In recent years, sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a central focus across industries. The luxury watch sector, known for its traditional craftsmanship and premium materials, is no exception. With growing environmental awareness, luxury watchmakers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to combine timeless elegance with eco-friendly practices. In this article, we will explore the rise of sustainable luxury watches, highlighting how prestigious brands are making strides towards reducing their environmental impact while maintaining the superior quality their customers expect.
The Shift Towards Sustainability in Watchmaking
The luxury watch industry has long been associated with the finest materials, such as precious metals, high-quality leather, and intricate movements that require careful sourcing of rare materials. However, as the environmental impact of production and resource extraction becomes more evident, watch brands are embracing sustainability as an integral part of their identity.
In the past, luxury watchmaking was often seen as incompatible with the values of sustainability due to the high resource consumption required for the materials and processes involved. But as the global demand for eco-conscious products grows, luxury brands have started rethinking their approach to sourcing, production, and design. Today, there is a growing number of watchmakers who are integrating sustainable practices into their craftsmanship, using recycled materials, reducing waste, and even innovating with solar-powered movements.
The Role of Recycled Materials
One of the key areas where sustainable practices are making an impact is in the sourcing of materials. Traditionally, luxury watches are made using precious metals like gold, platinum, and stainless steel, as well as exotic leather straps. These materials often come with environmental costs, including mining and deforestation.
To address this, some high-end brands have started using recycled materials in their designs. IWC Schaffhausen, for example, has introduced its “Big Pilot’s Watch 43” with a sustainable strap made from recycled plastic. This watch is part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to the “Mission Earth” initiative, where they focus on reducing their environmental impact. This approach not only helps reduce waste but also promotes the idea of reusing valuable resources that are already in circulation.
Similarly, Chopard has committed to using 100% ethical gold in all of its timepieces and jewellery. By adopting Fairmined gold—sourced from certified, artisanal mining cooperatives—Chopard supports ethical sourcing and promotes responsible practices throughout the gold supply chain. This transparency and commitment to sustainability ensure that their customers can enjoy luxurious, yet ethically sourced products.
Solar-Powered Movements: A Leap Towards Energy Efficiency
One of the most exciting developments in the world of sustainable luxury watches is the increasing use of solar-powered movements. These watches use solar energy to power their movements, eliminating the need for battery replacements and reducing electronic waste. Brands like Citizen and Seiko have already embraced this technology with their solar-powered collections, combining innovative technology with eco-conscious principles.
Citizen’s Eco-Drive line is one of the best-known solar-powered collections in the luxury market, offering a wide range of timepieces that are both stylish and environmentally friendly. The brand’s commitment to solar-powered watches has helped it achieve a significant reduction in its carbon footprint while also offering customers the benefit of never needing to replace a battery. The Citizen Eco-Drive Bluetooth model, for instance, features advanced solar technology and is made using environmentally friendly materials, appealing to consumers who want sustainability without compromising on style or functionality.
Upcycled and Plant-Based Materials
Luxury brands are also exploring the use of upcycled and plant-based materials in their designs. Ressence, a high-end Belgian watch brand, has introduced a timepiece that features recycled titanium and plant-based materials in its construction. The use of upcycled materials reduces the need for new resources and lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing. Ressence’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials, as the brand also embraces environmentally friendly packaging and energy-efficient production processes.
Another example is Bamford Watch Department, known for its bespoke luxury timepieces. Bamford has incorporated vegan leather and upcycled ocean plastic into its designs. The Ocean Plastic Watch is made using plastic collected from the ocean, turning waste into a functional and high-end timepiece. This initiative not only addresses plastic pollution but also showcases how luxury watches can be created using sustainable, ocean-friendly materials.
The Environmental Impact of Packaging
Sustainable practices don’t stop at the watch itself. Packaging is another area where luxury watch brands are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Traditionally, watch packaging often involved the use of excessive plastic and unsustainable materials, but many brands are now focusing on more eco-friendly alternatives.
Omega, for example, has made significant changes to its packaging, using sustainable materials such as recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics, and reusable cases. This shift not only reduces waste but also sets an example for the broader industry to follow.
The Future of Sustainable Luxury Watches
As the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, luxury watchmakers are evolving their practices to meet this shift in consumer values. The rise of sustainable luxury watches is more than just a passing trend—it’s an important step toward a more responsible industry that balances heritage with environmental responsibility.
In the coming years, we can expect more luxury watch brands to adopt sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy in production, creating timepieces from innovative materials, and supporting ethical supply chains. The future of luxury watchmaking is one where craftsmanship and sustainability go hand in hand, proving that you don’t have to compromise on luxury to make a positive impact on the planet.
The luxury watch industry is slowly but surely embracing sustainability, with more and more brands incorporating eco-friendly practices into their designs, production processes, and materials. From the use of recycled metals and plant-based materials to the development of solar-powered movements, the future of luxury watches is becoming increasingly sustainable. As consumers continue to demand more environmentally responsible products, luxury watchmakers are stepping up to meet these expectations, ensuring that high-end timepieces remain both timeless and planet-friendly.
Written By: Gabriela Colombo
Published: 7th March 2025