sellers: the revolutionary Wild ONE and the popular Independence Skeleton. Crafted from the brand’s proprietary material NORTEQ (the result of a collaboration with industry legend and advisor to the brand, Jean-Claude Biver), the watches are incredibly light and retain an impressive robustness. The skeletonised movement makes them even lighter: 6.25 times lighter than steel/3.5 times lighter than titanium. The architectural principle of beam construction lies at the heart of the unique structure of NORQAIN’s skeleton movements: each support point is held by at least two arms. This makes the movement sturdier and more durable than traditional construction.

At just 78 gm, each watch is six grams lighter than the current 84 gm Wild ONE model. NORTEQ — a carbon fibre composite made of carbon fibre and a high-performance polymer matrix containing 60% bio-sourced material — ensures that the watches are capable of withstanding 5000 gm, thereby making them the perfect sports watches. The material makes them anti-magnetic and prevents corrosion over time. The water resistance of 200 metres ensures that the wearers can enjoy long, leisurely swims with these strapped on.

Speaking about the new launches, NORQAIN Founder & CEO Ben Küffer said, “The Wild ONE and Independence Skeleton were both instant hits that helped solidify our reputation in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Combining them is not only our way of granting a wish from our loyal following, but also proving that a watch can demonstrate high-end watchmaking while boasting cutting-edge innovation and striking, unique design.”

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Wild ONE Skeleton 42MM Turquoise

This 42 mm model aptly captures the vibe of a laid-back day at a Mediterranean beach club where your summer hours are spent sunbathing, swimming or surfing. It comes in a black NORTEQ case with a marbled effect. The beachy turquoise rubber shock absorber — like its predecessors — covers the sandblasted titanium container that houses the skeletonised NN08S inside. The mechanical automatic skeleton movement is visible in the NORTEQ protective cage. The movement offers a power reserve of 41 hours.

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The openworked black dial bears turquoise printings; the skeleton indexes and the hands are diamond-cut and rhodium-plated. The indexes have turquoise X1 Super-LumiNova spots, and the hour and minute hands get the tips filled with the same turquoise Super-LumiNova. The tip of the second hand is outlined with turquoise and filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova. The screw-down crown is moulded in black rubber. The integrated animal cruelty-free rubber strap sports a matching turquoise with a black edge. The NORQAIN Wild ONE Skeleton Turquoise watch also comes with a special cap in the same turquoise colour; the brand’s logo is stitched in black on the front. It’s the ideal accessory for a relaxed day by the shore.

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Wild ONE Skeleton 42MM Burgundy Limited Edition

While the turquoise model evokes a picture of daytime fun by the beach, this Wild ONE with its burgundy notes is inspired by the darker, dreamier tones of a summer sunset. The Wild ONE Skeleton Burgundy, which flaunts a colour that sold out immediately after the initial Wild ONE launch in 2022, is limited to 300 pieces. The burgundy NORTEQ case is paired with a black rubber shock absorber and like the turquoise model, the skeletonised movement NN08S (offering a 41-hour power reserve) is housed in a sandblasted titanium case.

The openworked dial of the NORQAIN Wild ONE Skeleton Burgundy watch is coloured black and has white markings; the red gold-plated indexes and hands are filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova. The transparent caseback bears the engraving, “LIMITED EDITION – ONE OF 300”. The integrated animal cruelty-free rubber strap that this Wild ONE sits on is in black.

To mark the launch, Italian Olympic swimmer Filippo Magnini has just been announced as the face of the campaign and NORQAIN’s newest ambassador. The Italian freestyle specialist (and a four-time World Champion) has, in addition to 17 gold medals from European Championships, an Olympic bronze medal in Athens as part of the 4x200m relay team.

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