NORQAIN is a new and exciting brand that’s quickly becoming popular thanks to their unique watches that are perfect for the lovers of adventure, and all kinds of outdoor activities you can think of. Inspired by the quintessential Swiss lifestyle, the design beautifully reflects the pristine lakes, green pastures and formidable mountain peaks.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at what NORQAIN has to offer.
What does the acronym NORQAIN stand for?
The name NORQAIN has a hidden meaning that perfectly describes what the brand stands for: New, Open-minded, Rebellious, Quality time, Adventure, Independent, Niche.
While the meaning behind the name is fun, our favorite part is the logo. The first and last letters ‘N’ are brought together to visually symbolize a mountain, artfully leveraging the opportunity to solidify the outdoorsy messaging of the brand.
The History of NORQAIN
NORQAIN is a new brand that was founded in 2018, and is based in the Nidau district of Biel/Bienne, the heart of Swiss watchmaking.
The founder and CEO is Ben Küffer, bringing a stellar legacy as he spent several years in the luxury watch industry and worked at Breitling before launching NORQAIN. The brand’s co-founder Ted Schneider is a member of the family that owned Breitling for almost 40 years, until he sold his stakes at Breitling in 2017 and 2018.
Proudly Independent & Family Owned
Having the “Swiss made” label on the face of the watch is of course the highest order of distinction, at least as far the world of watches is concerned, and NORQAIN watches are of course Swiss made, but there is more to the story: the brand itself is the embodiment of ‘Swiss made’ and they proudly embrace the family traditions the brand was founded on. The leadership has four decades of watchmaking experience, and they are very proud of the independence the brand has in the watchmaking industry. As a result, their vision stays crystal clear and the quality is uncompromised.
The Quality of NORQAIN Watches
To ensure exceptional quality, NORQAIN subjects each of their watches to rigorous testing and quality checks spanning several days. This thorough process guarantees that their timepieces adhere to the stringent standards of precision, functionality, and durability.
NORQAIN is dedicated to crafting timepieces that inspire individuals to embrace the present moment. As one of the few Swiss watch brands exclusively producing mechanical watches, NORQAIN takes pride in the meticulous hand assembly of each timepiece by skilled watchmakers at the brand’s production site in Tavannes.
All NORQAIN watches are meticulously designed in-house, boasting exquisite case finishing, captivating dial designs, a customizable “NORQAIN plate,” and date discs that harmonize with the dial’s color scheme.
What Movement Does NORQAIN Use?
In February 2020, NORQAIN unveiled a significant partnership with movement manufacturer Kenissi. This collaboration has yielded remarkable outcomes, notably the introduction of two exclusive manufacture calibers for NORQAIN’s Adventure, Freedom, and Independence collections.
These calibers, namely the three-hand NN20/1 and the GMT NN20/2, exemplify exceptional durability, superior performance, and precision that surpasses industry standards. Boasting a substantial 70-hour power reserve, both calibers have obtained chronometer certification, ensuring their remarkable accuracy. These timepieces are poised to become your irreplaceable companion with unparalleled reliability and style.
Apart from the NN20 Manufacture Calibres, some NORQAIN timepieces use both ETA and Sellita movements, complete with personalized NORQAIN oscillating weights.
Takeaway: Are NORQAIN Watches Good Quality Timepieces?
NORQAIN is a very exciting new brand with top quality watches – on the front of both materials and movements. Their focus on outdoor watches is an interesting niche, but due to the versatile designs of their watches, the NORQAIN timepieces are not easily boxed into a single category.
The brand is quickly becoming popular and well-respected in the watch industry, and frankly, we completely understand why: unique design with irrefutable quality at still a reasonable price point.
Buying Guide: NORQAIN Collections
INDEPENDENCE Collection
The Independence collection draws inspiration from the boldness required to venture into the unexpected. NORQAIN’s fervor resonates within each unique and inventive Independence timepiece. These watches are meticulously crafted for the intrepid explorer who embraces the “my life, my way” philosophy, fearlessly pursuing their passions with unwavering confidence.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NN08 (SW200-1 base)
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46.3 mm
- Price: Under $3,000
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NORQAIN Caliber NN20/1
- Power reserve: 70 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49.4 mm
- Price: Around $5,000
ADVENTURE Collection
The Adventure series encapsulates the exhilaration of exploring and conquering nature’s vast playground, including trails, summits, and tides. These timepieces are meticulously designed to withstand whatever challenges nature presents. With their distinctive NORQAIN dial pattern, rotating bezels, and robust construction, the Adventure watches are built to accompany you through a lifetime of thrilling moments. The collection exudes a bold and resilient character that appeals to adventurous individuals who constantly seek new challenges and embrace a sporty lifestyle.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NN08 (SW200-1 base)
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 50.2 mm
- Price: Around $2,000
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NN19 (SW510 a base)
- Power reserve: 62 hours
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 50.2 mm
- Price: Under $4,500
FREEDOM Collection
The Freedom collection celebrates a deep connection to the beauty of nature that transcends generations. Paying homage to vintage aesthetics, the Freedom watches showcase a design that incorporates domed sapphire glass, vintage straps adorned with the distinct NORQAIN stitches, and captivating dials reminiscent of the timeless elegance of the 1960s. Crafted with wanderers and explorers in mind, the NORQAIN Freedom family is dedicated to those who cherish the liberating spirit of outdoor adventures.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NN19 (SW510 a base)
- Power reserve: 62 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49.2 mm
- Price: Under $5,000