5 Brand Watches that Help Fundraising

What time is it?

According to these watch brands, it’s time to take action. These watches not only tell of the present but seek to change them now. Being a watch enthusiast means looking for the best materials and features. These brands offer the prestige and quality of luxury watches for a good cause. Here are 5 must-see brands forgetting that ice on your wrist, but not in your heart.

Omega

A brand that made its mark as the first watch on the moon (Omega Speedmaster) continues to reach new heights all the way down to the depths of the Earth. The Omega Seamaster changed the game for diving watches as a piece that can withstand the extreme pressure and temperatures of the deep blue. As a brand with products that can go anywhere, It did not take long for Omega to expand its legacy towards advocacies. Omega has raised funds for three specific drives: Flying Eye Hospital, Time For the Planet, and Solar Impulse.

The Flying Eye Hospital was spearheaded by Orbis International. It is a mobile hospital that specializes in services for optical or visual ailments. While the airline company provided the aircraft, Omega released a watch line, which donates a portion of the proceeds to the hospital. 

Omega also collaborates with the GoodPlanet Foundation for ocean conservation. Their first partnership produced the award-winning documentary, Planet Ocean. Their next joint effort would be Time for the Planet, a conservation drive for the Indian coast. For this tie-up, Omega once again released a special model: the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M. Similar to the Orbis partnership, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the cause with each purchase.

Omega’s latest work is with Solar Impulse, a pioneer in solar-powered energy. Together, Omega and Solar Impulse aim to provide sustainable air travel. To fund the development of this project, Omega released the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33. This model was verified by the European Space Agency and features a polyamide "NATO" strap. Only 1,924 pieces were part of the limited release. As an alternative to carbon-emitting planes that damage the environment, this helps the sustainable energy movement gain traction.

Seiko

Known for the first-ever production quartz watch in 1969, Seiko is another company behind a horology milestone. With its humble beginnings as a clock shop, Seiko laughs in the face of the bigger, the better - at least, in terms of literal size. In 1980, Seiko created the first Kinetic watch - a unique mechanism that combines the functionality of a quartz watch with the reliability of a mechanical watch.

In terms of advocacy, Seiko is on board with saving the environment. In collaboration with Fabien Cousteau - renowned marine explorer and environmentalist - Seiko launched a social media campaign: #DiscoverYourPlanet.

Through an official Instagram account, the campaign features the wonders of the ocean - with Cousteau and the Seiko’s Prospex model serving as the face of the campaign. It is a daily log of Costeau’s activities and discoveries in the deep. Fellow divers, environmentalists, and marine experts are also sourced to contribute to the feed, so it may become a valued resource for studies and conservation efforts.

IWC

Another brand championing for the environment is the International Watch Company. Ariosto Jones first had the idea of combining two horology trademarks: American technology and Swiss craftsmanship. Thus, in 1868, IWC was conceived. Eventually, the brand became a trademark in itself and went on to be one of the most beloved watch brands.

IWC raises funds for the Charles Darwin Foundation, the organization leading the preservation of biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands. To do this, IWC released a special watch line: the Acquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands.” The model is water-resistant up to 300m, with a SafeDive system for scuba diving. It is powered by an automatic movement, with a 68-hour power reserve. Proceeds will go to the foundation with each purchase.

Oris

Another big name in the industry, Oris made its legacy as a loyalist to high-standard mechanical watches. Among its selection of diving and aviation-themed pieces, the classic appeal of their models established this brand as a staple for any luxury watch aficionado.  

Aside from advocating for expert craftsmanship and quality in its products, Osiris has partnered with the Reef Restoration Foundation. The organization aims to replenish the depleted coral in the Great Barrier Reef through coral-planting drives. According to founder Gary McKenna, coral is like “the Earth’s thermometer” - their fast decline indicates there is a problem.

For this collaboration, Oris has released three sets of limited edition Great Barrier Reef models. Based on the Oris Aquis collection, the model features a thematic aqua blue dial, a blue ceramic bezel, and a circular date window. Sales of these models directly support the Reef Restoration Foundation’s coral planting projects.

TAG Heuer

A brand that established its claim to fame in the racing industry, TAG Heuer is the go-to luxury sports watch for many. Its trademark of combining modern “tech” faces with a classic base has mass appeal to avant-garde lovers.

Also known for its illustrious brand advocates, this brand competed in a different race when it launched the Cycle for Survival Fundraising Challenge in 2007. The brand selected TAG Heuer ambassadors to participate in digital competition.

Each TAG Heuer ambassador had a fundraising webpage for donations, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for cancer research. Donators were qualified to win an exclusive TAG Heuer model: the Cycle for Survival Connected Modular 45 watch. It was the first Swiss-made smartwatch with Intel and Android wear 2.0 and had a water resistance of up to 50 meters. As of 2018, the movement has raised more than $145 million.

It’s easy to get lost in the sheen and glamour of luxury items, but these brands remind us that there are things that matter beyond the material and it’s important to play our part.