Borna Boschunjak
The wild ones were always destined to be the child of Norkan posters. However, I don’t think the brand was hoping to get the spotlight with its skeleton models. Especially considering that they adorned the closed dial brothers in the more premium Kenishi movement. Still, I’m here. Whether it’s because of celebrities’ support or collector’s desire for something refreshing (in fact, it’s probably a bit), Wild One Skeleton enjoys a lot of success. To further develop this success story, Norqain expanded its collection with Watches and Wonders 2025, reducing the lightweight sports watch to a versatile (and trendy) diameter of 39mm. They just arrived at the T+T Melbourne Watch Discovery Studio, so I look closely at what they’re checking out and how difficult it is considering everything is on display?
Comfort Champion
No matter the diameter, you have to get it on your wrist to truly experience the greatest strength of the wild. Norteq’s composite case means it’s lightweight and its flat caseback and slightly curved lug fit perfectly on almost any wrist. Especially at 39mm, I wear it surprisingly slim, taking into account the aesthetics of sports/dive watches. It is 11.75mm thick and 45.75mm lugs, making it more compact than the Tudor Black Bay 58 for comparison.
This is further emphasized by the fitted elastic straps, but it provided more construction than I had expected. There is no flexibility or supply of silicon at all, but it really doesn’t undermine comfort at all. In fact, it’s the opposite. The rubber is flexible enough to expand as your wrists bulge, but not as thin as it feels or slides up and down.
Similarly, the clock
Well, it’s okay. It’s not just a clock – considering the 3mm drop in diameter, it’s literally the opposite, but you get what I mean. Everything I loved with the 42mm Wild One Skeleton is here. It includes an open dial showing the aforementioned composite structure and the skeletonized variant of the internal Sellita SW200. In many cases, a decline in size means a decrease in specifications, but I’m happy to say that it’s not the case here.
In fact, the Wild One Skeleton 39 adds a touch that many might prefer in a larger variation. The open bridge of the movement is black to match the colour of the case, rather than the unprocessed finish of the collection’s brothers. Considering the price of the watch command, it looks very premium, as appropriate.
(Almost) High-tech on all aspects
The overall idea of Norqain’s own composite material was to provide an avant-garde material experience, which was one of the main draw cards in the Wild One collection. Rather unexpectedly (and I know how watch nerds get, especially) the evacuation of the Kenissi movement from the skeleton collection was not sufficient to overcome the massive advances the model made in terms of visual appeal. The modified Sellita SW200 behind the Wild One 39 Skeleton, shown as the NB08S, is COSC certified.
However, because of widespread movements, Norqain makes it easier to service. If you can’t reach Norqain’s retailers or showrooms, it’s pretty safe to leave this with a moderately good watch maker given the ubiquitous design and availability of the SW200.
Close thoughts
With a new diameter, the Wild One Skeleton 39mm improves everything that its larger brother is already working very well. Comfort is even better (particularly on 16cm/6.2 inch wrists), and its lightweight case and comfortable rubber straps are appreciated for it. Also, it’s just as fun as the colour, but I think it’s aesthetically a major improvement in the blacking movements that are only available in Mint Green Limited Edition at the moment.
The Wild One Skeleton proves that for many, regardless of size, watchmaking is not what is under the hood, and not about how it is presented. The story that emerged several times in my conversation with our own Jamie Weiss is one of the Eco Boost-equipped Ford Mustangs, and I think it’s the perfect similarity of this watch. Certainly there is no thunderous V8 to drown out the question mark on the price tag, but the roof is down, the sun is shining and I sit on a bright yellow Mustang. If you’re not careful, you might be looking forward to it a little.
Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm Price and Availability
The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm is available from Time+Tide Studios in Melbourne and London, and at Time+Tide Shop. Price: $8,800, £4,750
Brand Norqain Model Wild One Skeleton 39mm Case Dimensions 39mm (D) x 11.75mm (T) x 45.75mm (LTL) Case Material Norteq Rubber Shock Absorber Resistant 200m Crystal
Opens with mint, pewter, blue and pink highlights
Mintl only black movement
Lug width 20mm strap
Attached color match rubber straps, Nortechpin buckle
Movement NB08S, Sellita SW200, Auto, COSC Power Reserve 41 Hours Features T+T Shop Availability in Mint Green, 400 Pieces Price A $8,800
£4,750
