The new 39mm Wild One Skeleton and Independence Chrono show Norqain does trends differently
Buffy AcaciaNorqain is all about adventure, whether that’s of summiting mountains or challenging norms. Once the industry savant Jean-Claude Biver joined Norqain’s board of advisors back in 2022, it was clear that this upstart Swiss company wasn’t going to be putting too much stock in tradition. This recent batch of releases affirms its experimental mission by toying with colours and skeletonisation for the most futuristic results. You won’t often find such invigorating design from a watch aimed at scaling mountain peaks, nor ones that are so wearable.
There’s no better place to start than with the flagship, which would be Norqain’s Wild One Skeleton. Adjusting for modern tastes, Norqain has shrunk the case down to a tasteful 39mm in diameter. Not only is that more appealing to buyers who prioritise comfort, but it also ensures its longevity as a gender-neutral watch. A combination of athletic ambassadors backs that up, including Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon, and up-and-coming ice skater Kimmy Repond. The 39mm measurement can be a little bit deceptive though, because the wings of the case which also form the crown guards add a decent amount of width. That means it wears a little smaller than you might think, and the 45.75mm lug-to-lug length is more indicative of how it might sit on your wrist.
Size is not the only consideration for a comfortable watch meant for an active lifestyle. Too much weight might not actually drag you down a cliff, but it can absolutely tire out with enough agitation. The case of the Wild One Skeleton 39mm is actually made of 25 components, specifically engineered to reduce weight and increase shock resistance at every stage. The Norteq carbon fibre and bio-sourced polymer composite shell forms the black outer layer, while a colourful rubber bumper acts as the main shock absorbent layer. Norteq is three and a half times lighter than titanium, and even with the pliant rubber strap with its Milanese-effect texture, the entire watch only weighs 63 grams.
Powering the Wild One Skeleton is the calibre N08S, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1 S. It creates a fantastic backdrop for the dial, with its skeletonisation heavily emphasising a futuristic geometry. It’s got a 4Hz beat rate for a smooth sweep and a 38 hour power reserve, plus it’s been COSC-certified for an accuracy with -4/+6 seconds per day. There are four new references of the Wild One Skeleton 39mm that change up the colour of the rubber case components as well as the highlight colours on the hands. There’s the blazing Hyper Pink, Purple Ice Blue, Sky Blue, and a limited edition of 400 pieces for the Mint colour which also has a black, ruthenium-coated movement.
Moving on to the Norqain Independence Chrono in a more robust 42mm size, we’re getting an expansion on the collection which was launched last year. The purple dial from the previous 300-piece limited edition has now entered standard production within a grade 5 titanium case, with all brushed surfaces showcasing the dark grey hue of the metal. That said, most of the skeletonised movement components have also been coated in darker grey, making the silver and brassy parts stand out. The Norqain Independence collection aesthetic is definitely on show, with a wing on the left side of the case adding some balance to the crown guards and chronograph pushers, and the lug-to-lug length of 49.8mm just squeezes into that sub-50mm sweet spot.
The 13.9mm thickness isn’t too bad at all when you consider the case’s 100m of water resistance and automatic winding, and the lugs’ curvature does help it conform to the wrist. Given that it’s made from titanium, it’s also about 40% lighter than the stainless steel equivalent. If you’re into the more extreme looks, then there’s a black DLC limited edition which also features a jade green dial and strap. The dial is a little more chaotic than the Wild One Skeleton, partially due to the necessary number of movement components, but also its harsh angles and geometric shapes seem to be jagged, mirroring the mountain range of Norqain’s logo. As far as the chronograph goes, there’s only a running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 12.
The 8K calibre that powers the Independence Chrono is a joint effort between Norqain and Manufacture AMT SA, which is the made-to-order manufacturing department of Sellita. It shares some similarities with the Sellita AMT5100, itself based on the SW510, with a 4Hz beat rate, 58-hour power reserve, as well as COSC certification. It has column wheel actuation for that satisfying click of the pushers, and it’s a flyback chronograph, allowing you to restart the timer with no need to stop it first. The developments to these two collections show that Norqain has its ear to the ground when it comes to what enthusiasts want these days. Comfort-driven design and colour variety is the key to most collector’s hearts at the moment, and Norqain has done it without sacrificing its adventurous attitudes.
Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm and Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm pricing and availability
The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm is now available in four colourways, with the Mint being a limited edition of 400 via the Time+Tide Shop. The Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm is available in two colourways, with the jade green limited to 500 pieces. Price: CHF 5,190 (Wild One Skeleton 39mm), CHF 6,350 (Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm), CHF 6,550 (Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Jade)
| Brand | Norqain |
| Model | Wild One Skeleton 39mm Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.75mm (T) x 45.75mm (LTL) (Wild One) 42mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 49.8mm (LTL) (Independence Chrono) |
| Case material | Coloured Norteq and titanium (Wild One) Grade 5 titanium (Independence Chrono) |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown (Wild One) 100 metres, screw-down crown (Independence Chrono) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Open |
| Lug Width | 20mm (Wild One) 22mm (Independence Chrono) |
| Straps | Fitted, colour-matching rubber strap, case-matching pin buckle Optional titanium folding clasp for Wild One |
| Movement | NB08S, Sellita SW200 base, automatic (Wild One) NK24/1, Sellita AMT-made, automatic (Independence Chrono) |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours (Wild One) 62 hours (Independence Chrono) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds (Wild One) Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph (Independence Chrono) |
| Availability | Wild One Mint limited to 400 pieces Independence Chrono Jade limited to 500 pieces |
| Price | CHF 5,190 (Wild One Skeleton 39mm) CHF 6,350 (Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm) CHF 6,550 (Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Jade) |