Today is Earth Day. The event began as a reaction to the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. I doubt its founders would be happy that the world is currently awash in cheap oil. But they would certainly take heart in the growth of the “climate change” movement. And approve of watchmakers’ greenwashing. Which continues today, with the Element One Limited Edition Earth Day watch . . .
The One Eleven Earth Day Limited Edition is the most obvious attempt to capitalize on your average watch buyers’ love of their home planet. Sent your way via watches.com (no commission on link) in sustainable packaging made from 100% recycled paper + non-toxic inks.
No such claim is made for the ink used for the strap or dial. I can’t find a reference to that quote on the strap. And the one percent vig of .75 per watch seems awfully stingy for a 42mm timepiece tied to planetary rescue. I mean, that’s a big job, right?
I don’t know about you, but I’d feel better about my watch-based contribution to the cause if 1% for the Planet CEO Kate Williams wore a watch. Any watch.
The cynical amongst you might also wonder how much energy (i.e., oil) it takes to produce a bio-material case and the One Eleven’s metal bits. And wonder why a watch that celebrates a planet that’s 71 percent water is only water resistant to 50m. Or what movement the movement wants to move.
Never mind. The One Eleven’s main claim to sustainable fame: its solar-powered!
A solar-powered watch saves having to buy ecologically unfriendly batteries. Except for the lithium-ion solar powered battery, of course. Did you know you shouldn’t throw your lithium-ion battery in the trash? greencitizen.com:
These batteries contain toxic materials that are hazardous to our health and the environment if left in a landfill. When you want to dispose your lithium-ion batteries, you need to take them to a trusted recycling center.
Are there shady recycling centers?
Regardless of the ultimate fate of their Earth Day watch, One Eleven isn’t the only watchmaker that considers solar-powered horology something to celebrate on Earth Day. But really, isn’t a mechanical watch a more eco-responsible option? Just askin’ . . .
Thanks for the info. I actually bought the watch but cancelled the order after reading. Also, One Eleven is just a Fossil-owned brand acting as if it’s a grass roots company.
Huh. You sure about that? Need to add it if true. Being in the watch truth business and all.