Eco Friendly Watches: Sustainable Timepieces

The luxury watch industry is undergoing a green revolution. According to a 2023 report by Deloitte, nearly 60% of luxury watch buyers consider sustainability when making a purchase. This shift has led to the rise of eco friendly watches, which utilize recycled materials, innovative green movements, and ethical manufacturing processes. 

Some leading watchmakers are embracing sustainability through recycled stainless steel cases, vegan straps, and solar or kinetic-powered movements to minimize waste.

As the market for sustainable luxury expands, innovations in materials and movements continue to push the boundaries of what an environmentally responsible timepiece can be. 

What Makes a Watch Eco-Friendly?

An eco friendly watch is designed with sustainability in mind. Several factors contribute to making a watch truly sustainable:

1. Use of Sustainable and Recycled Materials

• Recycled metals: Brands use stainless steel, titanium, or gold sourced from recycled materials to reduce the need for mining for virgin metals.

• Reclaimed ocean plastics: Some brands repurpose plastics removed from the ocean to create durable watch cases and straps.

• Wood and bamboo: Natural, biodegradable materials offer a stylish, lightweight alternative.

• Vegan and plant-based straps: Straps made from cork, apple leather, or other plant-based materials replace traditional animal leather.

2. Energy-Efficient Watch Movements

• Solar-powered movements: Sustainable watches that convert light into energy eliminate the need for disposable batteries.

• Mechanical and automatic movements: These function without batteries, using gears and springs for energy.

• Kinetic energy movements: Powered by the motion of the wearer’s wrist, reducing battery waste

3. Ethical and Fair-Trade Manufacturing Practices

• Fair labor conditions: Sustainable watch brands ensure ethical sourcing and fair wages for workers.

• Low-impact production: Ethical watch brands focus on reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions in manufacturing.

• Eco-friendly packaging: Recycled or biodegradable packaging minimizes environmental waste.

4. Longevity and Repairability

• Durable construction: Sustainable watches are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

• Modular designs: Some brands offer replaceable components. This makes repairing the watch easier.

Sustainable Materials in Watchmaking

Eco friendly watches incorporate sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing durability and style. 

1. Recycled and Upcycled Metals

• Recycled stainless steel and titanium – Reduces the need for mining and lowers carbon emissions

• Upcycled gold and precious metals – Many brands use ethically sourced or recycled gold to minimize environmental damage.

• Aluminum and bronze alloys – Lightweight, durable, and often sourced from recycled industrial materials

2. Reclaimed Ocean Plastics and Bio-Based Plastics

• Recycled ocean plastic – Repurposed plastic waste from oceans is used in watch cases and straps. Brands such as Ulysse Nardin and Swatch have adopted this.

• Bio-based plastics – Made from renewable sources such as castor oil or corn. These are biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

3. Sustainable and Vegan Watch Straps

• Apple leather and cork – Plant-based alternatives to animal leather that are biodegradable and cruelty-free.

• Recycled PET fabric – Straps made from recycled plastic bottles

• Natural rubber – Sustainably harvested from rubber trees without harming ecosystems

4. Wooden and Bamboo Cases

• Bamboo – Lightweight, fast-growing, and biodegradable

• Reclaimed wood – Some brands use recycled or responsibly sourced wood for unique, handcrafted designs.

5. Sapphire and Ceramic Alternatives

• Lab-grown sapphire – Offers the same durability as mined sapphire crystal but without the environmental damage

• Eco-ceramic – Scratch-resistant and made with minimal carbon footprint during production

Which Watch Brands Are Leading the Market?

Several watch brands have embraced sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and energy-efficient movements. Let's check out some of the most sustainable watch brands:

1. Citizen (Eco-Drive Series)

• Innovation: Uses light-powered Eco-Drive technology, eliminating battery waste.

• Sustainability: Committed to reducing carbon footprint and using recycled materials in production.

