GoWood eco-friendly watches, a camera, and a compass on a wooden table

Sustainability in Watchmaking: Eco-Friendly Watch Types

Nowadays, a growing awareness of the environmental repercussions of one’s choices is taking hold. This is especially true when it comes to fashion and accessories, such as watches.

The watchmaking industry is a major contributor to pollution and environmental degradation. The extraction of raw materials, such as metals and plastics, can have a significant impact on the environment. The manufacturing process also produces emissions and waste. And when watches are disposed of at the end of their life, they can end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

The good news is that there are many eco-friendly watch options available. These watches are made from sustainable materials, use renewable energy, and are designed to be long-lasting.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of eco-friendly watches, their benefits, and where to buy them.

Types of Eco-Friendly Watches

There are many different types of eco-friendly watches available, each with its own unique set of benefits. Here are some of the most popular types:

Mechanical Watches: 

These watches are powered by the movement of the wearer’s wrist, so they don’t require batteries. They are made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and leather. Mechanical watches are often more durable and long-lasting than traditional watches.

Solar-Powered Watches: 

Solar-powered watches are a great option for people who want a watch that is both eco-friendly and low-maintenance. They use the sun’s energy to keep time, so they don’t require batteries! This makes them a sustainable choice, as they help to reduce the environmental impact of watchmaking.

Wood Watches: 

Representing a sustainable and naturally beautiful timekeeping choice, wood watches are crafted from eco-friendly wood sources, including reclaimed wood or materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Their inherent durability, combined with their eco-conscious materials, makes them a compelling option for environmentally conscious consumers. 

Additionally, wood watches cater to individuals with metal allergies and those interested in animal-friendly alternatives. With Swiss-made movements known for their precision, including top-quality nickel-plated components and quartz jewels, these watches offer accurate timekeeping alongside their eco-friendly appeal.

This watch has cases made entirely of black sandalwood or zebra wood, while the wristband is made of real cork. Explore It

Recycled Plastic Watches: 

These watches are a stylish and sustainable way to reduce waste. Made from recycled plastic bottles or fishing nets, these watches help keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean. Recycled plastic watches are also often more affordable than other types of watches.

Vegan Watches: 

These watches don’t use any animal products, such as leather, fur, or even beeswax. They are also often made from sustainable materials, such as wood or recycled plastic.

When choosing a vegan watch, it is important to consider the materials used and the brand’s commitment to sustainability! There are many great options available, so you can find a watch that meets your needs and style.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Watches

Embracing eco-friendly watches delivers a host of compelling benefits:

  • Environmental Stewardship: These watches are meticulously crafted from sustainable materials and powered by renewable energy sources. This conscientious design translates into a markedly reduced environmental footprint, aligning your timekeeping with eco-conscious values.
  • Longevity and Reliability: Eco-friendly watches are built to last. They are made from premium materials, such as recycled plastic, and sustainable metals, that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear. This means that you can enjoy your eco-friendly watch for many years to come, which reduces the need for frequent replacements.

In addition to their durability, they are also very reliable, made with precision engineering and craftsmanship, so you can be confident that they will keep accurate time for years to come. 

  • Fashionable Sustainability: Beyond their eco-friendly features, these watches offer a diverse selection of stylish designs. By choosing an eco-friendly timepiece, you not only make a fashion statement but also advocate for sustainable living, enhancing your personal style with a meaningful touch.
  • Contribution to Conservation: Many eco-friendly watch brands, such as GOWOOD, support conservation efforts or charitable causes, allowing you to contribute to environmental initiatives with your purchase. This added value extends your impact beyond mere timekeeping. 

For instance, our partnership with Tree Canada, Canada’s largest organization for tree replanting programs, means that we turn customers’ purchases into action. For every $4 donated, they plant a tree, making your choice not only a stylish statement but also a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.

  • Ethical Sourcing: Often prioritize ethical sourcing of materials, ensuring fair labor practices and responsible mining. By wearing such a watch, you endorse ethical standards in the industry.

Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Watches

Looking for eco-friendly wood watches and accessories? You have a variety of options to choose from:

Brick-and-Mortar Retailers 

Prefer trying on watches before making a decision? Visit brick-and-mortar retailers that offer eco-friendly options. This option allows for a hands-on experience. 

Sustainable Fashion Retailers 

If you want to support businesses committed to sustainability, check out sustainable fashion retailers. They often carry eco-friendly watches along with other environmentally conscious products.

GOWOOD.ca

Whether you prefer in-person shopping at local retailers or the convenience of online browsing, GOWOOD is dedicated to bringing eco-conscious fashion, including our range of eco-friendly wood watches, right to your doorstep.

In North America, you can easily discover our brand through a network of local retailers. With over 75 stores carrying our products across Canada and the United States, you have the opportunity to experience our commitment to sustainability firsthand.

For our valued European customers, while we may not have physical stores carrying our brand in Europe at the moment, you can still enjoy our products by shopping on Amazon, where fast and free delivery is available for Amazon Prime members.