These five timepieces seek to create a greener world by promoting solar power and ethically sourced metals and doubling as champions of the planet. By Mitrajit Bhattacharya
1. ECO-DRIVE ONE
CITIZEN
Made of Super Titanium™ and protected by a sapphire crystal, this watch is hypoallergenic and resistant to rust, scratches, and water. It measures 36.5 mm in diameter with a thickness of 3.53 mm. With a 1 mm-thick movement and a 2.98 mm case, Eco-Drive One is the world’s thinnest light-powered watch. The sapphire dial allows light to pass through to the solar receptors; this is converted into electrical energy by a solar cell. Eco-Drive One can charge in dim light as well as sunlight. Running time is over six months on a single full charge. INR 5,75,000
2. L.U.C FLYING T TWIN
CHOPARD
This watch boasts an artistic finish, ultra-thin engineering, and a COSC-certified chronometer. The case is made from ‘Fairmined’ rose gold, which is ethically sourced from artisanal mining cooperatives that adhere to a list of environmental, safety, and ethical employment standards. The 50-piece limited edition Flying T Twin is Chopard’s first calibre equipped with a flying tourbillon. Price on request.
3. BIG BANG UNICO SORAI
HUBLOT
In 2019, Hublot partnered with cricketer Kevin Pietersen and SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India) to conserve rhinoceros threatened by extinction. Symbolic of the alliance, the 45 mm ceramic dial of this watch dons the sandy tones of the African bush and features the image of a white rhinoceros. It comes with two strap options: a matching NATO style or a camouflage rubber bracelet. INR 16,71,000
4. ASTRON GPS SOLAR 8X SERIES DUAL TIME
SEIKO
Harnessing solar energy may not be a breakthrough in watchmaking anymore, but combining it with GPS technology to power watches to adjust the time via satellites surely is. The watch has combined many functional attributes that Seiko has been working on for years. Apart from connecting to global positioning satellites, it is charged by light. It also offers an automatic perpetual calendar, a power reserve indicator, and a second-time zone. What more does a globetrotter need? INR 1,45,000
5. SUBMERSIBLE ECOPANGAEA™ TOURBILLON GMT 50MM MIKE HORN EDITION
PANERAI
Panerai has fitted its popular Submersible model with a tourbillon, for a limited edition of just five timepieces. Buyers get the chance to embark on an expedition to the Arctic with explorer Mike Horn. The model offers a skeletonised titanium in-house movement showcasing the tourbillon, the GMT function, the AM/PM indicator, and the power reserve. The material of EcoPangaea is recycled metal from Mike Horn’s boat, the Pangaea, and the piece also boasts a porthole-style caseback with an engraving of Mike Horn’s signature in Arctic blue colour. The watch comes with a black rubber strap and a second strap made of recycled PET material. Price on request.
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