There are those who want to go to mars
We go with the sun
Circular S Collection - available on pre-order
ID Genève launches a new collection made from 100% recycled steel melted in a solar furnace and presenting a carbon footprint 165 times lower than the industry average.
ID Genève is the first brand in the industry to work exclusively with 100% recycled steel for all its collections since its launch. And this was made possible thanks to a close collaboration with the Swiss company Panatere, specialized in the transformation of raw materials and the first in its sector to offer sustainable raw materials. The two companies share a mission to change the perception of recycled materials in the fine watchmaking industry.
The story started with the AISI 316L steel grade 4441 which equipped “Circular 1”, the first collection of the brand and already had a carbon footprint 10 times smaller than industry standard steel.
The partnership continues and takes another step towards a carbon neutral footprint with the launch of a collection made from a solar melted steel, 100% recycled and recyclable, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. It is sustainable, responsible, clean and environmentally friendly. This high quality steel is very homogeneous, with a remarkable appearance after polishing.
Circular “S”, one step closer to zero carbon steel
This stainless steel is 100% produced from steel waste from local components production of watch and medical industries. The short-route harvesting process and rigorous scrap sorting is followed by material recasting utilizing an industrial solar furnace which makes it possible to dramatically reduce the CO2 emissions of the manufacture of steel. In addition, this transformation process is traceable at all times and guaranteed without ore or added raw material.
“The carbon impact is 165 times lower than the industry average 4441 steel with 0.041 kg CO2 equivalent compared to 6.8 kg CO2 equivalent for the conventional steel, in other words almost carbon neutral.”
A design inspired by the sun
This new collection offers a design whose codes are inspired by the sun rays. The core of the watchcase remains the same but the finish of the bezel is sunbrushed and the dial features a traditional sunburst and a laser engraving to give a graphic effect and a play of light that transposes us into this solar dimension. A small but important detail is that the dials now feature the number 8, symbol of circularity, above the brand logo at 12 o'clock. A way to assume even more the important circular dimension of the brand and to embed it in luxury watchmaking.
The finishes of the case are up to the standards of fine watchmaking despite the challenge of using this new material. The brand makes a point of respecting these codes in order to give their letters of noblesse to the recycled materials it uses, thus proving that luxury can rhyme with recycling and circularity.
The brand also presents a limited series with a more daring design with more rounded side decorations and a fluting to evoke the sun. The idea was to use a traditional process usually used on the bezel to sculpt light and give effects of glow and light on the outside of the case.