Hands-On: The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple

September 15, 2016

Norqain is still a relatively young brand, but it has carved out a niche as a maker of fun, stylish watches. Of all the models in the catalog, the Wild One Skeleton is probably the best known. No matter the variant, the pieces are typically colorful, slightly brash, and capable. From my experience, though, they re also incredibly comfortable. Over the past week, I ve had the opportunity to go hands-on with the latest variant, the Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple. If a cool, casual watch is on the list, this is a great candidate.Ever since Norqain entered the UK market earlier this year, I ve been enjoying some hands-on time with various models in the lineup. This summer s Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life Special Edition was my first encounter, which was followed by a pair of Independence Skeleton 40mm watches. Each time, I came away with a positive impression. The watches are well made and fit nicely on the wrist. However, I was waiting for a chance to sample the brand s most famous model. Finally, I ve spent time with one, and it s the new Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple.The Norqain Wild One Skeleton 42mm PurpleFor fans of the brand, the specifications won t be a surprise. The spanking-new Norqain comes as a 42mm by 49.4mm watch with a curved-end rubber strap. Its case is composite and made of two materials. Everything in black is Norqain s proprietary Norteq carbon fiber material, providing lightness and strength. The purple case sections are made of rubber, which improves impact resistance. Admittedly, the rubber feels unique since most brands reserve its use for tactile components, such as crowns and pushers. It also ensures a one-to-one match with the textured rubber strap. The strap contains a black rubber floating keeper and a Norteq pin buckle with an integrated keeper or a Norteq folding clasp.An open-worked dial with purple luminous detailsFor reasons I can t quite put my finger on, the Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple is more legible than the similarly styled Independence Skeleton I tested. Perhaps the polished metal hands and indexes contrast more brightly with the anthracite bridges. Regardless of the reason, I had no issue telling the time at a glance. Other noteworthy details include a slender purple ring around the sapphire crystal and light purple Super-LumiNova on the hands and at each hour. Even the ruby jewels within the movement are within the same color family.The overall appearance is modern and bold, but it s not silly. Credit the finishing work on all the dial surfaces and the underlying movement components.The Wild One is wildly comfortableI m aware that Norqain now produces a 39mm version of the Wild One. I briefly tried one, and, naturally, it worked well on my small wrist. However, due to the lightness of this watch and the curved, flexible strap, I d opt for this 42mm case size. Plus, the purple colorway is only available in the larger format. I m still holding on to the last vestiges of my summer tan, and the colors look good against the skin. Also, the watch may appear bold, but with its reasonable 12.3mm thickness, it s not a clunky monster on the wrist.In fact, I wore it out on errands and hardly noticed it under a sleeve. That s another observation worth mentioning. Even if this watch is very different from my normal daily picks, I found it to be an easy watch to throw on and pair with casual, sporty, and smart-casual clothing. Plus, with a 200m water resistance rating, it doesn t need to be removed during sports activities.The NB08S automatic chronometerNorqain equips the Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple with its automatic NB08S movement based on the Sellita SW200-1. In this application, the caliber is a COSC-certified chronometer with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 41-hour power reserve. Critics will bemoan the use of a third-party movement, but the aesthetic treatment and high-grade choice feel apt for the watch.The Wild One Skeleton is a limited offeringNorqain will produce 400 pieces of the new Wild One Skeleton, in line with its previous limited-edition releases. This is one of the brand s premium offerings, so the pricing is slightly higher than serial pieces at $5,550 / $4,850. For some, this may seem like a high cost of entry for a whimsical watch. For others, it offers value compared to far more expensive open-worked alternatives. My take is that it s a well-crafted sports watch that is more versatile than I initially thought. Sure, it s loud and proud, but it s so nice on the wrist. Purple has been an it color for watches for the last year, making this a timely release. The hue is already fun and funky, so why not consider dialing it up a notch with a bold piece like this?Watch specifications Brand Norqain Model Wild One Skeleton 42mm Purple Dial Open-worked with skeletonized hour markers and hands treated with purple Super-LumiNovaCase Material Titanium inner case, rubber shock protector, and Norteq carbon outer caseCase Dimensions 42mm (diameter) 49.4mm (lug-to-lug length) 12.3mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back Norteq exhibition back with sapphire crystal, affixed via four screws Movement Norqain NB08S (Sellita SW200-1 S base): automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds, 28,800vph frequency, 41-hour power reserve, 27 jewels, COSC-certified chronometerWater Resistance 200 metersStrap Purple curved-end rubber (22mm width) with black outline and Norteq pin buckle or folding claspFunctions Time only (hours, minutes, central seconds)Price $5,550 / $4,850Warranty Two yearsSpecial Note(s) Limited edition of 400 pieces