Today, Swiss watchmaker Alpina debuted a new collection manufactured with watch cases made primarily from recycled plastic waste.
The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic comes in either 44 mm men’s models or 36 mm ladies’ versions. And similar to the Outerknown watch straps offered by Breitling since 2019, the cases are made from discarded fishing nets that have been pulled from the ocean. Alpina specifically sources plastic waste from the Indian Ocean and the composite case is comprised of 70% plastic with 30% fiberglass added for strength and durability.
This launch was timed to coincide with World Ocean Day (designated by the UN, on June 8th, 2020). It’s also the first time that this eco-responsible blend has complied with EU REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals).
The problem with plastic waste is that an estimated 8 to 10 million tons of this non-biodegradable material are dumped every year and most of it ends up in the ocean gyres which are vast vortices formed by different sea currents and distributed around the world. This includes ghost fishing nets, bottles, and other pollutants that kill wildlife and profoundly impact our environment in a negative way.
To help curb the issue Alpina has partnered with the environmentally friendly start-up Gyre Watch, “which is responsible for sourcing the recycled material, and continuing their support of National Park Foundation, donating $100 for every piece purchased through us.AlpinaWatches.com in order to help maintain the parks, both inland and coastal.”
The new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range comprises five references, including three men’s models (44 mm) and two ladies’ models (36 mm). The dials evoke the reflections of the sea — in blue shades, turquoise, and dyed mother-of-pearl.
Continuing the environmental theme and ocean aesthetics are three two-tone NATO-style straps made from recycled plastic bottles. There’s also an optional black vegetable leather strap comprised of recycled apple waste with every men’s model.
The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic is powered by the outsourced AL-525 automatic movement and each piece is ISO 6425 certified and has a water-resistance rating of 300 meters, and is available in a limited series of 1,883 pieces each. The retail price for the Seastrong Diver Gyre is $1,595 and $1,495 for the Seastrong Diver Gyre Comtesse.
Learn more at Alpina.
