With the globally-increased focus on environment, it is no surprise that the Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina joins the movement. This week, the Maison unveiled its new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line, made from plastic waste. Technological innovation, craftsmanship and an ecological manifesto are the driving forces behind these five models launched to support the World Ocean Day on June 8th, 2020. In addition, Alpina announced its partnership with the start-up Gyre Watch, which is responsible for sourcing the recycled material, and with Surfrider Foundation Europe. The latter is a non-governmental organisation which has become a reference in the fight for the preservation of the ocean and its users.
A composite case made from fishing nets
Between 8 and 10 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped every year into the oceans. The plastic does not vanish, but instead goes into ocean gyres. These are vast vortices formed by different sea currents and distributed across the globe.
For the first time in the history of the Maison, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range features a case comprised of 70% plastic debris derived from fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean. Local fishermen collect the fishing nets from the sea and deliver them to the recycler. For this they receive a fee, which means Gyre also contributes to the local economy. The nets are then cleaned and made into pellets for the watch case. To ensure its durability, it has been strengthened with 30% fibreglass.
It is also the first time that this eco-responsible blend has complied with EU REACH legislation. It aims to control the use of chemical substances in order to protect the human health and the environment.
Ocean-inspired colours
The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range comprises five variations: three men’s models (44 mm) and two ladies’ models (36 mm). They share three dial finishes evoking the reflections of the sea: in blue shades, turquoise and dyed mother-of-pearl, complete with luminescent hands. The seconds hand features the triangle from the Alpina logo, that also features as an index hour marker at 12 o’clock.
Completing the look are three two-tone NATO style straps made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, Alpina is offering a black vegetable leather strap comprised of recycled apple waste with every men’s model.
The AL-525 automatic movement powers each model. It features three hands and the date, housed in a black composite case (70% PA6, 30% fibreglass); it presents a unidirectional bezel that recalls the nautical pedigree of the Seastrong collection. Each piece is certified water-resistant to 300 m.
A limited and committed edition
In reference of the founding year of the brand, these timepieces will be limited to 1883 pieces each. To further reduce its ecological footprint, Alpina has opted for a paperless user manual accessible via a QR code. The latter will direct buyers to a dedicated site presenting the concept behind their watch and its materials, as well as the instruction and maintenance manual.
Supporting a global cause
Lastly, Alpina has decided to launch these five new models to support the World Oceans Day on June 8, 2020. The aim is to draw the attention of the international community to this event. It brings together all the initiatives aimed at cleaning up and protecting our oceans.
Supporting Surfrider Foundation Europe
For the launch of these new products, Alpina has chosen to support Surfrider Foundation Europe. Created in 1990 in France (Biarritz) by a group of surfers, the Foundation focuses on mobilisation for the protection of the oceans and the coasts. The organisation is recognised for its fight led daily by nearly 2000 volunteers across 12 European countries.
Technical information
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Movement: AL-525 caliber, automatic, 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve
Case: 2-parts case made with recycled PA 6 (70%) and glass fibre (30%); 60 min unidirectional stainless steel with black PVD bezel and black colour luminous markers; diameter of 36 mm; thickness of 11,75 mm (ladies); diameter of 44 mm; thickness of 12,15 mm (gents); scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; water-resistant up to 30 ATM/300m/1000ft; engraved case-back; screw-in crown
Dial: smoked blue dial; blue dial; light blue mother of pearl dial; applied silver indexes with white luminous treatment; date window at 3 o’clock; silver colour hours and minutes hands with white luminous treatment; white colour seconds hand with light blue triangle at the base
Strap: two-tone blue and black NATO strap made from rPET (recycled plastic bottles); one extra strap made of apple leather sold with the gents’ watch and is protected by a pouch made from rPET
Limited edition: 1883 pieces
Giftbox: Made from recycled plastic, FSC certified paper and rPET fabric
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