Over the past several years, the Fine Watch sector appears to have grown more aware of its impact on the environment. Certifications, partnerships and energy-efficient buildings are just some of the many new initiatives, although not all these make the same contribution to reducing the sector’s ecological footprint.

Instead of discounting, watch brands have responded to the crisis with lower-priced collections with a high value ratio.

There are several possible lines of action to reduce the negative environmental impact of extracting precious materials. One solution would be for buyers to form a pressure group and request that producers provide guarantees. In 2008, the Swiss watch industry used 36 tonnes of gold or 1% of global consumption. This could be enough to put pressure on the market.

The current economic crisis clearly implies spending cuts in non-essential or secondary sectors. Regrettably, the environment is often considered as such. However, not every Fine Watch brand is feeling the effects of recession to the same degree. In this context, a company could be well-advised to manage its environmental impact, given the repercussions this can have on its image. Unauthorised constructions, accidental pollution due to non-respect of safety regulations or the increased number of commuters in the Arc Jurassien regions are all detrimental to a company’s reputation. Note too that proper environmental management also saves money through optimised use of resources and routine recycling.