Cover The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece will be globally available as soon as November 2020 (Photo: Tom Ford)

The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece will hit the market at US$995 and will be globally available as soon as November this year—but it’s not the first watchmaker to embark on ocean conservation projects

American fashion designer Tom Ford has this week announced his plans to launch a wristwatch made entirely from recycled plastic found in the ocean.

The Swiss-made, eco-friendly timepiece will be made from 100 per cent plastic waste found in the ocean. While the design is yet to be revealed, it has been confirmed that each watch will remove the equivalent of 35 plastic bottles that have been hauled from the ocean using solar energy and carbon-neutral transportation.

“In my opinion, ethical luxury is the greatest luxury of all,” the American designer said in a statement. “It is incredibly appealing to know that you are not only wearing a high-quality product, but by simply owning the product you are also taking direct action to improve the planet.”

See also: 3 Eco-Friendly Malaysian Fashion Brands

This isn’t the first time watchmakers have made commitments to helping the ocean through high-end fashion. In fact, these days there are many noteworthy watch brands that are actively making strides to help save the oceans through conservation projects and sustainability efforts.

High-end Swiss watchmaker Breguet in 2018 partnered with Race for Water Foundation, pledging a five-year commitment to help support and raise awareness for ocean preservation and plastic pollution.

“In the early 19th century, timekeeping played a pivotal role in maritime navigation,” explained Marc A. Hayek, president of Montres Breguet SA in a previous statement. “We are continuing that tradition by supporting an Odyssey of vital importance for our common future.”   

While Breguet pledged their commitment to raising awareness for ocean preservation, luxury manufacturer Omega has made a commitment to conservation efforts by way of an extended partnership with GoodPlanet Foundation and its founder Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Together, the watchmaker and conservationists produced the award-winning documentary film Planet Ocean, and most recently collaborated on conservation efforts in Indonesia.

Breitling, meanwhile, announced a partnership with Ocean Conservancy, an organisation dedicated to leading the global fight for healthy oceans and beaches. The Swiss watchmaker unveiled a limited-edition model of its Superocean Heritage, which was launched in tandem with a massive beach cleanup initiative in Bali and celebrated the collaborative efforts between the watchmaker and Ocean Conservancy. Since 2018, the partnership resulted in a greater awareness of the pollution in the world’s oceans and beaches by way of coastal cleanup efforts around the world.

See also: Breitling Gets Adventurous With Its Latest Watch Novelties

The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece may not be the first wristwatch to garner attention for its commitment to the ocean but it will be the first to be made entirely of recycled ocean plastic. Available globally as of November 2020, more information can be found at the official Tom Ford website.

See also: 6 Life-Changing Lessons From The Rolex Perpetual Planet Campaign