• Popular Model: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

2. Seiko (Solar and Prospex Series)

• Innovation: Solar-powered movements for long-lasting, battery-free operation

• Sustainability: Uses recycled metals and eco-friendly packaging

• Popular Model: Seiko Prospex Solar Dive

3. Mondaine (Essence Collection)

• Innovation: Uses bio-based plastic cases and natural rubber straps

• Sustainability: Carbon-neutral manufacturing process

• Popular Model: Mondaine Essence 41mm

4. Garmin (Instinct Solar and Fenix Series)

• Innovation: Solar-charging smartwatches that extend battery life using renewable energy

• Sustainability: Uses recycled materials in packaging and straps

• Popular Model: Garmin Instinct Solar

5. TRIWA (Time for Change Collection)

• Innovation: Cases made from recycled ocean plastic

• Sustainability: Vegan leather straps and ethical labor practices

• Popular Model: TRIWA Ocean Plastic Watch

6. Baume (A Baume & Mercier Brand)

• Innovation: Made-to-order watches with recycled aluminum and cork straps.

• Sustainability: Zero-waste production and ethical material sourcing.

• Popular Model: Baume Ocean Limited Edition

7. ID Genève

• Innovation: Uses upcycled stainless steel and biomaterials

• Sustainability: First circular economy-certified watch brand

• Popular Model: ID Genève Circular S**

Notable Eco-Friendly Luxury Watches

Here are some of the best sustainable watches that merge eco-consciousness with premium craftsmanship:

1. Cartier SolarBeat Tank Must

Cartier's SolarBeat Tank Must eco watch blends classic design with modern solar technology.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Solar-powered quartz movement

• Case Material: Stainless steel (partially recycled)

• Strap: Vegan leather made from apple waste

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Power Reserve: Up to 16 years

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Solar-powered movement eliminates the need for battery replacements

• Strap made from plant-based materials, reducing reliance on animal leather

• Uses recyclable stainless steel to minimize environmental impact

Brand New Price: ~$3,000
Pre-Owned Price: ~$2,200

2. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”

IWC integrates sustainability into its manufacturing, with the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 eco watch featuring innovative materials and created with ethical production in mind.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: IWC 82100 automatic caliber

• Case Material: White ceramic (less energy-intensive production)

• Strap: Rubber strap made from sustainable sources

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

• Water Resistance: 100m

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Uses reduced-impact ceramic for the case, lowering carbon emissions

• Rubber strap sourced from sustainable plantations

• IWC is carbon-neutral and participates in responsible sourcing programs.

Brand New Price: ~$11,700
Pre-Owned Price: ~$9,000

3. Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID

Panerai pushes the limits of sustainability with the Submersible eLAB-ID, made from 98.6% recycled materials.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: P.900e automatic movement

• Case Material: EcoTitanium™ (100% recycled aerospace titanium)

• Dial: 100% recycled Super-LumiNova™

• Water Resistance: 300m

• Power Reserve: 72 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• The highest percentage of recycled materials in any luxury watch.

• EcoTitanium™ case reduces mining and waste.

• Recycled lume and sapphire crystal lower environmental impact

Brand New Price: ~$60,000
Pre-Owned Price: Limited availability

4. Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins

Breitling’s Super Chronomat Origins is part of its sustainability initiative, using responsibly sourced materials.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Breitling Caliber 01 automatic movement

• Case Material: Recycled stainless steel

• Strap: Vegan-friendly ECONYL® fabric (recycled ocean plastics)

• Power Reserve: 70 hours

• Water Resistance: 100m

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Case made from recycled stainless steel

• Strap crafted from recycled ocean plastics

• Certified fair-trade gold used in limited editions

Brand New Price: ~$8,500
Pre-Owned Price: ~$6,500

5. Ulysse Nardin Diver Net

Ulysse Nardin’s Diver Net eco watch showcases sustainability in dive watches, using innovative upcycled materials.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: UN-118 automatic movement

• Case Material: Recycled fishing nets and Carbonium®

• Strap: Recycled PET fabric

• Water Resistance: 300m

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Case made from discarded fishing nets, reducing ocean pollution.

• Carbonium® bezel has a 40% lower environmental impact than conventional carbon fiber.

• Uses recycled PET fabric for the strap instead of synthetic materials.

