Norqain Wild One Meteorite: A Special Edition with a Cosmic Dial

No other model is as emblematic of Norqain as the Wild One from the Independence collection. With its launch in 2022, making waves across the watch industry, Norqain made a lasting impression on the horological landscape. Much of this attention can be attributed to one man who played a decisive role in shaping both the concept and the watch itself: Jean-Claude Biver. Norqain has now unveiled a special edition of the Wild One, featuring a dial crafted from genuine iron meteorite, set within a burgundy-coloured case. Here are all the details about the Norqain Wild One Meteorite.

The Origins of the Norqain Independence Wild One

As founder and CEO Ben Küffer once told us: on Good Friday, at 6:15 a.m., he looked at his phone and saw the name of none other than Jean-Claude Biver on the screen — the industry legend who had once turned Hublot into a global powerhouse and revived Blancpain from obscurity. Biver had heard about the young brand through a mutual acquaintance and wanted to see for himself what Norqain and its CEO were about. When Biver asked whether they could meet, Küffer immediately replied, “Anytime!” The response came just as swiftly: “Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.”

When Jean-Claude Biver eventually walked into Küffer’s office, the meeting that followed became what Küffer later described as a true firework of ideas. Overflowing with enthusiasm, he spoke about his vision and passion until Biver suddenly said: “I see something here that I’ve never seen anywhere else — youth! The youth of the watch industry that actually wants to make a difference!” Two weeks later, Küffer’s phone rang again. On the line was Biver, saying: “Deal. If you create a watch that looks like nothing else in this industry — I’m in.” With clear directives such as “No steel, no titanium!” and “Super light — sports watches have to be super light!”, Biver set the tone for what he had in mind. Thus the Wild One project was born – a watch built around an independent construction and modern materials to achieve a shock resistance of around 5,000 g. In spring 2022, Biver officially joined Norqain’s board of directors as an advisor.

The Special Edition in Detail

The Case

The latest iteration of the Norqain Independence Wild One is presented in a 42 mm case composed of 25 individual components, most notably featuring an integrated rubber shock absorber. This element is surrounded by a proprietary carbon-fibre composite material called Norteq, developed exclusively for Norqain. According to the brand, Norteq is six times lighter than steel and three and a half times lighter than titanium.

The material, created in collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver and BIWI SA, combines carbon fibres with a high-performance polymer matrix made of 60 percent bio-based material derived from castor oil. It offers exceptional lightness and durability, while also allowing for colour customisation to achieve a distinctly modern aesthetic. Thanks to this construction, the Wild One is capable of withstanding shocks of up to 5,000 G and remains water-resistant to 200 metres. A plaque on the left-hand side of the case can be personalised with initials, a date, or a short inscription upon request. The titanium caseback is fitted with a flat sapphire crystal bearing the black inscriptions “SPECIAL EDITION” and “METEORITE.”

The Dial

At the aesthetic centre of the Norqain Wild One Meteorite lies a dial made of genuine iron meteorite – the first time Norqain has used such a material. Each cut of meteorite is unique, as the characteristic Widmanstätten patterns – delicate, geometric crystalline structures – are formed naturally when metallic asteroids cool extremely slowly over millions of years. The Norqain Wild One Meteorite stands out for the visual interplay between the burgundy-coloured case and the distinctive meteorite dial.

Above the dial of the Norqain Wild One Meteorite, Norqain has placed diamond-cut hour markers in a flat, skeletonised design, executed in black and tipped with small luminous dots of Super-LumiNova. Completing the overall aesthetic, the hands of the Norqain Wild One Meteorite are also diamond-cut and fully finished in black. The hour and minute hands feature an openworked design, while the slim seconds hand is distinguished by an arrow-shaped tip. All hands are likewise coated with Super-LumiNova.

Movement & Strap

Inside the Norqain Wild One Meteorite beats the Norqain manufacture calibre NN20/1, based on the tried-and-tested Tudor calibre MT5602 and developed in collaboration with Kenissi. The partnership with Kenissi – a movement manufacturer founded by Rolex’s sister brand Tudor, which produces calibres for only a small number of external brands – has been in place since 2020. The automatic movement measures 31.8 mm in diameter, comprises 25 jewels, and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). It offers a power reserve of 70 hours and is certified according to the COSC chronometer standard. Turning the watch over reveals the oscillating weight, adorned with the Norqain logo, visible through the transparent caseback.

Price & Availability

The Norqain Wild One Meteorite Special Edition is fitted with an integrated anthracite-coloured rubber strap featuring a Milanese texture and a burgundy Norteq pin buckle. Alternatively, it is available with a black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp, equipped with a black Norteq plaque and a quick-adjustment system for enhanced comfort. The watch is limited to 300 pieces and priced at CHF 5,950 with a pin buckle or CHF 6,300 with a folding clasp.

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