Norqain Wild One Skeleton Purple
Norqain don’t do things by halves, it’s all or nothing with them. Their skeleton editions have already paraded a spectrum of bold colours, and now comes the latest: a Purple Limited Edition. Capped at just 400 pieces, it won’t hang around for long. After all, purple is the new turquoise… which was the new green. If you’ve managed to follow that trend-hop and you’re still intrigued, read on.
With a skeletonised dial, there’s really nowhere to hide, everything’s on display. This latest Wild ONE keeps the familiar DNA of previous editions, only now dressed in a sharp, on-trend purple jacket. The 42mm case is a feat of engineering in itself, built from 25 separate components layered into four sections. Both the top and bottom are formed from NORQAIN’s proprietary NORTEQ® carbon fibre, ultralight, ultra-tough, and practically indestructible. Inside, the skeletonised calibre NB08S sits within a titanium container, itself cushioned by a shock-absorbing purple rubber shell. The purple theme continues through the strap’s mesh insert and the subtle violet detailing across the dial.
On the wrist, it’s barely there. At just 78 grams, the watch feels almost weightless on my 7.5-inch wrist, yet still manages to wear comfortably and securely. And here’s a bonus I appreciate, no wrist hairs caught in the dial cut-outs (a personal ick of mine).
The skeletonised dial cuts back just enough to offer a peek at the ruthenium-black automatic calibre NB08S beneath. This chronometer-certified movement runs for 41 hours on a full wind and is finished with a custom NORQAIN oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire caseback.
As ever, the watch is finished with the brand’s signature side plate, mounted on the case flank. Made from the same NORTEQ® material, it can be engraved for a personal touch, a neat way to make an already standout piece feel truly your own.
I’ve been yearning for a Wild ONE ever since I first laid eyes on them. The stumbling block hasn’t been colour, with Norqain’s endless palette, there’s something for everyone, but rather legibility. As my eyesight ages with me, clarity on the dial matters more than ever. Thankfully, in this purple edition the darker case framing really helps the silver indices stand out, making it one of the easier variants to read at a glance.
At 49.9mm lug-to-lug, the 42mm model is best suited to larger wrists, but if you fall outside that camp, Norqain has you covered with the 39mm Wild One line. What excites me about the brand is how they keep pushing forward, experimenting with materials and colour in ways that feel bold, fresh, and just different enough to keep them ahead in an increasingly crowded Swiss market.
Priced at £4,850.00 and 400 pieces worldwide, these may not be around for too long. So if this is the Purple to float your boat, then get in quickly.