• NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton Spengler Cup Newest Hockey-Inspired Timepiece
  • NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton Spengler Cup

    Newest Hockey-Inspired Timepiece

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    December 27, 2024
  • Diving headfirst into the world of independent watchmaking, Norqain has quickly carved a niche for itself as a brand that embodies the spirit of adventure and the thrill of the unknown. Founded in 2018, this relatively young Swiss watchmaker has already made significant waves in the horological industry, attracting attention with its bold designs and robust construction. NORQAIN's story is one of passion and a deep-rooted connection to Swiss watchmaking tradition. Based in Nidau, near the watchmaking hub of Biel/Bienne, NORQAIN is deeply rooted in the Swiss watchmaking tradition. Founded by Ben Küffer, a man with a background in the industry, the brand has quickly gained a reputation for crafting high-quality, adventurous timepieces. It's a family-owned venture that prides itself on independence and the freedom to innovate. This independence is central to the brand's ethos, allowing it to pursue its unique vision without the constraints often faced by larger, conglomerate-owned companies.

    NORQAIN's entry into the watch market was marked by a clear vision: to create timepieces that are not just instruments for measuring time but companions for life's adventures. This vision is evident in their collections, which blend rugged functionality with a distinctive aesthetic. Among their offerings, the Wild ONE collection stands out as a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a sports watch can be. The Wild ONE line, introduced as a high-performance sports watch, is designed for those who live life to the fullest and need a timepiece that can keep up. It's a collection that truly embodies the brand's adventurous spirit. The Wild ONE watches are characterized by their innovative case construction, use of cutting-edge materials, and exceptional durability. These are timepieces built to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle, whether it's scaling a mountain, diving into the ocean depths, or simply navigating the urban jungle.

    Courtesy of NORQAIN
    Courtesy of NORQAIN


    Now, NORQAIN takes its adventurous spirit to the ice, celebrating its role as the Official Timekeeper of the Spengler Cup in Davos since 2019 with the release of the Wild ONE Skeleton Spengler Cup Special Edition. This limited-edition timepiece, reference NNQ3000QBB6LAS/A003, is a fitting tribute to the dynamism and intensity of ice hockey, a sport known for its high-impact plays and thrilling pace. Limited to just 96 pieces, in honor of the 96th edition of the Spengler Cup, this watch is a true collector's item. The partnership between NORQAIN and the Spengler Cup, a prestigious international ice hockey tournament held annually in Davos, Switzerland, is a natural fit. Both the brand and the tournament embody a commitment to excellence, a passion for pushing boundaries, and a deep respect for tradition. This collaboration highlights NORQAIN's connection to its Swiss heritage and its love for sports that demand precision, endurance, and a relentless pursuit of victory. The Spengler Cup, established in 1923, is the oldest invitational ice hockey tournament in the world. It's a showcase of top-tier talent and a celebration of the sport's rich history. NORQAIN's role as the Official Timekeeper underscores the brand's dedication to precision and its support for events that embody the values of sportsmanship and competition.

    The Wild ONE Skeleton Spengler Cup Special Edition is visually captivating, showcasing a design that balances robustness with intricate detailing. The 42mm case, a perfect size for both presence and comfort, is crafted from NORQAIN's proprietary NORTEQ material. This material is a marvel of modern engineering, being ultra-light, ultra-robust, and boasting a striking marble effect. The black NORTEQ cage, encompassing both the top and bottom parts of the case, is complemented by a black rubber shock absorber, a testament to the watch's readiness for extreme conditions. Looking at the watch, one is immediately drawn to the interplay of black and blue. The black NORTEQ case provides a stealthy backdrop, while the dark blue open-worked dial offers a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the timepiece. Light blue accents on the dial add a vibrant touch, echoing the icy arena of the Spengler Cup. The watch's case is a masterclass in engineering. It's constructed from 25 separate parts, including four custom-made screws engraved with a mountain-peak design, a subtle nod to NORQAIN's adventurous spirit. The separate top and bottom NORTEQ parts act as a protective cage, connected and secured with these unique screws.

    Courtesy of NORQAIN
    Courtesy of NORQAIN


    The dial is a skeletonized marvel, offering a captivating view of the watch's inner workings. The open-worked design is not just for show; it contributes to the watch's overall lightness, making it a mere 78 grams on the wrist. This is significantly lighter than comparable stainless steel watches and even lighter than other Wild ONE models. Diamond-cut, rhodium-plated indexes are filled with light blue X1 Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. This luminescent material is also used on the tips of the diamond-cut, faceted hour and minute hands. The second hand, also rhodium-plated, features a white X1 Super-LumiNova-filled tip with a light blue outline, adding another layer of visual interest to the dial. The dark blue color scheme is a subtle nod to the sport it celebrates, and the open-worked design reveals the intricate machinery within. The indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring readability in all conditions. A closer look reveals the NORQAIN logo proudly displayed on the sapphire crystal, a detail that adds to the watch's unique character.

    Turning the watch over, the open case back, crafted from scratch-proof flat sapphire glass, reveals the Spengler Cup logo and the inscription "SPECIAL EDITION ONE of 96." This transparent case back offers a clear view of the personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight, a component that powers the watch's automatic movement. The combination of the dark NORTEQ and the transparent sapphire creates a visually stunning contrast, highlighting the intricate details of the movement within. The case back also showcases the Spengler Cup logo, a subtle yet significant reminder of the watch's special edition status. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the watch's construction, from the screw-down crown, over-molded with black rubber and featuring the NORQAIN logo, to the engraved black NORTEQ NORQAIN plate on the left side of the case. These small details add up to create a timepiece that is both visually appealing and functionally robust.

