Norqain celebrates five years of Independence with five new Independence timepieces

From up-and-coming brand to fastest-growing brand – NORQAIN has taken the watch industry by storm with milestone after milestone. With a team of over 50 people and a distribution of over 200 points of sale in 25 countries, NORQAIN is making a big mark. Describing his experience over the past five years and looking ahead to the next accomplishments, founder & CEO Ben Küffer uses his favourite quote: “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing”.

Biel, Switzerland - 14 April 2023: Independent and family-owned watch brand NORQAIN marks five years since its founding in 2018 with five new timepieces in its Independence collection. Making an unwavering commitment to the Swiss-made label and close collaboration with the best Swiss suppliers, a group of successful entrepreneurs, accomplished athletes and seasoned industry veterans came together in 2018 to create a watch brand that challenged the watch industry. With a combined total of 45 years of experience in the world of watchmaking, the founding family had the industry know-how to set up the brand for success. NORQAIN Founder & CEO Ben Küffer enlisted other board members including Ted Schneider, Mark Streit and Roman Josi, and they began building what is now – only five years later – the fastest-growing brand in the industry.

Ben Küffer says: “Building NORQAIN and working with such a passionate team has been the adventure of a lifetime and a dream come true. I am grateful to the NORQAINERS around the world who believed in us from the beginning and continue to support us with their engagement in our brand’s milestones. Our independence gives us the freedom to invest in our future and long-term vision. NORQAIN fans can rest assured that there is a lot more up our sleeves. I can’t wait to experience the next five years of this exciting journey!”

5 years later

While some things have remained the same – NORQAIN’s HQ in Nidau near the heart of mechanical watchmaking, its strong link to and support of ice hockey, and a true sense of adventure – there are other changes that signify key highlights. At the end of 2019, NORQAIN had 70 points of sale in 12 countries; that number will rocket to 280 points of sale in 45 countries by the end of 2023. Additionally, NORQAIN has two flagship boutiques in prime locations in Zermatt and on Orchard Road in Singapore, with one more set to open in Zurich during the summer of 2023. Partnerships with the NHLPA, Spengler Cup Davos, TCS New York City Marathon,
the Dubai Marathon and the Ochsner Sport Zürich Marathon enhance NORQAIN’s image as a dynamic brand. The ultimate high-performance sports watch – the NORQAIN Wild ONE – was developed in collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver and features the brand’s proprietary NORTEQ material. At the same time, a commitment to using only animal cruelty-free straps, contributions to the Hakuna Mipaka wildlife sanctuary, a CO2 -NEUTRAL certification by Swiss Climate and support of the Butterfly Help Project in Nepal underscore NORQAIN’s efforts to make a positive impact that grows with the brand.

And, of course, there are the relationships the brand has forged within the world of watchmaking: with movement manufacturer Kenissi and industry legend Jean-Claude Biver. NORQAIN’s Advisor to the Board Jean-Claude Biver says: “An important part of NORQAIN’s potential is its strong community, which is made up of a younger generation and is always growing. In addition, the dynamic team dares to challenge industry standards and does so with enduring passion. I am proud to be part of this team and support its work as an Advisor to the Board. I have no doubt that NORQAIN is well on its way to becoming one of the strongest independent watch brands in the industry.”

All the while, NORQAIN has created timepieces that have sold out within hours, gained a loyal following around the world and broke past existing boundaries in terms of innovation and design.

In celebration of its anniversary and accomplishments, NORQAIN is launching five new references as part of its Independence collection – a nod to its five years as a successful independent brand. The timepieces will be launched at the NORQAIN Fair which is taking place from 11 to 15 April in Zermatt where NORQAIN is serving as Co-Partner of the Zermatt Unplugged music festival.

• Independence Skeleton 42mm DLC
• Independence Skeleton 42mm Blue
• Independence 40mm Mint MOP & Diamonds
• Independence 40mm Green Gradient
• Independence 40mm Brown Gradient

NORQAIN is known for its never-resting spirit, and with that, the brand is dedicated to continuing to invest in innovation and creating timepieces that make its followers proud to wear a NORQAIN on their wrist.

