Jean-Claude Biver says: “Giving back to the younger generation now at the forefront of the industry is always something I’ve wanted to do. From 20 to 40 I learned, from 40 to 60 I capitalized on my knowledge, and now I want to share my experiences and know-how with the young talents who are shaking up the watch world. I am happy to support NORQAIN because of its young, dynamic team and I share their passion for the Swiss watch industry. As I announced earlier this year, I will launch my own exclusive watch brand, JC Biver, together with my son Pierre in 2023. At the same time, my role as Advisor to the Board at NORQAIN allows me to be associated with an exciting brand at an essential price-point for the Swiss watch industry. It is very important to have strong Swiss independent brands in different price segments and NORQAIN offers an exciting challenge to the status quo”.
NORQAIN CEO Ben Küffer adds: “It is an honour to have the opportunity to work together with one of the greats. I am extremely excited to work with Jean-Claude and to have him challenge the team to reach the highest summits and further develop the brand through innovation. The fact that Jean-Claude is building up his own family-owned brand at the same time will definitely lead to motivating discussions and a valuable exchange of ideas and experiences”.
Jean-Claude Biver has already had several workshops with the team to develop innovative marketing and distribution concepts. Looking ahead, the watch industry icon will support the brand through the process of receiving CO2-neutral certification and creating a revolutionary, eco-friendly, robust and ultra-light product line that will be introduced in autumn this year. This new collaboration strongly underlines the long-term vision of the independent brand.
THE RISE OF THE WATCH INDUSTRY’S YOUNGEST TEAM
Guided by the motto “young team – bold decisions”, NORQAIN’s product development achievement with movement manufacturer Kenissi and prominent partnerships with the NHL Players’ Association and Matterhorn Ultraks were pivotal in shaping the independent brand’s reputation. Its promise to use only vegan-certified straps for all new products and its collaboration with the Butterfly Help Project – giving children in Nepal access to education – underscore NORQAIN’s real commitment to environmental and social initiatives.
Jean-Claude Biver says: “I have kept a close eye on NORQAIN since its founding and have been consistently impressed with the team’s achievements around the world in such a short amount of time. The brand’s values align with my own and I am looking forward to climbing new peaks with them and developing innovative products using new sustainable materials”.
NORQAIN Chairman Marc Küffer says: “I am extremely pleased to welcome Jean-Claude as Advisor to the Board. His experience, vision and contacts in the industry will be a great asset for the future development of our company”.
Part of NORQAIN’s strategy has been to do things differently, as expressed by its slogan: “your life, your way”. Working with Jean-Claude Biver is a natural progression of this strategy and fans of the brand can expect to see the legendary disruptor’s spirit infuse the brand’s engagements and future product design.