Brand New Price: ~$12,000
Pre-Owned Price: ~$9,500

6. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Solargraph is a rugged dive watch with solar-powered innovation.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Solar-powered quartz TH50-00

• Case Material: Grade 2 titanium (lightweight & recyclable)

• Strap: Rubber strap made from recycled materials

• Water Resistance: 200m

• Power Reserve: Unlimited with light exposure

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Solar-powered movement reduces battery waste

• Titanium case is durable, lightweight, and recyclable

• TAG Heuer commits to reducing its carbon footprint in production

Brand New Price: ~$3,050
Pre-Owned Price: ~$2,500

7. Oris Aquis Date Upcycle

Oris, a leader in sustainable watchmaking, introduced the Aquis Date Upcycle, featuring a unique recycled PET dial.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Oris 733 automatic movement

• Case Material: Stainless steel (partially recycled)

• Dial: Made from upcycled ocean plastic

• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or recycled rubber strap

• Water Resistance: 300m

• Power Reserve: 38 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Recycled PET dial reduces plastic waste

• Oris is a carbon-neutral watch brand

• Sustainable packaging made from biodegradable materials

Brand New Price: ~$2,500
Pre-Owned Price: ~$2,000

8. Baume & Mercier Baume Ocean Limited Edition

Baume & Mercier’s Baume Ocean watch focuses on circular economy principles, using upcycled materials to create a bold, modern timepiece.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Miyota automatic movement

• Case Material: 80% recycled ocean plastic

• Strap: 100% recycled PET fabric

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Power Reserve: 42 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Case made from ocean plastic waste

• Strap crafted from recycled PET

• Sustainable watch box made of FSC-certified cardboard

Brand New Price: ~$1,400
Pre-Owned Price: ~$1,000

9. Zenith Defy Extreme E

Zenith’s Defy Extreme E watch is inspired by sustainable motorsport. It uses upcycled race materials in its construction.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: El Primero 21 automatic movement

• Case Material: Carbon fiber and titanium

• Strap: Recycled tires from Extreme E racing series

• Water Resistance: 200m

• Power Reserve: 50 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• Carbon fiber case reduces reliance on traditional metal extraction

• Straps made from recycled racing tires

• Zenith actively supports sustainable motorsports and eco-conscious innovation

Brand New Price: ~$25,100
Pre-Owned Price: ~$19,000

10. ID Genève Circular S

ID Genève is one of the first circular economy watch brands, using only upcycled and sustainable materials in its manufacturing.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Automatic movement (recycled components)

• Case Material: 100% upcycled stainless steel

• Strap: Vegan leather made from plant-based materials

• Water Resistance: 100m

• Power Reserve: 44 hours

Key Eco-Friendly Features:

• First fully circular economy-certified watch

• Upcycled stainless steel case minimizes mining waste

• Modular design allows easy repair and part replacement to extend the watch’s lifespan

Brand New Price: ~$8,500
Pre-Owned Price: ~$6,500

Challenges and Limitations of Eco-friendly Watches

While eco-friendly or recycled watches offer numerous environmental benefits, they also have their own issues that impact their adoption and production.

1. Higher production costs:  Sustainable materials are often more expensive to source and process than conventional materials. Ethical manufacturing practices and fair wages for labor increase production costs. As a result, eco-friendly watches tend to be more expensive.

2. Limited availability and brand recognition: Many high-end watch brands have been slow to adopt sustainability. Smaller sustainable watch brands may lack global recognition, making them less attractive to mainstream consumers. Finding luxury-level eco-friendly watches that match the prestige of traditional brands can be challenging.

3. Balancing sustainability with durability: Recycled materials may not always be as durable as traditional materials like stainless steel or gold. Natural materials (e.g., wood or plant-based leather) require more care and may degrade faster over time. Ensuring that a watch remains high-quality while being sustainable is a constant challenge for manufacturers.

4. Technological limitations in watch movements: While solar and kinetic movements are great alternatives to battery-powered watches, they may not provide the same level of precision as high-end automatic or quartz movements. Some consumers still prefer traditional battery-powered watches, limiting the demand for fully sustainable options. Innovations in sustainable high-performance movements are still in development.

5. Consumer awareness and demand: Many buyers still prioritize brand prestige and aesthetics over sustainability. Lack of education about eco-friendly options leads to slower adoption. Some watch collectors question the longevity and value retention of sustainable watches compared to traditional luxury brands.

6. Greenwashing concerns: Some brands claim to be “sustainable” without fully committing to eco-friendly practices. Consumers must research and verify whether a brand genuinely follows sustainable manufacturing or is using marketing tactics to appear eco-conscious.

Conclusion

The rise of eco friendly watches marks a significant shift in the watch industry, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist. As brands continue to embrace the green revolution, consumers and collectors are given more opportunities to make environmentally conscious choices without sacrificing quality or style. Whether through reclaimed ocean plastics, upcycled metals, or vegan straps, these innovations are setting a new standard for responsible watchmaking.