World Oceans Day Special: The Watch Industry’s Call-To-Action For Ocean Conservation

Our planet, Earth, brims with secrets waiting to be unraveled. Humanity's insatiable curiosity has driven us to explore the cosmos, reaching for the unknown beyond the horizon. We've ascended to dizzying heights and even left footprints on the dusty lunar surface. Yet, one vast realm remains largely untouched: the ocean. Covering a staggering more than 70% of Earth's surface, the ocean presents a seemingly familiar expanse. However, beneath the sunlit waves lies a forgotten world shrouded in darkness. Nearly 95% of the ocean's depths remain unexplored, a hidden universe teeming with life yet to be documented. Mankind’s understanding of the Martian landscape surpasses its knowledge of what lies mere meters from the coastlines.

Although 50% of all life forms on our planet exist in oceans, scientific estimates suggest that the ocean's depths harbor a million more species, a hidden biodiversity exceeding that found on land. So, is there a possibility that a yellow talking sponge and his starfish friend trudge the Pacific floor inviting all kinds of trouble? Well, it could be!

However, a concerning reality casts a shadow over the magnificent oceanic realm. We pollute the very source of life with reckless abandon. Plastic debris chokes vibrant coral reefs and toxic waste taints the waters. Millions of marine creatures perish annually, victims of our carelessness. The situation in China exemplifies this global catastrophe: a staggering 90% of the water near its major cities is now contaminated. Every single day, an additional 60,000,000 tons of waste are dumped into the ocean, creating a silent and ever-growing tide of destruction. More than 11 million metric tons of plastic go into the ocean every year. We are, in essence, poisoning the very cradle of life.

Painting The Planet Blue

The ocean’s presence touches every living thing, no matter where it lives. The air we breathe and the water we consume are ultimately linked to the seas. The ocean drives our weather and stabilizes our climate. Nowhere is more powerful and unforgiving, yet more beautiful and endlessly fascinating. Yet for too long, we have taken the ocean for granted. In an initiative to inspire people with the wonders of the ocean and also help them understand the threats it is facing, watch brands partner with ocean conservation programs to empower the research and efforts to protect marine life and preserve the seas.

The historical link between horology and oceans has not only facilitated the invention of diving-necessary instruments, but also a collaborative endeavor to support ocean conservation initiatives. As watchmakers are doing their bit for preserving maritime ecology and ecosystem, let's see how the horological forefront is invested in these efforts and devising solutions to mitigate the crisis.

Watchmaking With an Attention to The Oceans

June 8 marks the World Oceans Day - an official recognition by the United Nations since 2008. Synonymous with the ethos of the day, watch manufacturers have been perpetually invested in raising awareness about the ocean, its conservation, sustainability and preservation of oceanic life. While the incentive for certain organizations and programs dedicated to the efforts for ocean preservation is understood, the impetus that links watch brands to the initiative needs to be learned. It's all got to do with the intrinsic essence of a tool watch, particularly the dive watch. A special segment of the horological creations is designed and manufactured to support the need for professional diving. Just like many inventions necessitated by WWII, professional dive timers and air-tight watches of the inceptive era bore a utilitarian essence. A commercialization of the dive watch concept was observed in the early 1950s when Blancpain and Rolex gave us the Fifty Fathoms and Submariner respectively. These would grow to be the category’s most iconic watches.

The dive watches popularized recreational diving as well as professional ocean exploration as well. With much unknown about the ocean, the yearning to explore and venture deep has been mankind’s premier desire since the invention of proper diving equipment. You must know that the immense scale of the ocean depths is almost unimaginable. Let this sink in: the Challenger Deep, the ocean's deepest known point, plunges 10,916 meters - a distance dwarfing even Mount Everest (8,848 meters). Remarkably, humanity has ventured to this abyssal realm. In 1960, a manned submersible touched the bottom of the Challenger Deep, showcasing our enduring spirit of exploration. Decades later, in 2012, James Cameron undertook another daring descent, reminding us of the ocean's profound allure. Rolex partnered with James on the expedition and rushed to produce a bespoke dive watch, the Rolex Deepsea Challenge for the endeavor. Since then, Rolex and many other brands have been perpetually invested in efforts to sponsor and promote ocean research and conservation efforts.

