Happy Earth Day! Every year on the 22nd April, over 190 countries globally engage in Earth Day, the world’s largest non-religious observance. The theme this year is ‘Invest in Our Planet’, which aims to engage everybody to do their part. From governmental figures to the average citizen, the theme intends to make ‘everyone accounted for, everyone accountable’ for our planet. To celebrate, we have put together a list of our favourite eco watches for Earth Day 2023.
But first of all, where did Earth Day come from?
Moved by the Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson was responsible for the first Earth Day in 1970. At the time, America was becoming accustomed to living in unsustainable and polluted conditions. This is something Senator Nelson was already campaigning to change. However, he was inspired by the energy of the student’s anti-war protests and wanted to channel this into an environmental cause.
With the help of Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey and young activist Denis Hayes, Senator Nelson organised a teach-in at college campuses. They set the date for this teach-in on 22nd April, branding it as ‘Earth Day’. Being a random weekday between spring break and final exams, this date was deliberately chosen with the intention to maximise student participation. Earth Day attracted national media attention and led to the introduction of the first modern environmental laws in the United States. Ever since, the event has grown year after year, eventually becoming global in 1990.
What actions can I take this Earth Day?
The EDO, the global organiser of Earth Day, has outlined a few actions you can take this Earth Day to make a difference. Today, you can plant trees, donate to the cause, and advocate for change. Moreover, there are hundreds of Earth Day events worldwide that you can participate in to campaign for change. However, there are also even easier ways to contribute that you can implement in your daily life. The EDO suggests reducing your plastic consumption as well as investing in more sustainable fashion. To help you with the last pointer, we have compiled a list of the best eco watches for Earth Day 2023.
Our Favourite Eco Watches for Earth Day 2023
Timex Expedition North Freedive Ocean Solar Gray Tide Case Blue Dial Blue Tide Fabric Strap TW2V40300
The first of our Earth Day favourites is the Timex Expedition North. Crafted from #tide™ upcycled, ocean-bound material, the model repurposes old ocean plastic.
The rugged divers design features a deep blue colour scheme which is complemented by the slate-grey tone of the case. At the centre of the design is a wave-textured blue dial. This is paired with orange and white hands which are contrasted by white Arabic numeral indices. Functions on the dial include a QuickDate® easy-to-set date display, which is positioned at 3 o’clock. Reflecting the watch’s theme, the model is also water resistant up to 50 metres. To add to its sustainability, the movement is solar-powered and lasts up to 4 months on a single charge. A deep blue #tide™ upcycled ocean-bound plastic textile strap completes the model. A strong start to our favourite eco watch list, this Timex maximises its sustainability at an excellent price point.
ORIS Aquis Date Upcycle 41.5 mm Watch 01 733 7766 4150-SET
Oris became climate neutral in 2021 and has continued to dedicate itself to sustainable materials and practices. A prime example of this commitment is the Aquis Date Upcycle. Its standout feature is the recycled PET plastic dial, which creates a unique multi-coloured marble effect. This bold design is finished with a grey ceramic bezel and stainless steel case that measures 41.5mm in diameter. Moreover, to stand out against the dial there are luminescent baton indices and chunky hour, minute, and seconds hands. An added function on the dial is the date aperture at the 6 o’clock position. To finish the design, a stainless steel bracelet secures the watch to the wrist. However, the Aquis Date Upcycle isn’t just visually attractive. With a water resistance of up to 300 metres, the watch is also very durable. Furthermore, the Aquis’s automatic movement has a power reserve of 38 hours.
There is also a matching women’s model.
Baume & Mercier Baume Ocean Limited Edition Automatic M0A10587
Part of Baume & Mercier’s BAUME collection, this limited edition model demonstrates the brand’s commitment to the planet. 5% of the sales for each model will be donated to two environmental organisations: the Waste Free Oceans (WFO) and the Seaqual Initiative. Both of these partners are dedicated to collecting sea debris left on the coast to transform it into new innovative materials.
The watch itself is also very sustainable. Finishing the model is a grey strap made from recycled materials that is fastened with recycled buttons. However, this is interchangeable so you can tailor it to your taste. The sleek black dial is completed with blue detailing, as well as blue hours, minutes, and seconds hands. A 42mm black Aluminium RPP case encloses the watch’s powerful automatic movement. By purchasing this BAUME model, you will not only have a characterful timepiece but will be actively contributing towards a less wasteful planet.
Bering Pebble Polished Silver Ocean Pebble Recycled White Strap 18034-007
For a more abstract-looking eco-watch, this Bering Pebble Ocean is a great pick. Each model in the collection features a pebble-shaped stainless steel case which makes the watch stand out on the wrist. This 30mm wide case frames a minimalist white dial with blue hour and minute hands and is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Made from 100% #tide recycled ocean plastic, a white NATO-style strap completes the design. Unusual but environmentally friendly, this Bering would be perfect for those looking for a unique sustainable timepiece.
Mondaine Essence 32mm Park Green Strap Green Dial MS1.32160.LF
Simplistic and stylish, 70% of the parts used in this Mondaine quartz watch are built from sustainable renewable materials. The model forms part of the brand’s Essence collection, which fuses the quintessential Mondaine style with an environmentally friendly design. The all-over green colour scheme contrasts the brand’s characteristic white baton indices and chunky hour hands. Made from Ricinus oil-based polyamide, the green case is 32mm in diameter. In line with this colour scheme, the watch features a green fabric strap lined with cork. Additionally, protecting the dial is a mineral crystal.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Quartz #TIDE Upcycled-Plastic Black AI2008-00000-300-0
With the Aikon collection, Maurice Lacroix demonstrates that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury when picking a sustainable model. The Aikon #tide models have 40mm cases made of upcycled ocean plastic mixed with glass fibre. Not only does the case material have a low carbon footprint, but it’s also much more durable than ordinary plastic. Although the model comes in a variety of colours, this particular model features a versatile all-over black design. So that the watch is readable in low light, sleek luminescent baton indices and hands complete the ‘vagues de Jura’ textured dial. There is also a date display at 3 o’clock. and a black textured silicone strap. Behind the watch’s exterior, a Swiss-made quartz movement powers the watch.
MeisterSinger Edition Planet Earth WWF Auto Black Vegan Strap ED-EARTH
A limited edition model, this MeisterSinger watch dedicates itself to the environment. For each watch sold, MeisterSinger and its partners have each pledged to waive a share of €200 to donate to the WWF. If you’re unfamiliar with the organisation, the WWF (the World Wild Fund for Nature) commits itself to preserving wildlife.
Central to the model’s unique design is a large photorealistic image of the Earth on the dial. Taking ‘Earth Day’ wristwear to a new level, this design is a great reminder of where the donation is invested. Behind the motif is a black dial, which is paired with white Arabic numeral indices. The classic MeisterSinger singular hand is white with a red tip. Another unique feature on the dial is a date chapter ring, which turns to the correct date each day. On the reverse side of the stainless steel case, you can see the watch’s movement through an exhibition case back. Its automatic Sellita SW 400 movement uses 26 jewels and 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour to power the watch. For added detail, the case back also exhibits an engraving of WWF’s iconic panda logo. Just like our planet, this watch is unlike any other.
Will you be taking action this Earth Day? Let us know below if you liked our eco watches for Earth Day 2023.
