Norqain jazzes up the Wild One with skeleton-dialled duo
Borna BošnjakMaking waves upon its September 2022 release, the Norqain Wild One signalled that Jean-Claude Biver’s advisory role in the brand wasn’t just a marketing move, but rather a shot at the big leagues. With a new composite case made of the brand’s proprietary Norteq material and Kenissi power, it was clear that Norqain is investing in a long-term project, and the Wild One Skeleton released today is the next step in the journey. Comprising a set of two variants, a regular-production model in shouty turquoise and a limited-edition in subdued burgundy, the most notable novelty is the lack of a dial, with the indices cantilevering over the exposed movement. To celebrate this launch, Norqain are also announcing a brand-new ambassador in Italian swimmer Filippo Magnini, a four-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist. Before getting into the details, as official retailers for Norqain, the Time+Tide Shop is excited to offer both of these models right at launch.
Other than the eye-popping new turquoise colourway, the biggest addition, or rather, omission, is the dial. Surely inspired by the success of the numerous Independence Skeleton models, Norqain saw fit to equip the Wild One with a dial showing off the open-worked bridges of the NN08S movement, more on which momentarily. In the Wild One Skeleton Turquoise, it’s freshness all-round, with plenty of blue accents across the dial appliques and hands, as well as the rubber case inserts and strap.
Though still very sporty, the Wild One Skeleton Burgundy takes a more refined approach, sporting red gold-plated indices and hands that match the warm tones of the muted red used for the Norteq case. Fans of the Wild One will recognise this case colour, as it was featured as one fourth of the collection at launch, limited in production alongside the Hakuna Mipaka, making another limited-edition appearance in the Skeleton model, this time in 300 pieces.
The eagle-eyed (read: watch nerds) among you will have noticed that the movement layout is not what you’d expect from the regular Wild One that’s powered by a Kenissi calibre sharing the lineage with Tudor’s MT5402. Is this a brand-new Kenissi calibre? The answer is a bit simpler than that, as the NN08S is the very same movement from the Independence Skeleton, meaning a chronometer-grade and skeletonised Sellita SW200 with a custom Norqain rotor. It features a 41-hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph.
Alongside giving the Wild One a new look, the change of movement facilitates a further weight reduction to this already lightweight watch, shaving off another 6 grams to weigh in at 78 grams total. Quite remarkable for a large 42mm case.
Norqain Wild One Skeleton pricing and availability:
The Norqain Wild One Skeleton Burgundy Limited Edition ad Wild One Skeleton Turquoise are available now from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: A$8,700 (Turquoise), A$9,000 (Burgundy)
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Wild One Skeleton |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.3mm (T) x 49.4mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Norteq carbon composite, rubber, titanium |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | AR-coated sapphire front, sapphire back |
| Dial | Skeletonised with turquoise or red gold-plated accents |
| Strap | Rubber with case-matching pin buckle |
| Movement | Norqain NN08S, chronometer-grade Sellita SW-200, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, Burgundy LE of 300 pieces |
| Price | A$8,700 (Turquoise) A$9,000 (Burgundy) |