Luxury brands are keeping up with the times and using recycled materials to craft exclusive timepieces. Here are five watches that put the planet first. By Mitrajit Bhattacharya
1. SubmersibleeLAB-ID
PANERAI
This new watch is constructed from 98.6 per cent recycled elements by weight. The case, the sandwich dial, and the movement bridges are made of EcoTitanium. This recycled titanium alloy is a lightweight, aerospace-grade metal that’s made of more than 80 per cent recycled content. The Submersible eLAB-ID is also the first watch to use 100 per cent recycled SuperLumiNova for its dial and hands, and 100 per cent recycled silicon in its escapement. Limited to 30 pieces; price on request.
2. Diver Net
ULYSSE NARDIN – Watches Made Of Recycled Materials
Ulysse Nardin aims to bring attention to global warming with the Diver Net, a concept watch linked to UN’s Diver X series. The new R-Strap is made of recycled fishing nets, one of the primary sources of plastic pollution in the oceans. The concave unidirectional bezel is also made from fishing nets, and its green design details allude to its links to nature. A power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, a date window, and a small second hand at 6 o’clock add to the functionality. Price on request.
3. Baume Ocean
BAUME & MERCIER
The wire lugs, round case, and crown at 12 o’clock in the two models of the Baume Ocean Limited Edition are an exciting marriage of sleek and modern design. The dial is elegant and subdued with a coloured bezel ring matching the colour of the handset. About 80 per cent of the case is made from recycled plastic (gathered from the ocean) and 20 per cent from fibreglass. The case diameter is 42mm and the watch is water-resistant up to 30 metres. INR 1,21,400
4. SolarBeatTank Must
CARTIER
This timepiece is the first solar-powered one from Cartier. It is cased in stainless steel and comes in two sizes. One can expect a running time of 16 years before the watch requires a service. The straps—in black, blue, or light green—are made from non-animal leather, produced from scraps of apples grown for the food industry in Western Europe. The light for the photovoltaic charging system reaches the movement through the dial—specifically through the Roman numerals. Price on request
5. Big Bang Unico SORAI
HUBLOT – Watches Made Of Recycled Materials
Hublot has renewed its partnership with former cricketer Kevin Pietersen and his platform SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India) with the release of a new edition of the Big Bang Unico SORAI. With a 45mm case and 100m water resistance, it is inspired by the natural colours of the bush in summer: a harmonious blend of two shades of green, from the green ceramic case to the camouflage-green rubber or velcro strap. The Hublot MHUB1242 UNICO movement that powers the watch is a self-winding flyback chronograph with column wheel that beats at the frequency of 4Hz and offers a power reserve of 72 hours. Limited to 100 pieces; INR 18,09,100
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