Founded in 2018 by former Breitling executive Ben Küffer, alongside co-founders Ted Schneider and Mark Streit, Norqain is a fully independent, family-owned Swiss watch brand based in Nidau, at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Created with a vision to offer high-quality, fully mechanical timepieces for an active, younger generation, the brand’s DNA is deeply rooted in the Swiss Alps, outdoor exploration, and a spirited sense of adventure. Norqain's catalogue is built upon three foundational pillars, which include the vintage-inspired Freedom, the sporty Adventure, and the daring Independence collections. Furthermore, the brand has also taken a firm stance on ethical production and sustainability. As of 2021, Norqain completely eliminated leather straps, replacing them with cruelty-free alternatives like certified vegan leather, upcycled ocean-bound plastic from #tide, and responsibly sourced gold.
The trajectory of the young independent brand was fundamentally altered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than playing it safe during the industry downturn, Küffer chose to lean into absolute creative freedom, a move championed by legendary watch executive Jean-Claude Biver, who joined the board as a mentor and later became a minority shareholder. Under Biver’s guidance, Norqain transitioned from simply offering great value to pushing the boundaries of extreme sports watchmaking. This evolution culminated in the 2022 launch of the Wild ONE, the ultimate high-performance sports watch crafted from NORTEQ. Bolstered by exclusive mechanical calibres developed in partnership with movement manufacturer Kenissi, and a dedicated global community of athlete-investors known as "Norqainers," the brand has rapidly cemented its status as one of the most exciting and disruptive modern success stories in Swiss horology.
