As the world becomes increasingly conscious of environmental impact, the luxury watch industry responds with innovative and sustainable approaches. From sourcing ethical materials to reducing carbon footprint, sustainable luxury watches are setting a new standard in the industry. Brands like Panerai, Seiko, and Oris lead the way with initiatives focused on environmental responsibility without compromising quality or style.
Our editors delve into the realm of sustainable luxury watches, exploring the practices and principles driving this shift in the industry. From the use of recycled materials to responsible manufacturing processes, we uncover the efforts of renowned watchmakers to create timepieces that not only exude elegance but also contribute positively to the planet.
Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel
In 2021, Panerai boldly declared to “bring more circular practices to the world of watchmaking.” Panerai unveiled a remarkable line of classic Luminor Marina timepieces crafted in eSteel, a new steel alloy composed of recycled-based materials, accounting for an impressive 58.4% of the total weight. The Luminor Marina eSteel is a handsome timepiece that doesn’t sacrifice the brand’s renowned design and craftsmanship. The sizable 44mm case boasts a deep blue face and an impressive 30-bar water resistance. Behind the sapphire glass crystal, hour and minute hands keep time for automatic movement against easily legible Arabic numerals.
Shinola Sea Creatures Detrola Skeleton Version
Shinola’s Sea Creatures Detrola Skeleton Version is a 40mm sport watch inspired by critters of the deep sea—and built from ocean-bound plastic that used to threaten them. In a world where one truckload of plastic waste ends up in the sea every minute, Shinola is taking a stand for the earth’s resources, climate, and ecosystems with the Sea Creatures Detrola. This remarkable timepiece is crafted from #tide ocean material® granules and yarn, made entirely from 100% ocean-bound plastic waste. It’s a pollution solution that turns harmful plastics into a stunning wristwatch.
Junghans Max Bill Regulator Edition 60
The 38mm Max Bill Regulator features a time-only display in a regulator-style layout, with a centrally mounted minute hand, a small register for hours at 12:00, and a running seconds register at 6:00. The regulator layout is deeply tied to the history of watchmaking, having been used by clockmakers as reference tools in the earliest days of mechanical horology. The matte white dial features anthracite hands with an eco-friendly luminescent coating in orange. Luminous accents make the 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute markers stand out in the dark in a green hue.
Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Outerknown
Paying tribute to the original 1957 SuperOcean timepiece and the laid-back surfing lifestyle of the 1960s, the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Outerknown is a timepiece co-designed with Kelly Slater’s surf wear brand, Outerknown. It features a unique ECONYL® yarn single-piece strap, similar to fishing nets repurposed from nylon waste pulled out of the oceans. Available in stainless steel and 18k red gold, the 42 mm case features two signature elements of the original SuperOcean: a concave bidirectional ceramic bezel and a dial featuring oversized indices.
Oris Aquis Date Upcycle
According to the United Nations, as many as 13 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. With only 9% of all plastic produced believed to have been recycled thus far, there is a clear need for individuals and businesses to rethink strategies to increase sustainability efforts. Oris is certainly doing its part with its Aquis Date Upcycle. A multicolored recycled PET dial with a date aperture is at 6 o’clock with a black-on-white disc that makes it easy for the eye to discern. Inside, beneath an exhibition mineral glass caseback, is the Oris caliber 733, based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement.
Seiko Prospex SEA Save the Ocean
Seiko Prospex supports marine conservation through its “Save the Ocean” initiative. By reducing marine debris with the help of divers worldwide, the program is the world’s most significant underwater citizen science movement and clean-up initiative. It is known as ‘Dive Against Debris’. The Seiko Prospex SEA Save the Ocean boasts a rich gradient blue dial with a date display. Water resistant to 200 meters, its generous 44mm case, with its luminous hands and markers, makes it easy to view underwater.
Nordgreen Pioneer
Nordgreen is a Danish company that embraces sustainability through its manufacturing and corporate practices. The Pioneer Chronograph is a minimalist unisex watch designed by award-winning Danish designer Jakob Wagner. The 42mm watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement designed for long-standing precision and functionality. The watch face is enhanced by domed sapphire glass, which makes the timepiece well-equipped to resist damage while bringing subtle depth to the dial.
Triwa Time for Oceans
With each Triwa Time for Oceans watch purchase, you’ll support #tide’s efforts to improve the oceans. #tide is a provider of recycled ocean-bound plastics for sustainable products. Triwa has made the world’s first watch made of recycled ocean plastic. With a minimalist design and various color options, this eco-friendly watch is perfect for those who value sustainability and style. The watch features a reliable Japanese quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, making it an excellent choice for any water activity.
Mondaine Essence
Since 2019, all Mondaine watches have been produced using solar power in the brand’s state-of-the-art workshops in Biberist, Switzerland, where its photovoltaic solar plant is on the roof. The brand has been actively working on sustainable collections since then. The Mondaine Essence is a modern classic with a strap made of natural rubber, meaning this watch is entirely vegan. The case is made from a renewable castor oil compound with a hardened mineral crystal.