Jean-Claude Biver became an advisor to the board of directors of fledgling independent watchmaker Norqain back in 2022 and immediately set about helping the Swiss business differentiate itself in a crowded market for sporty, rugged, mid-range timepieces.
Attracted by the youthful nature of the company, where the average age of the team is around 30-years-old, he lent the weight of his name and reputation to a business spearheaded by Norqain CEO Ben Küffer, now a veteran at the company, aged 37.
“Giving back to the younger generation now at the forefront of the industry is always something I’ve wanted to do,” Mr Biver said at the time of his appointment.
Today, Norqain has unveiled two new version of its Wild One Skeleton watch that have been designed by Mr Biver in conjunction with Mr Kuffer: one in 18ct red bold, the other in the company’s proprietary gray Norteq carbon fibre material with a titanium core.
Norteq is described as 6.25 times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium.
Both the gold and Norteq watches house a ruthenium-coated, COSC-certified, Calibre NB08S skeletonised movement.
The watches’ 42mm cases, which are water resistant to 20 metres, have rubber shock absorbers to protect the movement, which has 42 hour power reserve.
Norqain’s Wild One Skeleton 42mm in red gold is priced at $14,150 on a rubber strap with a black metal buckle or $14,950 with the buckle in gold.
The Norteq model is $5,790 on a rubber strap.
The two new colourways come as an addition to the best-selling Turquoise, Gecko Green, and Coral Red Wild One Skeleton models.
Norqain’s Wild One Skeleton campaign stars NHL Star Roman Josi, Captain of the Nashville Predators.
