The future of luxury watchmaking is sustainable

For an industry built on permanence, watchmaking was always destined to have a sustainability story. Long before ‘eco-conscious luxury’ became a marketing buzzword, mechanical watches embodied many of the principles now associated with sustainable consumption – they were designed to last generations, be repaired rather than replaced, and often became heirlooms passed down through families. However, sustainability in modern watchmaking extends far beyond longevity.

The conversation began gaining momentum in the late 2000s and early 2010s as luxury consumers started demanding greater transparency around sourcing, manufacturing, and environmental impact. Some of the early efforts focused on responsibly sourced gold, ethical supply chains, and reducing carbon footprints across production facilities. Soon, brands began experimenting with recycled materials, ocean-bound plastics, plant-based straps, and renewable energy-powered manufacturing.

Today, sustainability in luxury watchmaking has evolved from a niche talking point into one of the most compelling chapters. This World Environment Day, we’ve curated a special edit of some of the most coveted sustainable luxury watches.

Panerai Submersible eSteel 

Long before sustainability became a luxury industry buzzword, Panerai began experimenting with recycled materials, and the Submersible eSteel remains one of its most ambitious outcomes. Crafted using the brand’s proprietary eSteel alloy (made from over 95 percent recycled steel by weight), the 44mm timepiece retains the rugged DNA of the Submersible collection, complete with 300-metre water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel, while its ocean-inspired dial colours serve as a subtle nod to marine conservation. By placing recycled materials at the heart of one of its most recognisable sports watches, Panerai proves that sustainability and serious horology need not exist in separate worlds. 

Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat 

While sustainability in watchmaking often arrives in the form of recycled metals or responsible sourcing, the Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat takes a more discreet approach. Introduced as the Maison’s first solar-powered watch, the model retains the design codes of the iconic Tank while replacing the traditional quartz battery with a photovoltaic movement powered by light. The innovation lies in the dial itself, where microscopic perforations hidden within the Roman numerals allow solar energy to reach the movement without altering the watch’s classic aesthetic. Cartier also paired the timepiece with a non-animal strap crafted from plant-based materials derived from apple waste. 

Chopard Alpine Eagle 

The Alpine Eagle collection is crafted from the brand’s proprietary Lucent Steel, an innovative alloy made with at least 80 per cent recycled steel, a figure that has since risen to 90 per cent in newer production. Beyond reducing the environmental impact associated with virgin metal extraction, Lucent Steel offers enhanced durability, hypoallergenic properties, and a distinctive luminous finish. Inspired by the Alps and the majesty of the eagle, the Alpine Eagle reflects Chopard’s broader Journey to Sustainable Luxury initiative.

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean

Part of OMEGA’s broader commitment to ocean conservation, the timepiece is linked to the brand’s long-standing partnerships with marine research and environmental initiatives, including support for ocean preservation programmes. Crafted with OMEGA’s highly durable materials and designed for longevity, the Seamaster Planet Ocean is powered by OMEGA’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, certified by METAS for precision, performance, and magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, while offering an impressive water resistance of up to 600 metres. 

Oris Aquis Date Upcycle

Instead of a conventional dial, each watch features a unique face crafted from recycled PET plastic collected before it could enter oceans and landfills, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Introduced as part of Oris’ broader environmental initiatives, including its commitment to ocean conservation and carbon reduction, the watch pairs purpose-driven design with the brand’s robust dive-watch heritage. It’s housed in a 41.5mm stainless steel case with 300 metres of water resistance and powered by an automatic movement.

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