NORQAIN Launches the Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition

NORQAIN and wildlife ambassador Dean Schneider have collaborated for the third time to co-design yet another timepiece – the Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition. This 300-piece limited edition is built upon the NORQAIN Wild ONE and showcases exclusive finishes that highlight Dean's conservation endeavours. Furthermore, 10 percent of the watch's sales proceeds will support Dean's mission. GMT India takes a closer look at the cause and the timepiece born of it.

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THE HAKUNA MIPAKA OASIS

"Hakuna Mipaka", Swahili for "No Limits", encompasses 400-hectare South African wilderness, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including rescued animals and those undergoing rehabilitation. It is not open to the public or involved in animal activities, breeding or trading. Dean Schneider, a Swiss finance professional turned conservationist, founded Hakuna Mipaka Oasis. NORQAIN's partnership with him emphasises their commitment to eco-friendly, cruelty-free watches. NORQAIN's collection uses no animal products and is CO2-neutral, as certified by Swiss Climate.

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THE WILD ONE HAKUNA MIPAKA LIMITED EDITION

Distinguished by its rich golden brown palette, The Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition pays homage to King Dexter of the Hakuna Mipaka Oasis. King Dexter, a majestic lion, shares a special bond with Dean Schneider, dating back to Dexter's cubhood at the oasis.

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The watch's remarkable 25-part case features a dark brown NORTEQ®️ cage, surrounding a sand-coloured rubber shock absorber, infused with oasis sand and evoking a lion-inspired earthy look. NORTEQ®️, a lightweight and shock-resistant carbon fibre material, can be colourised, making NORQAIN the first brand to offer coloured carbon fibre cases. This 42 mm watch, housing an automatic mechanical movement in a titanium container, weighs only 84 grams and passes shock tests up to 5,000 g. 

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On the watch's matching dark brown dial and sand-coloured rubber strap, the story unfolds. Both feature a lion's fur pattern and the Hakuna Mipaka shield-and-spear logo. Complementing this design, the diamond-cut skeleton hands and indexes are adorned with red-gold plating, reminiscent of the evening light at the Hakuna Mipaka Oasis.

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Powered by the reliable Manufacture Calibre NN20/1 by Kenissi, this Swiss Made chronometer boasts a 70-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement and is adorned with the "HAKUNA MIPAKA" logo and "ONE of 300". Encircling the caseback is an engraving of Dean's mission statement: "We need to learn to love them exactly the way they are and not the way we wish them to be!" With a 200-metre water resistance rating, the versatile timepiece is suitable for various kinds of adventures.

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The Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition (approximately CHF 5,250) also features a customisable NORQAIN plate on its left flank. Each watch includes a special sand-coloured Hakuna Mipaka cap and packaging.

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As mentioned earlier, this marks NORQAIN's third collaboration with Dean, following a sold-out edition in 2022 and a women's version earlier this year. 

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