Independent and family-owned Swiss watch brand Norqain creates ripples again with the 78-gram Wild One with skeletonised movement in the two colours of turquoise and burgundy
At the NCO Club entertainment and lifestyle complex, Fish Pool was transformed into a vibrant beachside party, complete with a diving pool. This setup was arranged to celebrate the debut of the 78-gram Wild One with skeletonised movement in two colours: turquoise and burgundy — colours reminiscent of a day at the beach.
Aellig: The Wild One Skeleton was a very special launch for us because it’s all about the art of watchmaking. It showcases cutting-edge design and product innovation, incorporating innovative materials, which makes it truly unique for us
Present at the launch was Daniel Aellig, Norqain’s chief commercial officer, who had specially flown in for the occasion. He tells Options: “The Wild One Skeleton is a very special launch for us because it’s all about the art of watchmaking. It showcases cutting-edge design and product innovation, incorporating innovative materials, making it unique.”
Building on their predecessors’ success and instant sell-out in 2021 and 2022, these new additions to the Independence line incorporate the coveted skeletonised movement from the Wild One series. Aellig adds: “This year’s launch combines those best-selling timepieces into one and presents them in special and eye-catching colours. It’s a very innovative product because the concept that we have, with the Wild One timepieces, has been developed in cooperation with Norteq with Jean-Claude Biver.”
Norteq material is renowned for its exceptional strength and feather-light composition. It also balances density, elasticity, and resistance, ensuring superior shock absorption for an optimised timekeeping experience.
A Swiss watch industry legend who has helmed many brands, Jean-Claude Biver needs no introduction. The youthful Norqain team with an average age of 35 is about to embark on an exciting journey, and with Biver by their side, success seems inevitable. Having achieved remarkable feats with every brand he has been associated with, Biver’s presence will undoubtedly be a driving force as Norqain aims to ignite the passion for mechanical watches in an era dominated by digitalisation and smartwatches.
Norqain, a recently established player in the watch industry, is a fully independent, family-owned Swiss watch company headquartered in Nidau (Bienne). Embracing Biver’s invaluable mentorship, the company is poised to take Swiss-made watches to unprecedented heights, adorning the wrists of the young and young-at-heart with their remarkable and exceptional timepieces. Norqain is a meaningful acronym: “new, open-minded, rebellious, quality time, adventure, independent, niche”. The thoughtfully designed logo resembles the majestic mountain peak, symbolising its pursuit of greatness and exploration.
As a newcomer to the industry, Norqain certainly has its work cut out. Unfazed by this challenge, Aellig attributes its success to being an independent and family-owned brand founded only five years ago. This unique aspect already sets them apart from competitors stuck in their moulds. He adds: “Also, the brand’s sustainable approach speaks strongly to the young generation these days. There’s a different mindset than there was a couple of years ago, which also appeals to the younger generation.”
Aellig is no stranger to the watch industry, having risen through the ranks at Breitling from 2012 to 2018 when he joined Norqain. He notes that Norqain and its CEO, Ben Küffer, are keen to transmit the passion for mechanical timepieces to the young generation. “We’re a very young team with a lot of energy. Our focus is to get to our younger customers, and we try to engage them into the brand itself,” he adds.
Norqain’s new ambassador Italian Olympic swimmer Filippo Magnini
To do this, Norqain’s approach is through sports. Aellig says that all the brand’s friends or ambassadors are sports people. He explains that Norqain works with them to share the passion for the watches and organise community events, such as marathons, yoga classes, and more.
Indeed, during the launch event, Norqain announced Italian Olympic swimmer Filippo Magnini as its latest brand ambassador. Alongside his impressive collection of 17 gold medals from European Championships, Magnini boasts a remarkable record as a four-time World Champion and is an Olympic bronze medallist, achieved during his participation in the 4x200m relay team in Athens.
Closer to home, Norqain supports Maximilian Maeder’s journey towards becoming a more proficient kite foiler in Singapore. Maeder’s talent has been showcased through numerous junior world titles in kite racing. Last year, he truly captured the spotlight, securing an impressive double victory by claiming the top spot at both the Formula Kite Youth (Under-19) World Championships and the men’s Open title at the Formula Kite European Championships. His achievements have solidified his position as a rising star in the kite racing world.
See also: Ipah Uid Lynn: The first Asian to win Oceanographic Magazine's Female Fifty Fathoms Award
Making a splash with the Wild One
The Wild One timepiece features a case construction specifically designed to endure the shocks and movements associated with high-performance sports.
The timepiece features a sleek black case crafted from Norqain’s proprietary Norteq material, which surrounds the shock absorber, adding to its durability and allure. The captivating turquoise hue of the shock absorber extends to the open-worked black dial, complementing its overall aesthetic.
The skeletonised indexes, hour hand, and minute hand are adorned with turquoise X1 Superluminova for enhanced visibility, while the central second’s hand boasts a white X1 Superluminova-filled tip outlined in turquoise.
The screw-down crown is thoughtfully over-moulded with black rubber for a seamless blend of style and functionality. Completing the ensemble is an integrated animal cruelty-free turquoise rubber strap, accented with a black edge, offering both comfort and sustainability.
The Wild One Skeleton Turquoise also comes with a special Norqain cap in the same turquoise colour, complete with the brand’s logo stitched in black on the front. It’s the ideal accessory for a laid-back day by the shore. The timepiece showcases a captivating blend of features, with a burgundy Norteq case and a resilient black rubber shock absorber.
The skeletonised movement finds its home within a sandblasted titanium case, adding a touch of elegance and sturdiness. The black open-worked dial is adorned with crisp white markings, while the red-gold-plated indexes and hands boast white X1 Superluminova, ensuring clear visibility in any lighting conditions.
