Do you know how your favourite luxury watch brands are contributing towards protecting the oceans? The Oceans have fascinated and intrigued mankind from time immemorial. However, in recent times, due to constant threat, preservation of mother earth has become imperative. Today, to celebrate World Oceans Day, we embark on a journey to understand how the horological world is doing its bit to protect the ocean and the charismatic animals living there. Let’s dive into the initiatives taken by some luxury watch brands and a few commemorative watches that contribute towards the conservation of this enormous body that covers 70% of our planet – Our Oceans!
Blancpain, since 1953, with the launch of Fifty Fathoms—known to be the first modern diving watch, has diligently maintained its commitment to exploring and preserving the world’s oceans. The Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III features the main characteristics of the 1953 model. The watch, blue in colour, has a reliable and robust self-winding movement, caliber 1151, which achieves a four-day power reserve. The dial bears a BOC logo, that is Blancpain Ocean Commitment at 6 o’clock. For every watch sold, the company promises to donate 1,000 euros, which would add an additional 250,000 euros to Blancpain’s donation for this cause.
Carl F. Bucherer entered into a long term partnership with the Manta Trust in 2013. Ever since, the brand has built a solid foundation for a sustainable future for the oceans which is home to the manta rays. Being the fourth watch launched by the brand in partnership with the Manta Trust since 2017, the Patravi ScubaTec Maldives, launched in 2021, contributes to this cause and the contribution from the sale of this timepiece is dedicated to the Trust’s new floating research station project. Made for diving and underwater exploration, the timepiece has a sturdy case and sporty function. The watch has a rubber strap with recycled PET textile layer, and a finely adjustable diving folding clasp in stainless steel.
IWC’s initiative along with renowned diver Pierre-Yves Cousteau to “Hack the Ocean” continues the legacy of Jacques Yves Cousteau of protecting the oceans with an innovative project involving sensors and science to gather data on the oceans’ temperatures. IWC has been supporting the work of the Cousteau Society as a partner since 2004. Sustainability being at the heart of the business at IWC, in 2014, the brand launched a special edition – The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau”. With a black rubber strap, this watch is crafted in stainless steel. The chronograph function handles single stop times and aggregate timing up to 12 hours. It is a reliable companion even on long dives.
Panerai, with a legacy connected to underwater exploration, strives to improve the health of the Oceans. In partnership with IOC-UNESCO —the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Panerai launched the “Panerai Ocean Conservation Initiative”, dedicated to ocean preservation. The Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel™️ was a new addition of the brand in 2022, with a case made of Panerai eSteel™️, which is a next-generation material that has the same properties of conventional steel but is made of 95% recycled steel. A second recycled rubber bracelet is offered in the watch packaging.
Ulysse Nardin in dedication to ocean preservation has launched The Ocean Race Diver Watch this year, designed to be the first diver collection made with sustainable materials. The brand is the The Official Timing Partner and Time to Act Partner of The Ocean Race. This unique timepiece is designed to be the first diver collection upcycled from fishing nets. Being the official watch of the race, it aims to turn useless plastic to purposeful beauty! The strap is entirely recycled from fishing nets! The UN-118 calibre movement guarantees the highest degree of precision for sailors.With this watchmaking creation, the two partners make a pledge to deliver positive ecological results by 2030.
This is what some of the most renowned luxury watch brands are doing to nurture one of the most important and extensive bodies on our planet, our oceans! Such commitments will go a long way in improving the health of the oceans and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable living. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog! Do let us know by writing to us at hello@jammindia.com.
