NORQIAN
An independent, family-owned Swiss watch brand
NORQAIN is an independent Swiss watch brand founded in 2018 in Nidau, at the heart of Swiss watchmaking in Biel/Bienne. As a family-owned and independent brand, NORQAIN distinguishes itself in the world of luxury Swiss watches with a strong philosophy: to create uncompromising high-end mechanical watches, free from the constraints of large watchmaking groups.
Driven by a spirit of adventure born in the Swiss Alps, the brand embodies a modern vision of the sporty luxury Swiss watch, designed for enthusiasts of freedom, performance, and exploration.
Une marque née de l’esprit sportif
NORQAIN was born from an DNA deeply linked to sport, performance, and freedom.
The brand was co-founded by Ben Küffer, a Swiss entrepreneur with a passion for watchmaking, alongside Ted Schneider — a member of the family that owned Breitling for nearly 40 years — and Mark Streit, a Swiss ice hockey legend and former NHL player. This unique association between watchmaking and high-level sport strengthens NORQAIN's identity:
- performance
- resilience
- team spirit
- self-transcendence
This link with elite sport sets NORQAIN apart in the world of luxury Swiss sports watches.
NORQAIN Freedom Collection
NORQAIN Independence Collection
NORQAIN Adventure Collection
A brand supported by international athletes and ambassadors
Thanks to its sporty DNA, NORQAIN collaborates with top athletes and international sports personalities, strengthening its position in the world of Swiss luxury sports watches.
This proximity to professional sports gives the brand authentic credibility and powerful storytelling.
Swiss watchmaking expertise and mechanical excellence
Every NORQAIN timepiece is crafted to the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking, with a strong focus on mechanical performance, precision and innovation.
At the heart of this approach is NORQAIN’s strategic partnership with the Swiss manufacture Kenissi, renowned for developing some of the most reliable and high-performance automatic movements in contemporary watchmaking.
Through this collaboration, NORQAIN offers exclusive manufacture calibres — including the NN20/1 and NN20/2 GMT — featuring:
- COSC-certified chronometer movements
- Exceptional precision and robustness exceeding industry standards
- An impressive 70-hour power reserve
- Exclusive manufacture movements identifiable by the engraved NORQAIN logo on the oscillating weight
NORQAIN watches are also distinguished by:
- Swiss Made manufacturing and assembly
- High-performance automatic mechanical movements
- Rigorous quality control and performance testing
- Contemporary designs with a sporty spirit
- A commitment to sustainable materials and responsible practices
NORQAIN combines Swiss watchmaking heritage, mechanical innovation and an independent vision to create timepieces built for adventure, performance and everyday wear.
Innovative materials and a sporty, luxury design
The brand is also set apart by its use of advanced materials and technical designs:
- NORTEQ®: ultra-light, robust, and innovative exclusive material
- High-quality stainless steel
- Anti-scratch sapphire glass
- Ergonomic design for everyday and sports use
This approach positions NORQAIN as a benchmark in modern luxury sports watches.
FAQs
NORQAIN is an independent Swiss watch brand founded in 2018, specializing in high-end mechanical sports watches designed for adventure and everyday wear.
Yes. NORQAIN is an independent, family-owned Swiss watch brand, which has become rare in the industry today. Founded in 2018 by Ben Küffer, Ted Schneider and Mark Streit, the brand does not belong to any large watch group and retains complete freedom in its vision, innovation and long-term development.
NORQAIN watches are manufactured in Switzerland and meet the "Swiss Made" standards.
The main collections are:
- Independence – Inspired by the spirit of freedom and self-transcendence, the Independence collection is aimed at lovers of Swiss mechanical watches who live by their own rules. Combining contemporary design, watchmaking precision, and a sporty DNA, these watches accompany the modern explorer on all their adventures.
