New designs from Leonardo DiCaprio’s green watch brand

Text by Ana Franco.

More or less everyone in the watch industry wants to move towards a sustainable economy. But it is the young independent watchmaker ID Genève, which for the past year has had the financial backing of renowned environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, that is taking things the furthest in this field. Founded in 2020, the Swiss brand designs and manufactures mechanical models using recycled, renewable and ethically sourced components, such as reconditioned movements (the ones that bring a watch to life).

ID Genève has just launched Circular 1 Nisiar, a 40-piece limited edition of a watch with a burgundy dial whose strap is made from grape marc from the French appellation Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Specifically, the N-07 variety used by the firm comes from the residues of the Château de Beaucastel wine. Made from 75% natural materials, the strap (priced at 117 Swiss francs or 124 euros plus tax) is an alternative to animal leather, and is characterised by a brownish hue derived from grape tannins.

The brand has also turned to grass to make another strap made from hemp waste. It is entirely plant-based and contains no plastics, so it is labelled biodegradable.

And there is one last new development for the brand: the presentation of its second collection, Elements, consisting of five 37 mm diameter unisex watches in recycled steel made from waste produced in Switzerland. The design of their engraved dials is inspired by the processes, visual effects, shapes and colours we see in nature, such as the wings of the blue Morpho butterfly, the pearly reflections of shells and the shimmering plumage of birds. They can be attached to the wrist with different straps, such as a hemp fabric strap, or with an integrated bracelet made of recycled steel.

The automatic movements they run on come from unsold stock, and offer a power reserve of 42 hours. The Elements will not be delivered until early 2025, at a price of CHF 3,400 or CHF 3,610 plus VAT.