Here’s a dissection of the same.

Supporting Scientific Exploration and Research

A growing number of luxury watch brands are demonstrating a commendable commitment to ocean conservation. This engagement extends beyond product design, with some brands establishing dedicated foundations and others forging deep partnerships with scientific research initiatives.

Leveraging its rich heritage of supporting groundbreaking exploration, Rolex launched the Perpetual Planet initiative in 2019. This program empowers a new generation of environmental - scientists, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens. By fostering strategic partnerships and impactful programs, the initiative champions their dedication to safeguarding our planet's future. In celebration of the 2021 World Oceans Day, Rolex released a 52-minute documentary titled, “Perpetual Planet: Heroes of the Oceans.” The film convenes Dr. Sylvia Earle, a preeminent oceanographer and Rolex Testimonee, alongside a distinguished consortium of marine science pioneers. Through their collaborative narrative, the initiative showcases global endeavors to safeguard the ocean's vulnerable ecosystems. You can watch it here. Rolex also sponsors the “Our World Underwater Scholarship Society” which annually selects a promising student to enter the field of marine conservation. This program emphasizes education as a key tool in ocean preservation efforts.

Blancpain is another brand with ocean preservation as a core incentive. Blancpain's dive into ocean conservation began with the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, which pays homage to the brand’s deep connection with the oceans. This relationship found agenesis with the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diving watch in 1953. Since then, they've championed exploration alongside scientists and environmentalists. Their efforts include supporting expeditions, raising awareness through media and founding the World Ocean Summit for global leadership discussions.

Blancpain actively aids research by collaborating with ocean experts. They've partnered on projects like the Tamataroa Project studying sharks in French Polynesia. They also support innovative restoration efforts like the Great Barrier Reef project with the Biopixel Oceans Foundation. Additionally, Blancpain champions PADI's Adopt the Blue program, empowering divers to protect our oceans. Blancpain's commitment sure ensures a brighter future for the underwater world.

Partnering With Foundations

Watch brands partnering with foundations with an ambition to raise public awareness and reinforce the imperative of ocean sustainability has been a long-observed trend. In this regard, Omega has cultivated a profound commitment to ocean exploration and conservation. This dedication transcends timekeeping excellence, as they actively partner with individuals and organizations at the forefront of unlocking the secrets of the world's oceans and safeguarding their vital ecosystems. Omega demonstrates a profound dedication to ocean conservation through its partnership with the GoodPlanet Foundation. The brand's commitment was vividly showcased in the documentary “Planet Ocean,” which aimed to raise awareness about underwater environmental issues. In further support of marine conservation, Omega donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Seamaster Planet Ocean GoodPlanet watch. These funds are allocated to various initiatives, including the preservation of seagrasses and coral reefs in Southeast Asia. Omega's continuous efforts include the creation of the Planet Ocean watch, with sales proceeds contributing to the protection of mangroves and seagrass, reinforcing their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our oceans.

IWC Schaffhausen too demonstrates a leading role in ocean conservation through impactful partnerships. Their collaboration with Cousteau Divers leverages citizen science to gather crucial data on ocean temperature fluctuations and their ecological consequences. This commitment extends beyond groundbreaking initiatives. Since 2009, IWC Schaffhausen has partnered with the Charles Darwin Foundation, actively supporting the preservation of the Galapagos Islands' fragile ecosystem. Further solidifying their dedication, a portion of proceeds from the Aquatimer watch collection directly contributes to vital research and conservation efforts.

Oris too undertakes ocean conservation initiatives demonstrated by its partnership with the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF). This organization is dedicated to support the growth and restoration of coral reefs. Oris has also teamed up with Pacific Garbage Screening. This organization is tackling plastic pollution at its source by developing technology to capture plastic waste in rivers and estuaries before it reaches the ocean.

Seiko is one other brand synonymous with the seas. Its Prospex mission is deeply rooted in ocean preservation and the collection supports the brand’s “Save The Ocean” initiatives. Its efforts include the PADI Marine Debris Program as well as the support for the “Fournoi Underwater Survey and Excavation Project in Greece.”