    Courtesy of NORQAIN
    Courtesy of NORQAIN


    At the heart of this exceptional timepiece lies the NORQAIN Calibre NN08S, a mechanical automatic skeleton movement that is chronometer-certified by COSC, ensuring exceptional accuracy and reliability. This movement, with its 26 rubies, is a testament to Swiss watchmaking expertise. The personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight is a distinctive feature, visible through the open case back. With a power reserve of 41 hours and a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the Calibre NN08S is a workhorse movement designed for precision and durability. It's a movement that can withstand the shocks and bumps of an active lifestyle, making it a perfect match for the Wild ONE collection. The skeletonized nature of the movement not only contributes to the watch's lightness but also offers a captivating view of its intricate workings. Each component is meticulously crafted and finished, showcasing the dedication to quality that defines NORQAIN's approach to watchmaking.

    The integrated blue rubber strap, featuring a Milanese pattern and black edges, is secured with a black NORTEQ pin buckle. This strap is not only comfortable and durable but also adds to the watch's overall aesthetic appeal. The combination of blue and black complements the case and dial, creating a cohesive and visually striking timepiece. The integrated design ensures a seamless connection between the case and strap, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal. The Milanese pattern adds a touch of texture, while the black NORTEQ buckle provides a secure and stylish closure. This strap is designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle, making it a perfect match for the Wild ONE's adventurous spirit. The use of rubber ensures that the strap is water-resistant and comfortable to wear, even during intense physical activity.

    Courtesy of NORQAIN
    Courtesy of NORQAIN


    This timepiece is engineered for extreme conditions. Its robust construction and shock resistance are proven through rigorous testing, withstanding impacts of up to 5,000 g. This means the watch can handle the shocks and bumps associated with activities like mountain biking, skiing, or trail running. The use of NORTEQ and the rubber shock absorber play a crucial role in achieving this level of durability. The watch's water resistance of 200 meters further enhances its versatility, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. This level of water resistance is not common in skeletonized watches, making the Wild ONE Skeleton Spengler Cup Special Edition a standout in its category. The combination of a screw-down crown and a robust case construction ensures that the watch remains watertight even at significant depths.

    The NORQAIN Wild ONE Skeleton Spengler Cup Special Edition is more than just a tribute to a sporting event; it's a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, quality, and the spirit of adventure. This timepiece is a celebration of Swiss craftsmanship, cutting-edge materials, and a passion for pushing boundaries. Each watch is meticulously handcrafted, with an unwavering attention to detail that is evident in every component. The use of NORTEQ, a material developed in collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver and BIWI SA, showcases NORQAIN's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking technology. This material's unique properties, including its ultra-lightness and robustness, make it an ideal choice for a high-performance sports watch. The marble effect of NORTEQ adds a distinctive aesthetic touch, making each watch unique.

    Courtesy of NORQAIN
    Courtesy of NORQAIN


    The Wild ONE Skeleton Spengler Cup Special Edition is priced at $5,990, reflecting its limited-edition status, the use of advanced materials, and the intricate craftsmanship involved in its production. With only 96 pieces available, this watch is a true collector's item, a piece that embodies the spirit of the Spengler Cup and NORQAIN's adventurous ethos. It's a timepiece designed for those who appreciate the fusion of form and function, who seek a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle, and who value the heritage and innovation that define Swiss watchmaking. This watch is available for purchase through authorized NORQAIN retailers and the brand's official website.

    Case: 42mm diameter. 12.30mm thick. 49.40mm lug to lug. 22mm lug width. Black NORTEQ® cage with black rubber shock absorber. Sandblasted titanium container and case back. 200m water resistance. Double anti-reflective, scratch-proof, flat sapphire glass with white NORQAIN logo. Open case back with scratch-proof flat sapphire glass including the Spengler Cup logo and the “SPECIAL EDITION ONE of 96”. Screw-down crown, overmolded with black rubber and NORQAIN logo. Engraved black NORTEQ® NORQAIN plate on the left side of the case.

    Movement: NORQAIN Calibre NN08S. Mechanical automatic skeleton movement. Chronometer certified (COSC). 26 rubies. Personalized NORQAIN oscillating weight. 41 hours power reserve. Balance frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).

    Dial: Openworked dark blue dial with light blue printings. Diamond-cut flat skeleton rhodium plated indexes, with light blue X1 Super-LumiNova® spots. Diamond-cut faceted hour and minute hands, rhodium plated, light blue X1 Super-LumiNova®-filled tip. Diamond-cut flat second hand, rhodium plated, white X1 Super-LumiNova®-filled tip, light blue outlined tip.

    Strap: Integrated blue rubber strap with Milanese pattern and black edges. Black NORTEQ® pin buckle.

    Price: $5,990 USD

    Notes: Limited to 96 pieces. Celebrates NORQAIN's partnership with the Spengler Cup. Weighs only 78 grams. Features the proprietary NORTEQ® material, which is ultra-light and ultra-robust. Proven shock resistance up to 5,000 g.
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