10 Best Sustainable Watches for Women and Men [2024]

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Are you looking for the best sustainable watches on the market? You’re in the right place. We’ve considered the best eco-friendly watches on the market, and combined then into this handy list.

We’ll introduce you to new and innovative watch brands creating eco-friendly watches from ocean plastic and other sustainable materials including recycled steel, cork and biodegradable silicone.

Don’t have time to read the full list? No problem, check out our editors top picks below.

A sustainable watch is a timepiece that’s created in a way that reduces its impact on the environment compared to a regular watch.

Ways a brand will reduce its impact include using eco-friendly materials, using ethical manufacturing, reducing energy consumption during production, and implementing environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.

Examples of sustainable materials used to create sustainable watches include:

Sustainable watches may also feature energy-efficient movements and use renewable energy sources for power instead of relying on batteries. Brands creating eco-friendly watches will also pay attention to the packaging of their product by utilizing packaging made from recycled materials.

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Let’s dive in.

5. Solios

There are multiple ways that brands incorporate sustainability into their watch manufacturing process.

Here are some things to look for when choosing your watch:

Recycled metals: Brands incorporate recycled metals like stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. These materials are obtained by repurposing discarded metal scraps or reclaimed metal from various industries, reducing the need for new metal mining and minimizing waste.

Sustainably-sourced wood: Wood from responsibly managed forests or reclaimed sources is a popular choice for sustainable watchmaking. Look for brands that use fast-growing wood like bamboo, sandalwood, or maple, which are both durable and have unique aesthetics. Using sustainable wood helps support forest conservation efforts and reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources.

Plant-based and vegan materials: Look for watch straps made from organic cotton, hemp, or plant-based leather alternatives if you’re not opting for a metal strap.

Recycled and upcycled components: Affordable sustainable watches prioritize the use of recycled or upcycled components wherever possible. As well as cutting costs, it’s a positive for the environment as it contributes to the reduction of waste and promotes circular economy principles.

Solar-powered movements: While still uncommon, some watches feature solar-powered movements. These watches harness solar energy through photovoltaic cells on the watch dial, converting sunlight into power to operate the timepiece. By utilizing renewable energy, they reduce the reliance on batteries and minimize environmental waste.

Yes, there are certifications and standards that help you identify brands following sustainability best practices. 

Here’s a selection to look out for:

The Fairtrade Certification ensures that the materials used in your eco-friendly watch are sourced in a way that meets stringent social, economic, and environmental standards.  

The Responsible Jewellery Council promotes responsible business practices throughout the jewellery supply chain. Their certification ensures that sustainable watch brands follow ethical sourcing, responsible production, and supply chain transparency in accordance with a rigorous Code of Practices.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification is relevant for watches that incorporate wood components. This certification ensures that the wood used in your watch comes from responsibly managed forests, considering ecological, social, and economic factors.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification applies to watch manufacturing facilities or company headquarters. It assesses the environmental performance of the building and recognizes sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor air quality.

The GOTS Certification is relevant for watch straps or components made from organic textiles like cotton or hemp. The GOTS standard ensures that the materials are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and that the entire production process meets strict environmental and social criteria.

ISO 14001 is an international standard that focuses on environmental management systems and provides guidelines for organizations to minimize their environmental impact. Watch brands that have obtained ISO 14001 certification demonstrate their commitment to continuously improving their environmental performance.

Some watch brands obtain a Carbon-Neutral Certification, which means they have measured and offset their carbon emissions through initiatives like renewable energy projects, reforestation, or investment in carbon reduction programs.

Materials sourcing: Companies that produce sustainable watches prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled metals, sustainably sourced wood, or vegan alternatives. In contrast, traditional watches may rely on newly mined metals, exotic woods, or animal-derived materials.

Environmental Impact: Sustainable watch brands minimize their environmental footprint in multiple ways, such as reducing raw resource extraction, having smart waste reduction processes, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Traditional watch brands, on the other hand, may have a higher environmental impact due to less stringent sustainability practices.

Ethics: Sustainable watch brands place a strong emphasis on ethical considerations throughout the supply chain. This includes fair labor practices, responsible sourcing of materials, and support for local communities. Traditional watches may have less transparency and oversight in terms of ethical practices.

Manufacturing processes: Eco-friendly watch manufacturers often prioritize environmentally friendly production processes, such as using renewable energy, reducing water consumption, and implementing waste management strategies. Traditional watch manufacturers may not prioritize these sustainable practices, leading to higher resource consumption and waste generation.

Durability and longevity: Sustainable watches are designed with durability in mind. They focus on quality, using high-quality components which reduces the need for frequent replacements. Traditional watches may vary in terms of durability, but sustainable watches place a stronger emphasis on longevity and reducing consumer waste.

Repairs and maintenance: Sustainable watch brands will often offer repair and maintenance services to extend the lifespan of your timepiece. You can also look for brands that offer replaceable parts or modular designs, so if any fixes need to be made, you won’t need to replace your entire watch. Traditional watches may not have the same focus on repairability, leading to a higher likelihood of replacement.

Can Eco-Friendly Watches be Recycled?

Not all watches can be recycled, and ideally, you want to have a watch that lasts as long you never need to consider this. 

However, there are considerations to be made.

For example, watch cases made from recycled metals like stainless steel or aluminum can be recycled through traditional metal recycling channels. 

Similarly, components like plastic casings or straps made from recycled materials can be recycled through appropriate recycling facilities. 

You may also see some brands choosing to upcycle and incorporate pre-used materials into their watches. By giving new life to these materials, upcycling reduces waste and creates unique, one-of-a-kind timepieces.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the article, and have now found the perfect eco-friendly watch. Remember, choosing sustainable watches means wearing a timepiece with a story—one that encompasses the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, the preservation of natural resources, and the promotion of fair and ethical practices. 

We’ve also listed the best made in the USA watches if you want to check out watches that are made in America! If you liked this post, check out our similar guides on sustainable sneakers and eco friendly running shoes.