In the jewelry industry, too, more and more brands are integrating ethics and sustainability into their corporate philosophy. We show which luxury watch brands act responsibly
Copyright by Cartier
Cartier
Globally, Cartier's annual gold consumption is only 10 tons, of which more than 90% is recycled. In addition, diamonds account for less than 0,4% of world production. Guaranteed conflict-free and verified through participation in the Kimberly process and compliance with the code of conduct of the Council for Responsible Jewelery Practices. In a holistic sense, Cartier is establishing not only these ethical practices but also sustainable ones: the jewelry giant has been climate-neutral since 2009 and is always working on minimizing its CO2 footprint. In addition, the quality of the creations ensures eternal durability, while repair offers are also available if necessary to extend the life cycles of the pieces.
Copyright by Chopard
Chopard,
Since July 2018, the Swiss luxury manufacturer has only been using 100% ethical gold for all jewelry and watches. As a member of the Swiss Better Gold Association, the brand is both Fairtrade and Fairmined and adheres to environmentally and people-friendly standards. The variety of classic and elegant watch models promises timeless, ethical luxury that can be passed on through generations.
Copyright by Breitling
Breitling
Sustainability and environmental protection have become a significant part of Breitling's corporate DNA in recent years. This is shown, among other things, in the cooperation with the manufactory, with which it wants to raise awareness of marine pollution. For example, Breitling developed the Outerknown NATO bracelet collection made of ECONYL® yarn together with the sustainable surfer label Outerknown. These bracelets are made from 100% recycled nylon waste like fishing nets from the ocean. In addition, Breitling, in cooperation with the Ocean Conservancy NGO, which is committed to protecting marine ecosystems, has supported clean-up campaigns for coastal areas in more than 153 countries.
Copyright by Baume
Baume
Baume was launched as a sustainable watch brand by the luxury goods company Richemont. The watches are manufactured in an environmentally conscious way, with an online configurator showing customers over 2.000 design variations from which to choose in order to reduce waste. In addition, no animal or unused materials that have not been recycled or reused are used in production. This applies to both the movement - made from recycled aluminum, for example - and the bracelet. This is made from cork, cotton, linen, Alcantara or recycled PET. Baumes partnership with Waste Free Oceans also underlines the sustainable vision of the luxury watch brand.
Copyright by IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC combines exclusive design with Swiss precision technology in sustainably and responsibly manufactured watches. It is the first luxury watch brand that has committed itself to radical transparency and contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The manufactory places a special focus on "Responsible Production and Consumption" and "Decent Work and Economic Growth". All gold, diamond and platinum metal suppliers must be Responsible Jewelery Council-certified, climate-efficient manufacturing centers must be operated with renewable energy, waste must be reduced and employees must be supported individually.
Copyright by Oris
Oris
Oris has dedicated itself to the intensive protection of the oceans for more than 10 years. To support environmental projects on coasts and reefs, the brand regularly launches special editions such as the Clean Ocean diving watch, which is limited to 2.000 pieces. This was developed in cooperation with the Pacific Garbage Screening Initiative to clean up the oceans. The watch box is sustainably made from algae and the medallion on the case back is made from recycled PET bottles. This not only promotes innovative design, but also the seas. The Lake Baikal Limited Edition has also been available since February 2020, the proceeds of which will be used to support the nature conservation project “Point No. 1 ”is used on Lake Baikal in Russia.
Copyright by Tom Ford
Tom Ford
With the Tom Ford Ocean Plastic Watch, the fashion designer is launching the world's very first luxury watch made from 100% marine plastic from the ocean, coastal areas and uncontrolled landfills. In short: It is exclusively about ocean plastic and therefore no virgin or ocean-bound plastics. Every timepiece made in Switzerland permanently removes the equivalent of 35 bottles of plastic waste. In total, for every 1000 watches sold, the ocean will be saved from 490 pounds of plastic waste.
Timeless gift ideas over several generations
Whether a memento, status symbol, tech gadget or accessory - a watch can serve many purposes. Regardless of the intention and taste of the wearer, however, more and more consumers have one common concern: sustainable and fairly produced objects from luxury watch brands.
The reason for this development is the growing social awareness of environmental protection and the precarious conditions in gold and diamond mines. There are two common methods used in large-scale industrial gold mining, namely the cyanide-alkali method and the mercury method.
Related topics: Ethical Gold - About the responsibility of the jewelry industry
There are tons of water wasted, contaminated groundwater, released toxic fumes and produced waste. There is also the Deforestation of the rainforestto gain space for dismantling. In the process of this, workers are not just releasing toxic substances. Child labor is also widespread and conflict diamonds finance the continuation of wars.
As a result, watches are long-lasting objects that should be passed on from generation to generation. This not only increases the ideal value of the watch, but also its timelessness. Young generations like that Millennials and Gen Z. want loud trend-setting studies Consume products that are socially and environmentally friendly. Watches made from conflict-ridden gold and diamonds no longer meet modern customer needs.
Sustainability and ethics set new standards for luxury watch brands
These circumstances lead to the urgent need for luxury watch brands that ethical gold and use conflict-free diamonds. In response to this, more and more are establishing Luxury brands sustainable as well as ethical practices in their corporate philosophy. A seal of quality for such practices is the "Fairminded certification", which proves that international environmental and social standards are met. This includes compliance with protective working conditions, the prohibition of child labor, the promotion of special social development standards and protection of the environment.
Although more and more brands are becoming aware of the circumstances, fair watches are still rarely found in the jewelry industry these days. So that your search is not difficult, we have summarized our top luxury watch brands for you.
Related topics: White gold know-how: Here is all gold that glitters
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