Skip to main content

This NORQAIN limited-edition watch design is inspired by an animal sanctuary in South Africa

The watch's design is reminiscent of King Dexter, a lion that has lived at the sanctuary since he was a cub

NORQAIN Wild One watch face
NORQAIN

If you’re on the lookout for a watch that’s more than just a timepiece, something that tells a story, this limited-edition NORQAIN watch might just be your next obsession. Inspired by the wilds of South Africa and the noble cause of wildlife conservation, the NORQAIN Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition is more than just a watch; it’s a statement piece.

Watches for men have a unique way of encapsulating history and sentiment, and this NORQAIN timepiece is no exception. It’s not just another luxurious accessory; it’s a tribute to the untamed beauty of the South African landscape and a symbol of hope for its majestic inhabitants.

Recommended Videos

The NORQAIN Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition watch is the fruit of an unexpected connection between Swiss watchmaker NORQAIN and Dean Schneider, a wildlife ambassador dedicated to the Hakuna Mipaka Animal Sanctuary in South Africa. This is an alliance that gave birth to a watch design that’s truly one of a kind.

The watch specs that command attention

The Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition is not your average timepiece. Priced at $5,590, it’s a 42 mm statement with a personality that can’t be ignored. It features a brown NORTEQ cage, a nod to the sanctuary’s wildlife residents. The sand-colored rubber shock absorber? It’s filled with sand from the Hakuna Mipaka oasis itself. That’s a level of connection with the inspiration that’s truly unique.

The watch case is sandblasted titanium, ensuring not only durability but also a distinct rugged elegance. It’s not fragile; it’s built for the adventurer. With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 12.3 mm, it’s a watch that holds its own without being overbearing. The water resistance is up to 200 m, making it not just a timepiece but a companion for your aquatic adventures. These watches are not designed to stay on your wrist while at the office or backyard barbecues, but they’re your partner for exploring unknown, faraway places, even if just in your fantasies.

The double anti-reflective, scratch-proof sapphire glass not only adds a layer of protection but also ensures that you can admire the intricate details of the watch without worrying about smudges or scratches.

NORQAIN Wild One watch case back
NORQAIN

Peek into the soul of the watch

What sets the Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition apart is its open case back. Adorned with scratch-proof sapphire glass featuring the “HAKUNA MIPAKA” logo and the “HAKUNA MIPAKA ONE of 300” mention, it’s like a window into the soul of this watch. But let’s not forget the screw-down crown, over-molded with sand-colored rubber, and the NORQAIN watch logo. It’s not just functional; it’s a design element that’s a nod to the inspiration behind the watch.

The Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition is not just about looks. It’s powered by the NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre (NN20/1) by Kenissi. With a mechanical automatic movement, it’s not just a watch; it’s a certified chronometer, ensuring precision and accuracy. With 27 rubies and personalized bridges showcasing NORQAIN’s core values — “Adventure, Freedom, Independence” — this is a watch that’s designed for the rugged individualist who craves the thrill of adventure.

The look that roars

The brown dial with its stamped “lion fur” pattern and the “HAKUNA MIPAKA” logo is a tribute to the animal sanctuary. It’s a reminder that this watch is not just a luxury item but a symbol of your connection to something greater.

The diamond-cut flat skeleton indexes, red gold-plated with white X1 Super-LumiNova spots, ensure that this watch is not just for show; it’s functional in low-light conditions.

NORQAIN Hakuna Mipaka
NORQAIN

A strap with a message

What’s a watch without its strap? The Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition comes with an integrated sand-colored rubber strap adorned with a “lion fur” pattern and the “HAKUNA MIPAKA” logo. It’s a strap that’s not just comfortable but a statement in itself. And it’s fastened with a brown NORTEQ pin buckle, ensuring that your watch stays secure on your wrist.

What makes the Wild One Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition more than just a watch is the bigger picture. It serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely connections can result in beauty and meaning. It pays homage to South Africa’s untamed landscape, the magnificent animals that wander the Hakuna Mipaka refuge, and the drive of people like Dean Schneider, who devote their entire lives to the cause of wildlife conservation.

