WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
November 1, 2022
Jean-Claude Biver, the legendary leader of Swiss watchmaking, joins NORQAIN
NORQAIN
This Autumn, the "Wild ONE" High-Performance Watch is Born, Featuring Unique Carbon Composite Material and Distinctive Design
All watches from the new Swiss watch brand NORQAIN utilize mechanical movements. Amidst the growing prevalence of smartwatches, NORQAIN offers innovative timepieces to a wide audience with the theme of "Authentic Swiss Quality at a Substantive Price."
Challenging a New Era with the Inheritance and Innovation of Swiss Mechanical Watchmaking Culture
Currently, smartwatches dominate the watch industry, expanding their market with increasing variety and features. On the other hand, imports of Swiss mechanical watches to Japan, while seeing an increase in average unit price, have seen a decrease in volume. Although the popularity of Swiss mechanical watches remains, the market seems to be limited to ultra-high-end timepieces for a select affluent clientele.
Amidst this landscape, NORQAIN, established in 2018, is poised to shape the future of Swiss mechanical watches. As a completely independent Swiss-capital mechanical watch brand, all its components are sourced from premium domestic factories, delivering 100% Swiss-made watches that adhere to high standards.
The young CEO of NORQAIN, Ben Küffer, grew up surrounded by watches under his father, the esteemed figure in the watch industry, Marc Küffer. With 11 years of experience at Breitling, including roles as Brand Manager and Area Sales Manager for Asia, he possesses a deep understanding of the traditions and challenges within the Swiss watchmaking world. Furthermore, he infuses his watches with a youthful sensibility, passion, and contemporary values.
Remarkably, despite being a new brand, NORQAIN forged a long-term partnership with KENISSI, a high-performance mechanical movement manufacturer that has supplied renowned brands like Breitling and TAG Heuer. This collaboration, established in 2020, has led to the unveiling of two jointly developed manufacture calibers.
Furthermore, Jean-Claude Biver, who has held top positions at prestigious brands such as LVMH Group's watch division, TAG Heuer CEO, and Hublot Chairman, has joined NORQAIN as an advisory board member, lending his support to the brand's business development. This confluence of expertise brings together Swiss watchmaking technology, cultural know-how, and deep industry insights within NORQAIN.
Looking towards the future, NORQAIN believes that engaging younger generations is crucial for the inheritance of Swiss mechanical watchmaking culture. While maintaining high quality, they offer timepieces at an accessible price point of approximately 300,000 yen, emphasizing excellent value for money.
In terms of future vision, NORQAIN also recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility and coexistence with nature for the long-term development of the industry. The brand is pursuing initiatives aimed at becoming a role model for sustainability within the Swiss watchmaking sector, including vegan certifications, reduction of ocean plastic, and CO2 emission reduction.
NORQAIN offers three distinct collections tailored to individual personalities and lifestyles: "ADVENTURE" to support daily challenges, "FREEDOM" with its beautifully detailed design, and the special NORQAIN collection "INDEPENDENCE," symbolizing self-reliance and individuality. This autumn marks the debut of an innovative new addition to the Independence collection.
The Ultimate Sports Watch Featuring the Proprietary Carbon Composite Material, NORTEQ®
Launched in September 2022, the "INDEPENDENCE Wild ONE" comprises four models, including a standard version and a limited edition. Its development concept was co-created with Jean-Claude Biver, who provides invaluable guidance as an advisory board member. The watch's standout features are its remarkable lightness and innovative construction.
The case is crafted from NORTEQ®, a multi-layered material developed in collaboration with strategic partner BIWI. Between these layers, rubber shock absorbers (bumpers) are integrated. This unique case concept provides shock absorption far exceeding industry standards, protecting the watch during all sporting activities.
It also boasts water resistance up to 200 meters, with the case composed of 25 individual parts. Weighing a mere 84 grams, it achieves a 50% weight reduction compared to NORQAIN watches made from stainless steel.
The KENISSI-manufactured three-hand manufacture caliber NN20/1, featured in the "INDEPENDENCE Wild ONE," delivers an impressive power reserve of 70 hours. Its robust construction includes a two-point traversing bridge, ensuring precise timekeeping even during strenuous activities.
NORTEQ®, a world-first material, is an ultra-lightweight yet exceptionally durable carbon fiber composite developed exclusively for NORQAIN watches, characterized by its distinctive marble-like pattern. It is composed of carbon fiber, utilized in the aerospace industry, and a high-performance polymer matrix containing 60% bio-based materials.
This novel material is antimagnetic, resistant to corrosion over long periods, and its production waste is 100% recycled and upcycled. This exemplifies how innovation can contribute to reducing ecological footprint and aligns with NORQAIN's corporate policy, which has earned it CO2-NEUTRAL certification from Swiss Climate.
The limited edition of the Wild ONE is the Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition, designed in collaboration with Dean Schneider, the brand's international ambassador and wildlife conservationist. Its vegan sand-colored rubber shock absorber incorporates sand from Dean's "Hakuna Mipaka Oasis" in South Africa, creating a unique speckled pattern.
The black dial features a pattern reminiscent of a lion's mane, adorned with the sacred spear and shield logo. This dynamic dial pattern is echoed on the vegan-certified black rubber strap, and the case back bears a powerful message from Dean about the relationship between humans and animals.
The Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition comes in a special Hakuna Mipaka watch box, including a signed card from Dean Schneider. Ten percent of the proceeds from this watch will be donated to "Hakuna Mipaka Oasis," which supports thousands of wild animals living in their natural habitat and rehabilitates rescued animals for release back into the wild.
INDEPENDENCE Wild ONE
Movement | Automatic
Power Reserve | 70 hours
Case Material | NORTEQ®, Rubber Shock Absorber Specification
Strap Material | Rubber Strap (Khaki, Blue)
Water Resistance | 200m
Price | 766,700 JPY
INDEPENDENCE Wild ONE (Limited Color)
Movement | Automatic
Power Reserve | 70 hours
Case Diameter | 42mm
Case Material | NORTEQ®, Rubber Shock Absorber Specification
Strap Material | Grey Rubber Strap
Water Resistance | 200m
Quantity | Limited to 200 pieces
Price | 799,700 JPY
Wild ONE Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition
Movement | Automatic
Power Reserve | 70 hours
Case Diameter | 42mm
Case Material | NORTEQ®, Rubber Shock Absorber Specification
Strap Material | Black Rubber Strap
Water Resistance | 200m
Quantity | Limited to 500 pieces, includes special Hakuna Mipaka watch box
Price | 788,700 JPY