- Adventure – The Adventure collection is designed to withstand the most demanding environments. Robust, legible, and sometimes chronometer-certified, these Swiss Made watches embody NORQAIN's spirit of independence and performance, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
- Freedom – The Freedom collection is inspired by 1960s design and celebrates the modern spirit of adventure. These Swiss Made watches combine timeless elegance, robustness, and versatility, ideal for accompanying urban explorers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The choice depends on the use:
- Sport / robustness → Adventure
- Modern design → Independence
- Classic style → Freedom
Yes. NORQAIN has strong sporting DNA, stemming from its connection to high-level sport and notably the co-founding with former NHL player Mark Streit, as well as its partnerships with athletes and sporting events.
The watches are designed in Switzerland to withstand sports activities, adventure, and intensive daily use, combining robustness, mechanical precision, and innovative materials like NORTEQ®.
NORQAIN uses Swiss automatic mechanical movements, including Sellita and ETA calibers, as well as NORQAIN manufacture movements.
Yes. The majority of models are automatic and are wound by wrist movements.
Depending on the model, it generally ranges from 40 to 70 hours.
Yes. Depending on the model, NORQAIN watches offer water resistance from 100 m to 200 m.
All NORQAIN watches are equipped with a sapphire crystal, a high-end Swiss watchmaking standard renowned for its very high scratch resistance. Depending on the model, it can be flat or slightly domed and benefit from an anti-reflective treatment for optimal readability.
This watch glass is extremely robust for everyday use, but it is not unbreakable and can crack in the event of a significant impact.
NORTEQ® is an innovative composite material developed by NORQAIN for its high-performance sports watches. It is approximately six times lighter than steel and three times lighter than titanium, offering exceptional comfort on the wrist without compromising robustness.
Non-magnetic and highly corrosion-resistant, NORTEQ® guarantees excellent long-term durability, even in extreme conditions. Its composition also reflects a responsible approach: it is up to 60% bio-sourced, and production residues are 100% recycled, making it both a technical and environmentally friendly material.
Yes, depending on the NORQAIN models, the straps can be easily changed.
On average, a NORQAIN leather strap lasts between 10 and 18 months, depending on use, wearing conditions, and maintenance. As with most genuine leather watch straps used in Swiss watchmaking, its longevity also depends on the frequency of wear and exposure to moisture.
To preserve a NORQAIN leather watch strap, it is recommended to avoid contact with water, prolonged moisture, chemicals, direct sunlight, and intense heat. Regular maintenance will help maintain the leather's suppleness, patina, and appearance over time.
Every NORQAIN watch comes with a 2-year international manufacturer's warranty for watches equipped with a standard movement and a 4-year warranty for manufacture calibers.
Depending on the model and watch registration, this warranty can be extended by an additional year via the official NORQAIN platform.
It covers manufacturing defects and guarantees service performed within the official network of NORQAIN service centers, in accordance with Swiss watchmaking standards.
An authentic NORQAIN watch comes with an official warranty card, a unique serial number, and its original NORQAIN packaging. Each timepiece is distributed exclusively through the official network to guarantee the authenticity and quality of these Swiss watches.
Yes. Bijouterie Italienne is an official authorized NORQAIN retailer, guaranteeing access to authentic Swiss watches covered by the brand's international warranty.
Buying a NORQAIN watch from Bijouterie Italienne ensures you:
- certified authenticity of NORQAIN watches
- the official international warranty
- after-sales service recognized by the brand
- expert support and specialized watchmaking advice
Bijouterie Italienne is part of the official NORQAIN retailer network. You can also consult the list of authorized dealers directly on the official NORQAIN website.
Delivery times at Bijouterie Italienne vary depending on the availability of NORQAIN models, but orders are generally shipped quickly and securely within 3 to 5 business days.
As soon as your NORQAIN Swiss watch is shipped, a tracking number will be provided to you so you can track the delivery of your order in real-time.
Yes. Unworn NORQAIN watches in their original condition may be returned within 15 days, in accordance with Bijouterie Italienne's return policy.
Please note that watches that have been customized, including engraving or bracelet adjustment, are considered final sales and cannot be returned or exchanged.