In 2023, Colombian marine biologist Fernando Trujillo was instrumental in facilitating a global declaration for the protection of river dolphins and their rivers. Named the 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year for his dedication to promoting sustainable practices to benefit local communities in South America, the Indigenous Tikunas gave him the nickname ‘omacha’, referring to a dolphin that can transform into a man, in recognition of his work to safeguard river dolphins in the Amazon.
The region has more than 3 000 pink river dolphins and almost 4 000 grey dolphins – all endangered thanks to serious threats from rising water temperatures, conflicts with fishermen, mining, and deforestation. However, Fernando’s efforts through the current National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition are making a tangible impact. This two-year scientific exploration of the river basin uses health assessments of river dolphins as an indicator of the overall health of the ecosystem. The expedition also promotes dolphin-friendly practices among riverine communities that depend on subsistence fishing.
Rolex supports the Explorer of the Year award through its Perpetual Planet Initiative, continuing its 70-year partnership with the National Geographic Society.
Rolex supports the Explorer of the Year award through its Perpetual Planet Initiative, continuing its 70-year partnership with the National Geographic Society.
Discover more at rolex.com
IWC Schaffhausen introduced TimberTex straps, a sustainable alternative to leather made from a paper-based material, highlighting the brand’s commitment to innovation and responsible watchmaking. These straps, crafted from 80% natural plant fibres sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – certified European forests – provide a luxurious and eco-friendly option. Manufactured in Italy using traditional papermaking techniques and dyed with plant-based colours, each strap’s unique texture offers a refined look and feel.
“We wanted high-quality alternatives for our clients who don’t wear animal leather”
IWC CMO and Sustainability Committee Chair Franziska Gsell notes, “Throughout our 153-year history, IWC has led the way in product design, material invention and manufacturing methods. From our early adoption of titanium, and the creation of Ceratanium®, our pursuit of innovation has yielded remarkable advances. We wanted to apply this same pioneering spirit to finding further high-quality alternatives for our clients who don’t wear animal leather.”
The straps undergo over 60 stages of production and are padded with recycled microfibre for added comfort. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in blue, brown, and black, complementing four IWC models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic, and Portofino Chronograph.
The straps undergo over 60 stages of production and are padded with recycled microfibre for added comfort. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in blue, brown, and black, complementing four IWC models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic, and Portofino Chronograph.
Discover more at iwc.com
Breitling’s 2024 Sustainability Mission Report, marking the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s 140th anniversary, emphasises its position on sustainability and transparency in line with leading industry benchmarks. Breitling CEO Georges Kern says, “Breitling is a leader in the neo-luxury sector that is casual, inclusive, and sustainable. It’s essential to have everyone engaged, from our source-material suppliers to our customers, as we continue to refine our sustainability strategy.”
Meanwhile, Chief Sustainability Officer Aurelia Figueroa highlights the brand’s shift in supply chains. “The transition from commodity-based to community-based supply chains has been fundamental to our efforts. We have engaged the communities where we are present and worked together to create programs to support the common good.”
The Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins, Breitling’s first traceable watch, exemplifies the brand’s sustainable luxury approach. It features better gold and diamonds with full supply-chain transparency, backed by blockchain technology. Owners receive a provenance record detailing the responsible sourcing of the watch’s materials, with independent verification at every step.
Over 30% of Breitling’s collections now feature gold and diamonds that are fully traceable and meet the criteria of its Origins label. Gold is sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations prioritising worker well-being, community involvement, and environmental protection. The diamonds are lab-grown and sourced from certified suppliers, ensuring they are free from conflict, human rights violations, and environmental harm. Breitling and third parties regularly audit these suppliers on-site. Breitling also contributes a voluntary premium on each gram of gold and carat of diamonds to fund community-driven projects.
Discover more at breitling.com
Panerai’s partnership with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, which began in 2019, is driven by shared performance and technological innovation values. It has inspired the development of technical watches incorporating the technologies and materials used in the America’s Cup guided by insights from the Luna Rossa team.
