Story Highlight
– Watchmakers prioritize sustainability in production and sourcing.
– Innovative materials include recycled components and plant-based straps.
– Companies engage in conservation partnerships for environmental impact.
– Solar-powered watches eliminate battery dependency for sustainability.
– Commitment to eco-friendly practices shapes brand identity and design.
Full Story
As consumer demand for sustainability rises, watch manufacturers are increasingly recognising that mere longevity is not sufficient.
The watchmaking sector is now actively integrating recycled materials, utilising renewable energy, responsibly sourcing components, and forming conservation partnerships to minimise their ecological footprint and promote genuine transformation within their operations.
Innovations such as solar-powered mechanisms, upcycled materials, and initiatives aimed at wildlife conservation illustrate how these timepieces can balance ethical responsibility with high standards of design, functionality, and allure.
**Notable Eco-Friendly Watches**
**Detrash Dark Night**
Guy Blaskey, founder of Detrash, emphasises the cultural shift within industries towards purpose-driven missions: “It feels like every other industry is switching to have more of a purpose and do some good in the world, and the watch world isn’t even trying.” His brand stands apart as the first European watchmaker to commit 1% of each sale to environmental charities. The Dark Night model embodies this ethos, featuring an 80% recycled steel case, a strap crafted from Budweiser beer by-products, and a soft lining produced from corn, showcasing Blaskey’s belief that “it’s what we do [and wear on our wrists] that defines us.”
Price: £445 / $608, available at detrash.com
**Oris Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition**
Sustainability is fundamental to Oris’s mission. CEO Rolf Studer remarked, “Our watches don’t change the world. The only thing we can do is inspire people to do the right thing.” This philosophy is encapsulated in the limited-edition Aquis Date dive watch, which aims to raise awareness for the endangered Yangtze porpoise through its mother-of-pearl dial, which reflects the importance of safeguarding water resources.
Price: £2,300 / €2,900, available at oris.ch
**Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Diver Limited Edition**
True to its name, the Eco-Drive collection by Citizen harnesses light as a power source, eliminating the need for battery replacements. With a robust design featuring a water resistance of up to 200 metres, this limited edition of 8,700 showcases a striking sea-blue dial made from 100% recycled polycarbonate, alongside a strap formed from sustainable plant-based materials.
Price: £399 / $495, available at citizenwatch.com
**Mondaine Doppio Solar**
Renowned for its minimalist design and innovative approach, Mondaine’s Doppio model incorporates an advanced solar movement, allowing it to operate for up to eight months without additional light. This version is elegantly crafted from stainless steel with a significant percentage of recycled material and features a leather strap made from organic waste derived from wine production.
Price: £389 / $455, available at mondaine.com
**Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Ops**
Ulysse Nardin embraces unconventional methods with its Diver NET model, which evolved from a collaborative effort with tech startups and environmental advocates to explore sustainable materials. The Carbonium® bezel, produced from aerospace manufacturing offcuts, effectively reduces ecological impact while providing a unique marbled finish. It is complemented by a strap made from upcycled fishing nets, making it a sought-after piece for collectors.
Price: CHF 13,200, available at ulysse-nardin.com
**TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 100 Solargraph 28mm, Steel and Diamonds**
TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer series, originating in 1978, has taken a progressive turn with the introduction of the Solargraph movement, a key feature in this diamond-embellished model. This watch can operate for up to eight months on a full charge and requires only 14 hours of sunlight to reach full power.
Price: £4,500 / $5,350, available at tagheuer.com
**Nomos Glashütte Tangente Gold Neomatik 38**
Nomos Glashütte’s Tangente Gold Neomatik 38 exemplifies longevity in craftsmanship. Made in Germany in a facility focused on eco-friendly practices, it incorporates renewable energy sources and local materials such as larch wood in its construction, ensuring a reduced environmental impact while delivering exceptional quality.
Price: £12,400 / $16,100, available at nomos-glashuette.com
**Certina DS Super PH2000M**
Certina’s dedication to sustainability aligns closely with its focus on marine life. CEO Dieter Pachner stated, “This isn’t just storytelling – it’s real commitment,” referring to the brand’s collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to monitor and protect turtle populations. The DS Super PH2000M edition serves as a nod to this partnership, with only 1,959 pieces produced, commemorating the foundation’s inception.
Price: £1,230 / $1,440, available at certina.com