Buy Now

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Topics
Bremont’s new Polar White dive watch survives 500m depths in style   
This $4.5K Bremont Diver combines arctic style with Submarine strength
SUPERMARINE 500M, POLAR WHITE

Bremont has taken dive watch craftsmanship to the next level with its latest release, the stunning Supermarine 500M Polar White, a timepiece that seamlessly merges rugged functionality with refined British elegance. Crafted from 904L stainless steel — a premium alloy preferred for its superb corrosion resistance — this 43mm diver boasts a stunning polar white dial that evokes the icy landscapes found in deep-sea exploration. The watch offers water resistance up to 500 meters and a helium escape valve, positioning it as an excellent tool for serious divers, while its sapphire crystal caseback showcases the undeniable beauty of Bremont's BE-36AE automatic movement, a COSC-certified workhorse with a 38-hour power reserve.

A winning combination of technical mastery and aesthetic purity

Read more
Seiko’s new GMT watch has a Pepsi bezel and Swiss-level specs
This $500 Seiko GMT watch rivals models 10x its price
The 5 Sports GMT ‘Pepsi’

Seiko has once again challenged the status quo in affordable horology with the release of the striking new 5 Sports GMT ‘Pepsi’, a vibrant option with bold aesthetics and elevated sophistication. Featuring the iconic red and blue ‘Pepsi’ bezel, this bold new chapter in accessible luxury has been reimagined for modern aficionados. Housed in a stainless steel case of 42.5mm and with Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal, the watch is both rugged and refined, offering water resistance up to 100 meters for everyday versatility.

A traveler's companion with mechanical pedigree

Read more
Panerai drops military-inspired dive watches in striking green
Italian watchmaker honors naval aviation heritage with rugged military-inspired timepieces
Panerai’s New Dive Watche

Panerai has introduced two new dive watches that pay tribute to its longstanding relationship with the Italian Navy, a partnership spanning back to the 1910s. The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) and Submersible Marina Carbotech (PAM01698) draw design inspiration from the flight gear and helmets of the Aviazione Navale, the Italian Navy's aviation sector.
Both timepieces feature stunning green grained matte dials with black gradient finishes that reflect the military aesthetic of naval aviation equipment. The distinctive coloring creates a sophisticated contrast while maintaining the robust character expected from Panerai's professional diving instruments.
Each watch displays a Marina Militare signature at 6 o'clock, complemented by accents of grey Super-LumiNova inspired by the colors of Aviazione Navale aircraft. The small seconds counter has been crafted to resemble a radar display, with "Aviazione Navale" engraved on the dial, creating an authentic connection to the naval aviation theme.
Panerai has enhanced legibility by making the applied indexes 20 percent wider in diameter compared to previous models. This practical improvement ensures optimal readability in challenging conditions, maintaining the brand's commitment to functional design.
Both watches feature an engraved Aviazione Navale wing emblem on the caseback, marking a first for Panerai and reinforcing the naval aviation tribute. The automatic P.900 caliber with 171 components powers both timepieces, providing reliable performance for professional diving applications.
The primary differences lie in case construction and dimensions. The Submersible Marina Carbotech (PAM01698) features a 14.25mm thick case crafted from Carbotech, Panerai's carbon fiber-based material known for its lightweight properties and distinctive marbled appearance. The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) utilizes a 13.45mm thick case made from brushed 316LVM stainless steel, offering traditional durability.
Both models share a 44mm case diameter and 300-meter water resistance, making them suitable for serious diving activities. The watches come equipped with both green canvas and black rubber straps, providing versatility while maintaining the military aesthetic.
Panerai's naval heritage traces back to creating precision instruments for Italian Navy missions, eventually expanding to landing systems and technical equipment. The brand's 1935 Ref. 2533 prototype established its reputation for timepieces designed for challenging underwater operations.
The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) retails for $12,500, while the Carbotech version (PAM01698) is priced at $19,500. Both models are available immediately, offering collectors the opportunity to own timepieces that celebrate over a century of Italian naval tradition combined with Panerai's modern diving watch expertise.
These releases demonstrate Panerai's ability to honor its military heritage while incorporating contemporary materials and manufacturing techniques, creating timepieces that appeal to both history enthusiasts and modern adventurers.

Find out more here.

Read more