Honestly I expect more of myself; nevertheless, someone who never misses the date is the Swiss watch industry because it’s the perfect opportunity to draw our attention to all that is wrong with the oceans nowadays but more importantly to piggyback off of said day to flog us a few more watches; and why not.
By the way, (seeing as you asked) World Oceans Day is an international day that takes place on June the 8th each year and this year Alpina, one of the watch brands who were at the forefront of sustainable watchmaking with their innovative reuse of ocean plastics for their Seastrong GYRE are once again making strides with the use of 100% recycled Stainless steel.
At the occasion of the World Oceans Day, Alpina proudly unveiled a new step in their sustainability program:
The Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda, the first watch in its collection with a case that has been made entirely from 100% recycled Stainless steel.
The recycled Stainless steel, produced by Thyssen Krupp, has had a first life within the marine transportation industry, which makes a strong statement on the recycling of its materials.
This watch also pays tribute to the Calanda, the first cargo ship to fly the Swiss flag in 1941, to help with the supply of goods to Switzerland in those troubled times. To celebrate this very special ship on this very special day, the watch is now available in a Limited Edition of 300 pieces.
True to its diving-DNA, the watch has all the divers’ specifications such as 300 meters of water-resistance, a unidirectional rotational bezel with beautifully engraved markers, and an engraved case-back.
The watch’s 42mm in diameter 100% recycled Stainless steel case houses Alpina’s AL-525 automatic caliber with its 38hrs of power-reserve. It also features a mat black dial with faded orange hands and markers.
Naturally the watch is presented on a recycled PET (nylon made from recycled ocean plastics) strap, and is delivered in a gift box made entirely of recycled plastics and FSC paper, along with a QR code replacing a paper user’s manual. The new Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda from Alpina has a Swiss MSRP of 1’795 CHF.
Thoughts? I’m actually not as cynical as I might come across when it comes to watch companies do something, anything to alleviate the ocean plastic problem. I also firmly believe if recycled plastics and even steel can be used in watchmaking then I’m all for it but don’t expect us to pay premium for it.
As to this watch I appreciate the coarse brushed finish on the top of the case; it lends itself perfectly to the use of recycled steel while accentuating those satin polished portions of the case but I think Alpina shortchanged us on the lack of Calanda case-back engraving; shoulda been there. But what do think?
Would you prefer to see something from Alpina with a bit more of a vintage sensibility? See THIS!
No comments:
Post a Comment