Their most recent creation, the sold-out Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech™, is limited to 37 pieces in honour of the 37th America’s Cup. Carbotech™ is used in the case, bezel, and lever bridge. Created by compressing carbon fibre sheets with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) at high pressure and precise temperatures, Carbotech™ offers superior strength, durability, and an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Lighter than titanium and ceramic, it is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, making it perfect for extreme conditions.
The titanium case back, treated with black DLC, features an engraving of the Slow Speed Torpedo – a nod to the instruments Panerai developed for the Italian Navy in the 1940s, reinforcing the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the marine world. Panerai recognises the importance of safeguarding the ocean’s health. The brand has partnered with IOC-UNESCO (the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO) to support the Ocean Literacy programme, part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development initiative.
Discover more at panerai.com
OMEGA, the creators of the first watch on the moon, is collaborating with Privateer, a data engine empowering the future of space sustainability, to track satellites and debris in space that present dangers to human activity. Privateer’s mission is led by astrodynamicist and space environmentalist, Dr Moriba Jah, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and Ripcord CEO and founder Alex Fielding (above).
Space debris is a growing problem that affects everyone. About 40 000 pieces of human-made debris are tracked in Earth’s orbit, but countless smaller, untracked objects pose additional risks. As space becomes more accessible, this junk threatens vital satellites that support communication, navigation, and climate monitoring.
OMEGA has partnered with Privateer to address this issue, contributing to data collection and modelling efforts. This collaboration reflects OMEGA’s adventurous spirit and commitment to environmental stewardship. Inspired by the iconic Apollo 8 “Earthrise” photo, the partnership aims to raise awareness of space sustainability and our planet’s fragility.
Bringing together OMEGA’s history of space exploration and Privateer’s innovative edge, the partnership also delivers on the companies’ commitment to fostering knowledge and hope. As the world faces an uncertain environmental future across land, sea, air, and space, these pioneers aim to promote a sense of environmental stewardship.
Just as the famous Earthrise picture, taken from Apollo 8, inspired the start of the green movement, this digital map of humanity’s space footprint is sure to play an equally important role in raising awareness for our planet’s fragility.
Discover more at omegawatches.com; mission.privateer.com
In 2022, TAG Heuer introduced its Solargraph technology in a 40mm carbon bezel timepiece, powered by the brand’s first-ever solar movement. This innovation continued into 2023 with a titanium version, and this year a more versatile 34mm model. While retaining signature Aquaracer features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, 200m water resistance, luminous markers, sapphire crystal, and a double safety clasp, the 2024 collection introduces five new dials. Two are everyday models featuring TAG Heuer’s Polar Blue and signature blue dials, incorporating the signature polar blue accents unique to Solargraph technology. The brand has also introduced mother-of-pearl dials to this collection for the first time. The material had to be specially adapted to allow light to pass through, enabling the solar movement to function while maintaining the dial’s elegance.
Powered by the solar quartz Calibre TH50-01, the Solargraph watches eliminate the need for battery changes. Two minutes of sunlight can power the watch for a day, and a full charge can last up to 10 months without light exposure. Developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret in Switzerland, this movement boasts a five-year extended warranty.
Discover more at tagheuer.com
Hublot is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and conservation with the release of the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, the fourth in a series designed to support rhino conservation. It’s a collaboration with SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India), a conservation organisation founded by former cricketer and Hublot ambassador Kevin Pietersen, and some proceeds will go towards supporting the cause. Hublot aims to harness its global platform to promote sales of these watches, increasing awareness of critical environmental issues and inspiring collective action for wildlife conservation. Only 30 pieces are available.
Meanwhile, last year Hublot collaborated with Nespresso to introduce the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, a watch made from recycled materials. Used Nespresso aluminium capsules and coffee grounds were transformed into timepiece elements, including the watch strap, case, bezel, and crown. This pioneering effort exemplifies the principles of recycling and circularity, showcasing how luxury and sustainability can coexist.
Further highlighting its eco-conscious commitment, the Nespresso collaboration features the Hublot Greenbox, a reusable case that will become standard for all future collections. Crafted entirely from traceable oak and eco-friendly materials, the Greenbox promotes short supply chains and is 98% recyclable, reflecting Hublot’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact while innovating in design.
