Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article.
The climate movement has given rise to a variety of eco-friendly fashion and accessories trends, shining a light on innovative technologies and processes rooted in sustainability.
One such trend is that of solar-powered accessories, such as watches. Solar-powered watches typically have panels that absorb sunlight, before converting it into energy to power the watch. Though the first solar-powered watch dates back to the 1970s, these environmentally mindful accessories have experienced a major boost in popularity in the last few years.
One brand leading the charge for solar-powered watches is Montreal-based Solios.
Since being founded in 2018 by Samuel Leroux and Alexandre Desabrais, Solios has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its chic, solar-powered watch styles for men and women.
Solios’ watches are conceived with everyday wear in mind and are intended to take the wearer from day to night with ease. Featuring a thin and sleek design, their watches are so lightweight you’ll forget you’re even wearing one.
Further, sustainability is at the core of everything Solios does. The Canadian brand is certified B Corp, the first watch company in the world to earn this certification. They are committed to crafting quality, innovative accessories with the environment in mind.
In fact, since its inception, Solios has had just one mission: to create a sustainable accessory with a flawless build. And it’s safe to say, they’ve achieved just that.
Every single component of their solar watches was designed consciously. For example, watches are made of durable, eco-friendly materials to promote longevity. Such materials include certified recycled stainless steel casing, recycled plastic (for the very small amount of plastic that is required in their quartz watches), and an anti-scratch sapphire coating to prevent scratches to the watch face.
The various strap options are also sustainable, like their Eco Vegan Leather which is a silicone-based leather free from PU and PVC that features a cork inlay (rather than the traditional rubber). Another option includes a 316L stainless steel mesh bracelet that is not only adjustable but is made with a special metal colouration that is five to eight times more durable than typical metal colouring and is free from chemical waste.
Of course, even without these additional features, Solios’ watches would still be sustainable owing to the fact that they use solar technology. Traditional battery-powered watches have a lifespan of roughly two years, at which point they become trash.
However, this situation can easily be avoided using solar technology that has the same capacity as approximately 20 batteries. According to Solios, if every watch brand switched to solar-powered technology, it would prevent up to 300 million toxic batteries from ending up in a landfill.
The solar technology that Solios uses is clean, renewable, and a symbol of the future. Their watches feature a solar cell and power cell concealed behind the dial. How it works is when light beams hit the watch’s solar cell, it recharges the power cell, otherwise known as the watch’s energy storage unit, which has a 6-month power reserve.
Even better, all Solios watches require just two hours of exposure to light to completely charge the power cell. And it doesn’t even have to be natural sunlight, the power cell can also be charged via exposure to indoor, artificial lights.
Solios’ sustainability model extends beyond their best-selling products. All packaging is plastic-free and made of recycled paper that is also fully recyclable.
As further proof of their environmental commitments, Solios is partnered with the Rainforest Trust to help with the mission of protecting endangered rainforest lands. 1% of each watch sold is donated by Solios to the global organization each year. 1% of each watch sold protects an acre of rainforest.
Solios’ collection of luxury timepieces are available on their website. The brand ships worldwide and prices start at $335 CAD ($260 USD).
All images in this article are courtesy of Solios.
