Luxury watches have long stood as symbols of prestige, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. But in 2025, there’s a new dimension to their appeal—sustainability. As Gen Z, millennials, and eco-conscious consumers continue to shape the luxury market, the demand for sustainable timepieces has skyrocketed. Today, it’s no longer enough for a watch to look good or hold value—it must also align with ethical values.
In this article, we’ll explore what sustainable luxury watches truly mean, how top brands are embracing greener practices, and highlight the best eco-conscious luxury watches to own in 2025.
Why Sustainability Matters in Luxury Watchmaking
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why sustainability has become such a major factor in high-end horology.
Luxury watchmaking has traditionally been associated with precious metals, exotic leather straps, and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. However, increasing awareness of environmental impact has shifted the narrative. Today’s luxury consumer cares deeply about ethical sourcing, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
In response, many renowned watchmakers are evolving their practices by:
- Using recycled or ethically sourced materials
- Employing solar or kinetic energy movements
- Creating vegan or upcycled straps
- Reducing packaging waste
- Committing to carbon neutrality or net-zero targets
These initiatives don’t mean compromising on style or quality—in fact, they’re setting new standards for luxury itself.
What Makes a Watch Sustainable?
To be considered truly sustainable, a luxury watch typically adheres to several of the following principles:
- Recycled or Renewable Materials: Use of recycled steel, gold, titanium, or renewable materials like ceramic or wood.
- Eco-Friendly Movements: Quartz movements powered by solar energy or mechanical movements that don’t require batteries.
- Non-Animal Straps: Vegan leather, rubber, fabric, or other cruelty-free strap alternatives.
- Sustainable Packaging: Reduced, recycled, or biodegradable packaging.
- Responsible Manufacturing: Ethical labor practices and reduced carbon emissions at manufacturing facilities.
- Longevity and Repairability: Built to last with easy access to servicing and parts, reducing waste over time.
With these standards in mind, let’s explore the top luxury watches for sustainable style in 2025.
1. Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat
Why it’s sustainable:
Cartier’s Tank Must SolarBeat is a remarkable blend of iconic design and eco-friendly innovation. Introduced a few years ago and refined in 2025, the SolarBeat movement uses photovoltaic cells hidden behind the Roman numerals on the dial. It lasts up to 16 years before needing servicing.
Sustainable features:
- Solar-powered movement (no battery changes)
- Non-leather strap made from plant-based materials
- Durable stainless steel case
Style Points:
Elegant, slim, and instantly recognizable, the Tank Must remains a minimalist favorite—now with a greener conscience.
2. Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID
Why it’s sustainable:
Panerai’s eLAB-ID is one of the most eco-conscious mechanical watches ever made. A whopping 98.6% of its weight comes from recycled materials, including EcoTitanium™, recycled SuperLuminova™, and even recycled silicon for the movement.
Sustainable features:
- Recycled titanium case
- Recycled movement parts and dial
- Minimal carbon footprint during production
Style Points:
Bold and rugged, with military-inspired aesthetics. Perfect for adventurous spirits with an environmental mission.
3. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “TOP GUN” Woodland
Why it’s sustainable:
IWC is among the leaders in sustainable watchmaking. In 2025, their updated Big Pilot’s “TOP GUN” series includes ceramic cases made using renewable energy and straps from plant-based leather alternatives.
Sustainable features:
- Green ceramic case with reduced emissions
- Vegan leather strap
- Certified carbon-neutral production facility
Style Points:
Masculine, contemporary, and built for performance. Its deep forest green tone fits right into the green revolution.
4. Chopard Alpine Eagle in Lucent Steel
Why it’s sustainable:
Chopard’s Alpine Eagle collection is a visual ode to nature and is crafted from Lucent Steel A223, made from 70% recycled steel. In 2025, the line expanded to include solar-powered models and more ethical sourcing.
Sustainable features:
- 70% recycled Lucent Steel case and bracelet
- Ethically sourced components
- Solar-powered quartz options
Style Points:
A refined sports-luxury hybrid that balances strength and elegance, with a unique texture on the dial inspired by eagle irises.
5. Oris Aquis Date Upcycle
Why it’s sustainable:
Oris is one of the few independent Swiss watchmakers leading the charge on sustainability. Their Aquis Date Upcycle uses colorful, one-of-a-kind dials made from recycled ocean plastic.
