How watchmakers are caring for Planet Earth

Some will celebrate with clean-up efforts while others may plant trees, clear beaches or otherwise do their bit for the environment. However, celebrating – and conserving – our resources goes far beyond the scope of what is accomplished in a single day. Today’s top watch brands recognize this, and many are doing their part to conserve, protect and move ahead in a sustainable manner.

Certain privately-owned, large watchmaking companies have environmental foundations to shepherd their causes, even offering awards and grants to those investigating and working on conservation efforts. Rolex and Audemars Piguet are two such brands. Through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, the company regularly supports those who work toward sustainability, and has issued grants to individuals who campaign for and work in fields such as rainwater conservation around the world, or the preservation of threatened birds and other species.

Similarly, Audemars Piguet is a leader in environmental causes. Through the Audemars Piguet Foundation, the brand is involved in protecting biodiversity in Madagascar, implementing family farming training in Brazil, working with One Drop’s “El Salvador” Project to plant trees, reconstituting forests globally, and more.

Conservation efforts

Over at the Richemont Group (with names such as IWC, A. Lange & Söhne and Jaeger-LeCoultre), certain brands are highly involved in conservation efforts. For years (until just a month ago when the partnership ended), Jaeger-LeCoultre was the main supporter of the UNESCO Marine Heritage program, working to preserve endangered marine sites around the world.

Sibling brand IWC Schaffhausen continues in its long-standing efforts to protect the Galapagos archipelago. The brand is a key sponsor of the Charles Darwin Foundation, which operates out of the Galapagos. This region, where Charles Darwin did much of his research for his revolutionary Theory of Evolution, is one of the richest in the world for birds, animals and plants – certain of which only exist on the archipelago. Unfortunately, non-indigenous species threaten the ecosystem – propelling it to the UNESCO red list. IWC’s support helps with scientific research. The brand even creates dedicated Aquatimer watches for the Darwin Foundation, with portions of the proceeds going to the cause.

Sustainability

German brand A. Lange & Söhne, which recently completed the building of its new state-of-the-art Manufacture, is highly cognizant of Earth’s resources. The brand spent considerable money investing in special heating systems, air systems, recycling programs and more. The building of the new complex was nearly three years from ground breaking to completion. The construction boasts a geothermal energy system (thanks to a double-skin façade) that ensures climate and proper air control. Saxony’s largest geothermal energy plant, with 55 down-hole heat exchangers, keeps the indoor climate properly adjusted during all four seasons. The electricity to operate the pumps is green — ensuring the Manufacture is a CO2-free facility.

Independently-owned Chopard is also highly conscious of ethical practices and sustainability in mining. The brand embraces ethical and sustainable gold mining through its use of Fairmined gold. In 2013, the company launched its Journey to Sustainable Luxury project, a multi-year commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. The brand partnered with the Alliance for Responsible Mining to work towards giving Latin American mining communities Fairmined certification. Through its support of sustainable precious metals and artisanal gold mining, Chopard purchases a substantial portion of the gold certified as Fairmined for use in its jewelry and watches.

Responsibility

Many of the top watch (as well as jewelry) brands are active members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). RJC is a non-profit organization that sets standards for responsible mining practices and certifies brands as adhering to those standards. The Code of Practices encompasses diamonds, gold, platinum and group metals and addresses human rights, labor and environmental impact issues, as well as fair mining practices. To be a Certified Member means the brand has undergone independent third-party auditing to demonstrate its compliance with RJC’s Code of Practices. Currently, RJC has more than 900 members ranging from mining to materials suppliers, brands and retailers. Among the watch brands that are Certified Members are A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Harry Winston, Hermes, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Omega, Piaget, TAG Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Zenith.