NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton Gecko

In the ever-changing world of luxury watches, where heritage and tradition reign supreme, a young, dynamic Swiss watchmaker named Norqain is carving its own path. Founded in 2018 by Ben Küffer, NORQAIN brings together a rich family history in watchmaking with a genuine passion for innovation. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology is evident in every timepiece they create, and the new Wild One Skeleton Gecko is no exception.

The NORQAIN story begins not in 2018, but rather decades earlier. Marc Küffer, Ben's father, boasts over 45 years of experience in the Swiss luxury watch industry, and his influence is deeply ingrained in NORQAIN's DNA. The brand itself embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration, represented by the twin peaks of the N logo, symbolizing the challenges and triumphs that come with reaching new heights.



Unlike many established watch brands, NORQAIN is fiercely independent. This independence has fostered a culture of innovation within the company, allowing them to creatively push boundaries and challenge the status quo in the watchmaking world. Perhaps the most significant result of this innovative spirit is NORTEQ®, a proprietary ultra-light and ultra-robust material that is exclusively used in NORQAIN watches.

Developed in collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver, a legend in the watch industry, and BIWI SA, NORTEQ® is a game-changer. This carbon fiber composite material offers the perfect balance of density, elasticity, and resistance, making it ideally suited for the demands of an active lifestyle. NORTEQ® is not only lighter than steel and titanium but also remarkably shock-resistant.

The Wild One collection, first introduced in 2022, perfectly exemplifies NORQAIN's adventurous spirit and technological prowess. Every watch in the collection features the revolutionary NORTEQ® case construction, making them exceptionally lightweight and durable. The bold and expressive designs of the Wild One collection cater to those who seek a timepiece that can keep pace with their active lives.



The Wild One Skeleton Gecko is the latest addition to the already-impressive Wild One collection. While a full technical breakdown of the watch will be provided in the second part of this article, a careful examination of the watch reveals several intriguing features. The case, crafted from NORTEQ®, has a striking black marble effect and is highlighted by gecko green accents. A closer look through the openworked dial showcases the skeletonized movement, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the watch. Super-LumiNova®-filled hands and hour markers ensure optimal readability in low-light conditions.

Powering the Wild One Skeleton Gecko is the NORQAIN Caliber NN08S, a skeletonized automatic movement based on the Sellita SW200-1SC. This robust and reliable movement features 26 jewels, a personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight with the mountain peak logo, and boasts a 41-hour power reserve. The real magic lies in its openworked construction, which puts the inner workings of the watch front and center. The architectural design of the skeletonization reflects NORQAIN's commitment to stability, ensuring the movement's resilience despite its intricate appearance.



One of the standout features of the Wild One collection is the use of NORTEQ®. This ultra-light carbon fiber composite offers several performance benefits, making it ideal for sports watches. It strikes a desirable balance between shock resistance and featherweight comfort; this material is a whopping six times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium. The Wild One Skeleton Gecko takes this a step further – thanks to its openworked movement, the watch weighs only an astonishing 78 grams!

But NORTEQ® is not just about lightness. The unique case construction offers unparalleled shock absorption. The case itself is made of separate top and bottom NORTEQ® parts that act as a protective cage. Between them sits a custom-designed BIWI rubber bumper that reliably absorbs the impact of bumps and knocks. The case truly lives up to the Wild One name, capable of traversing trails, slopes, or simply enduring the rigors of everyday wear.

The skeletonized dial of the Wild One Skeleton Gecko is both technically impressive and undeniably eye-catching. The intricate play of exposed components and the vibrant gecko green accents create a bold and modern aesthetic. Diamond-cut, flat skeletonized rhodium-plated indexes with X1 Super-LumiNova® inserts ensure clear time-telling in various lighting conditions. The matching hour and minute hands also feature rhodium plating with gecko green X1 Super-LumiNova®-filled tips, further enhancing readability. The seconds hand is a standout element with its rhodium-plated body, gecko green outline, and contrasting white X1 Super-LumiNova®-filled tip.



The Wild One Skeleton Gecko comes fitted with a gecko green rubber strap featuring a "Milanese" pattern with black edges. This integrated design with a NORTEQ® pin buckle seamlessly blends with the case. The strap provides a secure fit and contributes to the watch's lightweight feel.

Additional details contribute to a refined overall appearance. Both the front and back of the watch feature sapphire crystal glass, renowned for its scratch resistance. The open case back reveals the NORQAIN oscillating weight, while the case side showcases a black NORTEQ® engraved plate with the brand's name – like a subtle signature on a work of art.

The NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton Gecko is a timepiece that demands attention. Its bold design and gecko green accents exude confidence. However, it also delivers exceptional performance and practicality. Its lightness adds a level of effortless comfort, making it suitable for everyday wear and active pursuits. Whether hitting the mountain bike trails or catching a flight for a weekend getaway, the Wild One Skeleton Gecko will confidently keep pace.



The Wild One Skeleton Gecko embodies the brand's commitment to a distinctive kind of watchmaking. It's a testament to NORQAIN's independence and dedication to innovation. The brand's focus on cutting-edge technology like NORTEQ® and commitment to exceptional quality sets it apart in the landscape of luxury watchmaking.

As NORQAIN continues to grow, we can expect further exciting developments that push the boundaries of watchmaking, challenging established norms without compromising on the spirit of craftsmanship. With the Wild One Skeleton Gecko, NORQAIN has proven its capabilities – and they're just getting started.