Time to go green
Looking to make an eco-conscious effort with your next purchase? Read on for our guide to the best sustainable watches out there. Chop chop, the clock is ticking…
The Luxury List: Sustainable Series
Best Sustainable Watches
Nordgreen
Danish watchmaker Nordgreen has just unveiled what it describes as ‘the world’s most sustainable watch?’ The chicly minimalist timepiece was concepted by the brand’s critically acclaimed designer Jakob Wagner, and is intended to last 100 years – unusual for a mid-range watch. It’s made from recycled stainless steel and more durable sapphire glass, and comes with a full-service repair and refurbishing guarantee for a full century. The Guardian watch also comes in 3D printed packaging is made from third-generation recycled PET plastic by Swedish Lostboylab.
‘We wanted to design a watch that would help Nordgreen play an active role in cementing a mindset and a community for those dedicated to saving our planet,’ explains Jakob. ‘For me the Guardian is so much more than a watch. It’s a movement. A state of mind. It’s a symbol not just of caring about nature, the environment and humanity, but of having the strength of mind and strength of character to actively help.’
In addition to the launch of the Guardian, Nordgreen has partnered with external sustainability consultants to actively work towards becoming carbon neutral and a B Corp.
Guardian by Nordgreen, £599. nordgreen.co.uk
Panerai
Panerai says 98.6 per cent of the weight of its new Submersible eLAB-ID dive watch is made from recycled elements, including the Eco Titanium case, fabric strap and even the SuperLuminova dial. The brand is keen to collaborate with other dial names on ‘circular’ watchmaking.
CuleM
Launched by British entrepreneur Matthew Cule in 2018, CuleM plants 100 trees and protects six acres of rainforest for every watch the brand sells. In its short history, it has already financed the planting of 12,769 mangrove trees in Madagascar.
Awake
French brand Awake claims its AW.01 model is ‘the most eco-innovative watch ever made’. This affordable timepiece is said to be made exclusively from reengineered, bio-degradable components. Cases are made from a material called RE:FN-S1, a polymer produced from old fishing nets.
IWC
IWC is offering new TimberTex sustainable straps on four of its models. Made from plant fibres sourced from trees certified by the FSC, the straps are crafted in Italy before being padded with recycled microfibre and coloured with plant-based dyes.
Mondaine
Mondaine has developed its latest watch using sustainable materials and natural dyes, combining the brand’s core values of innovation and sustainability. Featuring a strap made from recycled textile and skin-friendly natural cork lining, the collection of Women’s Essence watches highlights greener alternatives with an emphasis on renewable raw materials.
Mondaine Women’s Essence MS132111 Textile Strap Watch, £189.00, johnlewis.com
Oris
Made with a recycled ocean plastic dial (the process of which means no two are the same), this new version of Oris’s core dive watch is all part of the brand’s sustainability drive. The company was recently declared climate neutral by experts ClimatePartner, thanks to its work with Plastic Bank’s Clean Oceans project, and it offers straps made of recycled PET and sustainably sourced leather, and watch boxes made of algae or recycled paper.
Oris Aquis Date Upcycle, £1,600, oris.ch
Featured image: Guardian by Nordgreen
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