ReviewIntroducing Norqain’s Independence ‘The Wild One’
Norqain, the relatively new Swiss watchmakers, have introduced their innovative new sports watch. Called The Wild One, this outdoorsy timepiece utilises an innovative material called Norteq, developed to make the watch extremely robust. Find out more and take a look at the various versions that Norqain have released
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Independence is indispensable in the world of watchmaking. Some of the biggest brands in the industry face limitations related to the conglomerates that they are a part of. On the surface, the term ‘independent watchmaker’ refers to a brand that is not owned by any (major) luxury group, such as LVMH, Richemont, or Swatch. However, to better understand the term more from a horological point of view, think of such brands as groups of professionals going their own way, each with their own philosophy and quite often a relatively lower volume of production. Under this single umbrella, you’ll find a varied range of groups, including long-established and recently revived names, as well as newly qualified watchmakers looking to explore or forge their own paths. One such brand that have recently shown up on our radar are Norqain.
The Wild One—Jean-Claude Biver
Looking at Norqain now, it’s hard to imagine they’ve only been around for a few years; four, to be exact. Norqain are an entirely independent, family-owned Swiss watch brand created in 2018 by Ben Küffer, a young entrepreneur whose father, Marc Küffer, has been working in the Swiss watch industry for almost 45 years. While the company itself is very young one, the brand have consistently aligned themselves with some fairly major names in the watch industry. The first notable example was when they acquired Kenissi as the manufacturer of their in-house movements. The most recent has been their partnership with watch industry icon Jean-Claude Biver, who currently serves as advisor to the board for Norqain as of earlier this year (2022).
However, Norqain and Jean-Claude Biver’s association goes beyond just his most recent position as advisor to the board. His role has extended into the development of products as well, such as the Norqain Independence Wild One. This is a new collection of 100-percent Swiss-made, technically inventive, performance-focused mechanical sports watches that Biver has been developing with Norqain for more than two years now. Given Biver’s professional history—particularly his interest in materials science and technologically advanced watchmaking solutions—it comes as no surprise that the all-new Wild One line employs a proprietary carbon composite called Norteq, a material with a marbleised appearance manufactured from carbon fibre and a high-performance polymer matrix. It is six times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium. In terms of weight and durability, Norteq provides the ideal combination of density, resistance, and elasticity to support optimal shock absorption.
The Wild One’s High-Perfroming Durability
The Independence Wild One’s 42mm case has a complex 25-piece design and is built on a Norteq protective cage. It has two distinct top and bottom components that are joined and held in place by specially manufactured screws. A titanium movement container is circled by a rubber shock absorber that is sandwiched between these elements. The polymer matrix used to create Norteq contains 60 percent castor oil, and all manufacturing waste is recycled, 100 percent, helping Norqain earn a CO2-neutral certification from the Swiss Climate Foundation. Unlike typical carbon composite materials, which can only be produced in grey or black, Norteq can be produced in a wide range of colours and is completely corrosion-resistant and anti-magnetic. Thanks to its rubber core, the watch is light and shock-proof as well, making it ideal for all sports enthusiasts who want to wear a watch while participating in activities of their choice.
The COSC-certified calibre NN20/1, manufactured by Kenissi, drives the Norqain Independence Wild One. With a 4Hz frequency and a substantial 70-hour power reserve, this automatic movement is capable of powering entire weekends. The transversal balance bridge provides greater stability, and precise adjustments are possible thanks to the stop-second system. The matt surfaces on the bridges and the open-worked oscillating weight, with Norqain’s double-N emblem, are visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, and the automatic bridge is inscribed with the brand’s core values with an engraving that reads ‘adventure – freedom – independence’, which are also the names of their product pillars.
The Wild One—Norqain
The Norqain Independence Wild One—envisioned as the brand’s ultimate sports watch—was subjected to rigorous testing processes and passed stress tests at 5000G. The crown is screwed down, and the water resistance is certified at 200m. A Norqain signature feature is a plate on the side of the case that can be personalised with engraving.
Norqain as a brand may be new, but they’re here to stay. The Wild One reinforces that. Unapologetically modern and technically advanced, the watch brings together the brand and an industry legend, with a mix of new materials, innovative design, and a solid movement—something we’ve rarely ever seen a fairly young brand do. This watch seems like the start of something major for Norqain, and we can’t wait to see what they do next with Jean-Claude Biver by their side.
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NORQAIN Independence
NNQ3000QUG1LA/G001/3W1GR.20RQ
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NORQAIN Independence
NNQ3000QBK1A/B002/3W1KBR.20BQ
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NORQAIN Independence
NNQ3000QBA1A/A001/3W1AR.20BQ
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NORQAIN Independence
NNQ3000QBK1A/B002/3W1BR.20BQ