On-the-fly micro-adjustment bracelet

As part of the launch of these five new models, NORQAIN is also introducing its first micro-adjustment bracelet – a stainless steel bracelet that can be shortened by 9mm on the fly. This micro-adjustment can be done on the clasp tool free. This is ideal for NORQAIN wearers who, for example, want the bracelet to fit tighter or looser during sporting activities. This bracelet is available with these five new references and will also be rolled out in other collections with upcoming launches in 2023.

Independence Skeleton 42mm DLC

Building on the immediate success of the Independence Skeleton models presented in 2021 and 2022, NORQAIN now introduces a version with DLC coating and red gold plated hands. The skeletonised structure of the movement is based on the architecture principles of beam construction: each support point is held by at least two arms. The indexes as well as the skeletonised hour, minute and seconds hands are filled with X1 Superluminova, which is 60% stronger than standard Superluminova. The 42mm case is polished, satined and sandblasted and enhanced with the customisable NORQAIN Plate – also with DLC coating. This striking timepiece is available with an integrated DLC-coated stainless steel bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment (CHF 4’450) or an integrated animal cruelty-free black rubber strap with Milanese structure (CHF 3’980). This rubber strap has been developed by NORQAINs partner BIWI SA. At its heart and visible through the sapphire glass over the face and on the case back is the chronometer-certified calibre NN08S.

Independence Skeleton 42mm Blue

The second version of the skeletonised Independence comes in ocean blue and is just as captivating. The 42mm case is made of stainless steel and features three finishings: polished, satined and sandblasted. The openwork dial is blue and the skeletonised hour, minute and seconds hands are all varnished with a semi-mat blue lacquer. The seconds hand has a red tip. This watch comes with an integrated stainless steel bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment (CHF 3’990) or an integrated animal cruelty-free blue rubber strap (CHF 3’740) developed by our partner BIWI SA.

Independence 40mm Mint Mop & Diamonds

Designed to be an eye-catching ladies’ timepiece, this 40mm model has a refreshing mint mother-of-pearl dial. Decorated with 12 white diamonds and a date window at 3 o’clock, it strikes a balance between elegant and powerful design. Sixty white diamonds line the steel bezel for a crisp appearance. The attractive mint colour of the dial stands out against the white inner flange. The indexes and skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands are filled with X1 Superluminova which emits a long-lasting and highly visible glow in the dark. It is powered by the COSC-certified calibre NN08 visible through the sapphire glass case back. This watch is presented on an integrated on-the-fly micro-adjustment steel bracelet (CHF 5’790) or an integrated animal cruelty-free white rubber strap (CHF 5’540) created by BIWI SA.

Independence 40mm Green Gradient and Brown Gradient

Featuring captivating dials with gradients of forest green and brown, these two 40mm Independence models have a robust design with top-quality precision. This is the first time that NORQAIN has introduced a watch with a gradient design. The
dials, with their dark-to-light gradient and date window at 3 o’clock, also have a “scratched” finish. The scratched finish is made by hand, which means that every model is unique. The black inner flange on both designs allows the colour to stand out even more. X1 Superluminova on the indexes and skeletonised, rhodium-plated hands ensures the time can be read in any lighting condition and on any adventure. Ticking inside is the COSC-certified calibre NN08 which can be admired through the sapphire glass case back. The Independence 40mm Green Gradient and Brown Gradient are available with an integrated on-the-fly micro-adjustment bracelet (CHF 2’790) or an integrated animal cruelty-free black rubber strap (CHF 2’540) created by BIWI SA.

Five Years Of Norqain

NORQAIN was founded five years ago, and from a dedicated team of seven passionate individuals, the family-owned company has grown to over 50 employees. With a reputation as a “challenger brand”, NORQAIN has held a firm grip on its independence as it staked a claim in 25 countries with over 200 points of sale. On its journey, the brand has built close ties with industry legend Jean-Claude Biver, launched world premier innovations and partnered with leading organisations in sports, music and adventure – always stopping to do good on its way to whatever summit NORQAIN’s team has set its sights on.

To The Next Five Years

With new partnerships in the works and product highlights planned for this year and beyond, NORQAIN is looking forward to reaching its next summits and celebrating new accomplishments. Along with independence, adventure and freedom, the brand also expects continued growth – in its NORQAINER community, its presence at international events, its global distribution network, its collection of watches and its mark on the Swiss watch industry.