Breitling has a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation working towards combating ocean plastic pollution and preservation. It has also launched a “Waves of Sustainability” mission in a bid to highlight the detrimental effects of ocean pollution. Jaeger-LeCoultre too has been an active participant in ocean conservation efforts and is a partner of the UNESCO Marine Heritage program.

Carl F. Bucherer has a partnership with a UK-based charity - Manta Trust. It’s dedicated to the mission of ocean preservation and safeguarding the habitat of the rare manta ray. Its special edition timepiece, the Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition is dedicated to promoting the cause.

Raising General Awareness

Panerai is a brand deeply wedded to the ocean. With an illustrious history of legendary dive watches, Panerai is inextricably linked to ocean conservation. Its partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) has resulted in development of an Ocean Literacy program for advanced scientific research. The “Panerai Ocean Conservation Initiative” is a global campaign active in about 100 universities to raise awareness about the challenges facing the ocean. Panerai also partners with Razer towards the Conservation International Asia-Pacific to support manta ray conservation.

Another brand with a deep-found affinity for the oceans, Doxa, has been the official timekeeper for Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society’s Expedition Team. Its aim is to explore the global oceans, inspiring and educating people to derive responsible actions for ocean preservation at a large scale.

Watchmaking With Recycled Ocean Materials

Unlike the many opportunistic entities with unfortunately contaminated mission statements, the watchmaking industry’s faithful endeavors towards ocean conservation are truly commendable. For the champions that carve the perpetual tale of time, sustainability isn’t a mere buzzword. In addition to the actions discussed above, sometimes the core fabrics of watchmaking get weaved with impactful efforts aimed towards understanding and countering the threats our oceans are facing. This is when watchmaking adopts sustainability at a higher epoch.

Oris has time and now demonstrated the craft of manufacturing its watches from recycled ocean plastic and materials at a higher level. Its dive watch collection, the Aquis series has been a perfect bed top brew this commitment. In 2023, Oris introduced the Aquis Date Upcycle. Its vividly multi-colored dial is made from recycled PET plastic bottles, scavenged from oceans. For the creation, Oris partnered with a Swiss recycled-materials specialist #tide. Oris also partners with Bracenet to create special edition watches with unique dials crafted from recycled fishing nets. Another Swiss manufacturer, Maurice Lacroix has a collaboration with #tide on creating a timepiece out of ocean-bound upscaled waste. The brand in this initiative has committed to recover 10 million plastic bottles from the coast of Thailand which would have ended up in the ocean. The recycled material is meticulously worked to create the Aikon #tide watches as part of the brand's popular urban timepiece collection. Luminox ECO series watches also feature cases crafted from #tide recycled ocean plastic. Titoni and Norqain have also partnered with #tide for creating the straps of their Seascoper and Freedom collection watches. The Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 ‘Ocean Conservancy’ Limited Edition too features recycled fishing-net sourced materials for the strap construction.

Upcycled fishing net material recovered from the oceans forms one of the case material ingredients for the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Azure and Diver X Skeleton Azure watches. These haute horlogerie divers pieces execute composite construction with ocean recycled materials aimed at attaining not only better aesthetics or ergonomics, but a sincere commitment to ocean conservation as well. Alpina’s Seastrong Diver also utilizes recycled fishing net material for constructing its composite case. Many iterations of Seiko’s limited edition “Save the Ocean” pieces from the Prospex collection feature NATO straps crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

Consistent with the efforts of sustainability in watchmaking, Panerai has recently introduced three iterations of the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteelTM. Recognising the efforts of sustainability in horological crafts, Panerai constructed the cases of these timepieces with recycled materials corresponding to more than half of the total weight of the watches. These 44mm timepieces feature straps made from recycled PET and rubber. The trio includes the Verde Smeraldo, Grigio Roccia and Blu Profondo timepieces as slight aesthetic variations of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteelTM collection.

Time’s Ticking - Act Now!

The fate of the ocean is inextricably linked to our own. To save the oceans, we must act now, with unwavering resolve and a commitment to long-term solutions. We must heal the wounds we've inflicted and safeguard the wellspring of life itself. The ocean's secrets beckon us, urging us to forge a path towards a sustainable future where humanity and the ocean can coexist in harmony.