Swiss watch brand
Norqain: brand, models and value
Norqain is a young, independent Swiss watch brand founded in 2018 in Nidau, near Biel. It makes sporty mechanical watches, some with chronometer movements from Kenissi.
- Founded
- 2018
- Founder(s)
- Ben Küffer (with Marc Küffer, Ted Schneider and Mark Streit)
- Headquarters
- Nidau
- Owner / group
- Independent
Norqain: origins and founding
Ben Küffer left Breitling in 2018 and founded Norqain the same year in Nidau, a small town next to Biel/Bienne. The brand launched with three collections: Adventure, Freedom and Independence. From the start it presented itself as an independent, family-run company in a market dominated by large groups.
Founders and family
Ben Küffer runs the brand together with his father, Marc Küffer, who chairs the board. Marc Küffer ran the private-label watch manufacturer Roventa-Henex and spent 25 years on the board of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Ted Schneider, son of former Breitling CEO Teddy Schneider, and the Swiss ice hockey player and Stanley Cup winner Mark Streit are also part of management and the board. In 2022 Jean-Claude Biver, best known for building up Hublot, joined the board.
Famous Norqain models
- Adventure: outdoor sports watches, including a chronograph, with a dial pattern inspired by Swiss mountains.
- Freedom 60: vintage-inspired watches and chronographs.
- Independence: the third original collection and the base for later models such as the Wild ONE.
- Independence Wild ONE (2022): a light sports watch with a case in NORTEQ, a carbon composite, and rubber shock absorbers.
Movements and technique
The first Norqain watches used Swiss movements from ETA and Sellita, such as the ETA 2824 and the Valjoux 7753 chronograph, assembled in Switzerland. In 2020 Norqain announced a long-term partnership with Kenissi, the movement maker set up by Tudor. Kenissi supplies the NN20/1 automatic and the NN20/2 GMT, both chronometer certified with a 70-hour power reserve. The Wild ONE uses the NN20/1.
Norqain today
Norqain remains independent and based in Nidau. With retail prices from around the upper entry level up to the mid segment, it competes with established sports watch brands rather than with haute horlogerie.
Norqain prices on the pre-owned market
As a young brand, Norqain does not yet have a large, stable resale market, and most pieces sell below retail. Models with Kenissi movements, the Wild ONE and limited editions are the most interesting for buyers. Full sets with box, papers, the original bracelet or strap and unused warranty cards sell best.
How to recognise a genuine Norqain
Check the caseback for the brand name, model and serial number, and compare the movement through the sapphire back with the official specifications: a Kenissi model should show the NN20 calibre, not a generic movement. Buy from authorized dealers or ask for the warranty card. General tips are in how to spot a fake watch.
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Frequently asked questions
Who owns Norqain?
Norqain is an independent, family-run brand founded by Ben Küffer in 2018, with his father Marc Küffer as chairman. It is not part of a watch group.
Does Norqain use in-house movements?
Norqain does not make movements itself. Some models use chronometer-certified calibres from Kenissi, the movement maker set up by Tudor; others use ETA or Sellita-based movements.
Is Norqain a good watch brand?
Norqain is a young Swiss brand run by watch-industry veterans, known for well-built sports watches. As with most new brands, resale prices are usually below retail.
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