Buffy Acacia
Norqain is about adventure, whether it’s mountain-taking or challenging norms. After industry savant Jean Claude Biver joined Norcaine’s advisory committee in 2022, it was clear that the startup company had little stock in tradition. This recent batch of releases confirms its experimental mission by sucking color and skeletalization for the most futuristic results. It’s rare to find such a lively design from a watch intended for mountain peak scaling, or from a watch intended for such wearable ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbnzdl8cujg
There is no better place than the flagship. This will be Norcaine’s Won-One Skeleton. To match the modern flavour, the Norcane has been reduced to 39mm in diameter. For buyers who prioritize comfort, it is not only more attractive, but also guarantees longevity as a gender-neutral watch. This is supported by athletic ambassadors, including Italian football legend Gianrugi Buffon and up-and-coming ice skater Kimmy Lepondo. However, 39mm measurements can be a bit tricky as the wings of the case forming the crown guard add a significant amount of width. So, that means you’re wearing it a little smaller than you think, and the length of the lug to the 45.75mm lug shows how it sits on your wrist.
Size is not the only consideration for a comfortable watch intended for an active lifestyle. Too much weight may actually not drag you down on a cliff, but enough upset can be absolutely tiring. The Wild One Skeleton 39mm case is actually made with 25 components and is designed to lose weight and increase impact resistance, especially at every stage. Norteq carbon fiber and biosource polymer composite shell form a black outer layer, while colorful rubber bumpers act as the main shock absorbing layer. Norteq is 3.5 times lighter than titanium, and even a flexible rubber strap with a Milanese-effect texture, the overall watch weighs only 63 grams.
Powering the wild skeleton is the caliber N08S, based on the Serrata SW200-1 S. This creates a great background for the dial, and its skeletonization strongly emphasizes future geometry. It has a 4Hz beat rate for smooth sweep and 38 hours of power reserve, and is also COSC certified with accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. There are four new references for the Wild One Skeleton 39mm, changing the color of the rubber case components and hand highlight colors. There are 400 limited editions in a mint colour, with fiery hyper pink, purple ice blue, sky blue and also black ruthenium-coated movement.
Moving to the Norqain Independence Chrono in a more robust 42mm size, the expansion of the collection, which was launched last year, is expanding. The purple dial from the previous 300-piece limited edition enters standard production within a Grade 5 titanium case, with all brushed surfaces showing a dark gray shade of metal. That said, most of the skeletonized movement components are coated with a darker gray color, which makes the silver and brassy parts stand out. The Norqain Independence Collection aesthetic is undoubtedly on display, with the wings on the left side of the case adding balance to the crown guard and chronograph pusher, and the length of the 49.8mm lug-to-lug is narrowed to its sub-50mm sweet spot.
Considering the 100m water resistance and automatic winding of the case, the 13.9mm thickness isn’t that bad. The curvature of the lug helps to fit the wrist. Considering that it is made from titanium, it is about 40% lighter than its stainless steel equivalent. If you’re interested in more extreme looks, there’s a black DLC limited edition, which also features Jade Green Dial and Strap. The dial is partially a bit more confusing than the wild skeleton due to the required number of moving components, but its harsh angles and geometric shapes are also jagged, appearing to reflect the mountain range of the Norcane logo. As for the chronograph, there is only a 6 o’clock run-second sub-dial and a 30-minute counter on 12.
The 8K caliber that drives the independent chrono is a joint effort between Norqain and Amt SA manufacturing, which is Sellita’s bespoke manufacturing division. It shares several similarities with the SW510-based Sellita AMT5100, as well as its 4Hz beat rate, 58 hours of power reserve and COSC certification. It has column wheel activation for a satisfying click on the pusher, and is a flyback chronograph, allowing you to restart the timer without having to stop first. The development of these two collections shows Norkan listening to the ground regarding what he wants for his recent days. Comfortable design and color variety is key to the minds of most collectors at this point, and Norkan has done it without sacrificing his adventurous attitude.
Pricing and availability for Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm and Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm
The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm is now available in four colorways. Mint is a limited edition of 400. The Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm is available in two colorways, with Jade Green limited to 500. Price: CHF 5,190 (Wild One Skeleton 39mm), CHF 6,350 (Independent Skeleton Chrono 42mm), CHF 6,550 (Independent Skeleton Chrono 42mm Jade)
Brand Norqain Model Wild One Skeleton 39mm
Independent Skeleton Chrono 42mm Case Dimensions 39mm(d) x 11.75mm