Sustainable features:
- Dial made from ocean plastic
- Recycled stainless steel case
- Oris is a certified Climate Neutral Company
Style Points:
Each dial is completely unique, giving it both environmental and artistic flair. A casual diver’s watch that’s perfect for everyday use.
6. Baume (by Baume & Mercier)
Why it’s sustainable:
The Baume brand, now fully integrated under Baume & Mercier, continues its legacy of sustainability in 2025. These watches are customizable, made with recycled aluminum, cork, and upcycled fabric straps.
Sustainable features:
- Recycled and upcycled materials
- Modular and easy to repair
- Solar-powered movements available
Style Points:
Minimalist and modern, with a clear eco-conscious identity. Great for those who want a green lifestyle to reflect on their wrist.
7. Mondaine Essence
Why it’s sustainable:
While not traditionally luxury-priced, Mondaine’s Essence collection offers Swiss craftsmanship with serious sustainability credentials. It’s one of the most eco-friendly quartz watches on the market in 2025.
Sustainable features:
- Bio-based plastic from castor oil
- Cork and recycled PET straps
- Solar movement options available
Style Points:
Iconic Swiss rail clock design, lightweight, and playful. Ideal for eco-savvy minimalists.
8. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph
Why it’s sustainable:
TAG Heuer made big strides with its solar-powered Aquaracer Solargraph, combining luxury and long-lasting functionality. It charges with any light and doesn’t require a battery change for decades.
Sustainable features:
- Solar quartz movement
- Durable materials reduce servicing needs
- TAG Heuer sustainability pledges for 2030
Style Points:
Sporty, sleek, and beach-to-boardroom versatile. A perfect blend of function and fashion.
9. Longines Spirit Flyback in Recycled Bronze
Why it’s sustainable:
Longines has introduced a 2025 edition of their Spirit Flyback featuring a bronze case made from recycled materials and a NATO strap crafted from recycled fishing nets.
Sustainable features:
- Recycled bronze case
- Strap from ocean waste
- Longines is actively reducing water and energy usage in manufacturing
Style Points:
Vintage flair with modern performance. Earthy tones make it stand out from the crowd.
10. Rolex Oyster Perpetual – Future Concept
Why it’s sustainable:
While Rolex is notoriously secretive, insiders confirm that in 2025, Rolex has quietly piloted a line using recycled 904L steel and improved manufacturing processes to reduce emissions. These Future Concept pieces are part of a limited eco-collection, highly coveted by collectors.
Sustainable features:
- Recycled steel
- In-house solar energy at production facilities
- Focus on longevity and serviceability
Style Points:
Classic Rolex design, understated sustainability, and bound to appreciate in value.
Beyond the Watch: Packaging and Carbon Offsets
Many luxury watch brands have also revamped their packaging in 2025. Bulky boxes have been replaced with:
- Recycled cardboard containers
- Biodegradable materials
- Multi-purpose pouches that double as travel cases
In addition, brands like IWC and Oris offer carbon offset programs, letting customers support climate initiatives with every purchase.
How to Choose a Sustainable Luxury Watch
If you’re looking to invest in a luxury watch that aligns with your values in 2025, here are some key tips:
- Research the Brand’s Ethics: Look beyond marketing—read sustainability reports and independent audits.
- Check the Materials: Recycled metals, vegan straps, and solar movements are all good indicators.
- Longevity Matters: A sustainable watch is one that can be serviced, repaired, and passed down.
- Avoid Greenwashing: Just because a watch is labeled “eco” doesn’t mean it’s truly sustainable. Look for certifications and transparency.
- Buy Less, Choose Well: A single, high-quality timepiece you love and wear often is more sustainable than multiple underused ones.
Final Thoughts: Timeless Style, Forward Thinking
In 2025, luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive. Watchmakers are proving that it’s possible to preserve heritage craftsmanship while protecting the planet. Whether it’s through solar energy, recycled materials, or ethical sourcing, today’s timepieces are redefining what it means to be timeless.
Choosing a sustainable luxury watch is more than a fashion statement—it’s a commitment to mindful living, where elegance and ethics go hand in hand. So the next time you admire a ticking masterpiece on your wrist, ask yourself: “Does this watch reflect the future I want to see?”
In a world where every second counts, make yours sustainable.