Eco-Friendly Luxe Watches: A Union of Style & Sustainability

All ye eco-conscious watch connoisseurs, rejoice! There are impressive options in the world of luxe watches, if you are looking for timepieces that meet global sustainability standards and are ethically sound when it comes to watchmaking practices. From using recycled plastic to sourcing artisanal gold, such watches prove that style and sustainability can coexist. 

Here are some of the eco-friendly options that you can check out — whether you're diving deep into the ocean or simply navigating the woods, these watches are bound to leave a lasting impression. 

A Sustainable Carnival: ORIS Aquis Date Upcycle

The dial is made from recycled PET plastic, lending each timepiece a one-of-a-kind look. Whether you prefer 41.5 mm or 36.5 mm, both versions come equipped with stainless steel cases, unidirectional rotating diver's bezels with scratch-resistant grey, ceramic inserts, stainless steel bracelets with a clasp extension system, crown protectors, screw-down crowns and a Swiss-Made automatic mechanical movement. Keep track of time and dates with such functions as central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, a date window, an instantaneous date, a date corrector, a fine-timing device and a stop-second. The dial also features indices and hands made of SuperLuminova BG W9 and an automatic winding date movement, Calibre 733, with a power reserve of 38 hours.

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Sophisticated Gradients: Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel

The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro is more than just a timepiece; it's a sustainable fashion statement. With an eSteel case made of 52% recycled materials, it's the perfect addition to the iconic Submersible collection of diver’s watches. This 44 mm beauty comes in three moody shades: Verde Smeraldo, Grigio Roccia and Blu Profondo, each with a high-gloss, polished, ceramic bezel, a first for the brand. The dial boasts a polished finish and a colour gradient that gradually deepens, like a mermaid's tail. With P.900 automatic Calibre, the watch has a date indication and a three-day power reserve, making it perfect for those deep-sea dives. It's water-resistant for up to 300 metres. The watch also comes with two straps made of recycled materials and a tool for easy interchangeability so that you can switch it up whenever the mood strikes. 

For the Thalassophiles: Ulysse Nardin Diver X The Ocean Race

Ulysse Nardin and The Ocean Race are diving deep to save the waters with their new Diver X The Ocean Race watch. Made from ocean debris, this limited-edition timepiece (only 200 available) is not just a watch — it’s a symbol of their commitment to reviving the oceans by 2030. With a 44 mm display, Caliber UN-118 Manufacture self-winding movement and a unidirectional bezel made of Carbonium® (a material made from the same fibres used in aircraft fuselages and wings), this watch is not only eco-friendly, but also high-performance. And the best part? The watch case comprises 40% Carbonium® and 60% Polyamide fishing nets recovered from the ocean by the French brand, Fil & Fab. So, not only are you telling time with style, but you're also saving the seas with one wrist at a time! The iconic double X logo is prominently displayed on the dial, which has a unique half-matte, half-satin finish. Additionally, the fishing nets are also used in the manufacturing of side shafts, back strapping and Velcro wrist straps.

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If Diamonds Are Your Best Friends: Tag Heuer Carrera Plasma 

This watch is powered by the Heuer 02 Tourbillon Nanograph movement, has Diamant d’Avant-Garde lab-grown diamonds in the case and features embellished indexes. The diamond effect on the polycrystalline diamond dial plate is a sum of the crystals grown as one – creating yet another one-diamond morphology. The 44 mm case of the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma is predominantly made of sandblasted anodised aluminium, perfectly complementing the lightness and colour of the material and the strength and purity of the diamond. It comes with an elegant, black leather strap with black stitching and a black titanium grade 2 ADLC-treated clasp for an even bolder look. The TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma is indeed a sparkling jewel in TAG Heuer's Diamant d’Avant-Garde crown!

Transparency at its Best: Breitling Super Chronomat Origins

This watch is setting the standards for sustainable luxury. This innovative timepiece is the brand's first-ever ‘traceable watch’, which allows owners to know the origins of its precious materials; they are transparently informed and engaged through a provenance record on a blockchain-backed NFT. The watch features artisanal gold and lab-grown diamonds, with all information independently verified. The gold is sourced from a single mine that meets the Swiss Better Gold Association's criteria. This ensures that working, living and environmental conditions in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities are improved and responsible supply chains facilitated. The lab-grown diamonds are of the highest quality and purity, created by applying gas and heat to a diamond slice in a vacuum. The watch is also distinguishable by its ceramic rider tabs, crown and rubber rouleaux bracelet, which is exclusive to this supercharged line. The 38 mm watch is powered by the Calibre Breitling 17 self-winding mechanical movement and has a power reserve of 38 hours.

IWC Timbertex strap
IWC has introduced eco-friendly watch straps, crafted from TimberTex, a material made of 80% natural plant fibres, coloured with 100% natural dyes and crafted by hand in Italy. Each strap is created with a blend of traditional and contemporary production methods. They also pass IWC's strict durability tests for breathability, resilience and resistance to humidity and water. Available in three earthy shades of blue, brown and black, they can be paired with four iconic models, including the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph. 

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So, every time you look at your watch, you'll be reminded of your role in protecting the oceans and preserving our planet for future generations.

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