Norqain release their most luxurious watch yet, the Wild One Gold, as well as the murdered-out Wild One All Black
Jamie Weiss- The Swiss independent has unveiled arguably their two most desirable models yet at Dubai Watch Week 2023.
- As the name implies, the Wild One Gold features an 18ct red gold case, making it the first Norqain in precious metal.
- Similarly, the Wild One All Black features a black Norteq case and a monochromatic colour scheme.
Dubai Watch Week 2023 is in full swing, with the world’s horological press (including Time+Tide’s very own Andrew McUtchen and Zach Blass) traipsing through the desert to check out some of the watch world’s most interesting new creations. Well, I say the desert – really, it’ll be a succession of climate-controlled halls in the heart of a humming global city.
But it seems Norqain have been particularly influenced by Dubai’s arid surroundings, with the up-and-coming independent brand releasing two new Wild Ones inspired by the Emirati desert: a luxurious gold model with the golden hues of shifting sands, and a blacked-out model that reflects the all-encompassing darkness of the desert at night.
The Norqain Wild One Gold is the first Norqain to feature a case made from precious metal, with the top section of the watch’s sandwiched case crafted from brushed and polished solid 18ct red gold, which has been ethically sourced in collaboration with Norqain’s partner PX Group. Red gold-plated hands, indices and a solid red gold Norqain badge screwed into the side of the case add additional touches of luxury.
The rest of the Wild One Gold’s case is constructed from black Norteq – Norqain’s proprietary shock-resistant carbon fibre composite – with a titanium inner container surrounded by a rubber shock absorber held in place by the cage-like Norteq base structure. This means that despite that heavy red gold cap, the Norqain Wild One Gold is rather balanced on the wrist.
Not only does the Wild ONE Gold look striking and luxurious (it gives off heavy Hublot vibes – perhaps a reflection of Jean-Claude Biver’s involvement with Norqain?) but it’s also a rather compelling value proposition, with pricing starting at CHF 11,950. A precious metal and carbon fibre composite watch with an in-house movement? That ticks a lot of boxes. A limited edition of 99 pieces, an additional 100th Norqain Wild One Gold will be made to be auctioned off to raise funds for UNICEF.
Joining the Norqain Wild One Gold is the Wild One All Black, which features a case completely made out of black Norteq as well as black-plated hands, indices and logos. The feedback we’ve received at the Time+Tide Discovery Studio in Melbourne from collectors is that Norqain fans really want an all-black Wild One, so this will no doubt be a big seller for the Swiss brand.
Both the Norqain Wild One Gold and Wild One All Black are powered by Norqain’s Manufacture Calibre NN20/1 produced by Kenissi, which is COSC-certified and features a 70-hour power reserve. The movement and the Wild One’s innovative shock-resistant structure help the watch resist forces of up to 5,000 g.
Norqain Wild One Gold and Wild One All Black pricing and availability
The Norqain Wild One Gold and Norqain Wild One All Black are available now from Norqain boutiques and Norqain’s online store. Price: CHF 11,950 (Wild One Gold, black buckle), CHF 13,590 (Wild One Gold, red gold buckle), CHF 4,950 (Wild One All Black).
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Wild One Gold Wild One All Black |
| Reference Numbers | NNQ3000GGB1LA/B003/3W1BR.20BQ NNQ3000GGB1LA/B003/3W1BR.20GG NNQ3000QBT1A/T002/3W1BR.20BQ |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.3mm (T) |
| Case Material | 18k 5N red gold, black Norteq, titanium Black Norteq, titanium |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Black with laser-engraved pattern |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | Black mesh rubber strap |
| Movement | NN20/1, Kenissi movement, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, Wild One Gold limited to 99 pieces |
| Price | CHF 4,950 (Wild One All Black) CHF 11,950 (Wild One Gold with Norteq buckle) CHF 13,590 (Wild One Gold with 18k red gold buckle) |