Tom Ford launches watch made from 100% ocean plastic, partners with 52HZ for The Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Nov 23, 2020

There are approximately over 5 trillion plastic pieces in the world's oceans, and every year, an estimated 11 million tons of plastic waste is added. In an effort to battle this statistic and promote ocean health, Tom Ford is releasing a timepiece made from 100% ocean plastic. 

The timepiece, an evolution of the Tom Ford 002 timepiece collection launched in spring 2019, is made of 100% ocean plastic collected from oceans, coastlines and uncontrolled landfills. Featuring a 40mm case and a black DLC stainless steel screw caseback, the material used contains no virgin plastics or non-ocean bound plastics and is traceable to the collection source. Transportation of the ocean plastic granules is carbon neutral and the compounding, executed in Switzerland, is powered by solar energy. The watch is also water resistant and features a Tom Ford signature braided strap, engineered and woven out of 100% ocean plastic.

Every Tom Ford Ocean Plastic Timepiece purchased permanently removes the equivalent of 35 bottles of plastic waste from the ocean, with all packaging being recyclable. The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece retails for $995, and according to the brand, the watch is the very first luxury timepiece made from 100% ocean plastic. 

“In my opinion, ethical luxury is the greatest luxury of all,” designer Tom Ford said. “The Tom Ford customer is sophisticated with a heightened awareness of the issues facing our planet and the responsibility we have to protect it.

"For every 1000 Ocean Plastic Timepieces we produce and sell, we permanently remove and prevent 490 pounds of plastic waste from entering the ocean. It is incredibly appealing to know that you are not only wearing a high-quality product, but by simply owning the product you are also taking direct action to improve the planet.” 

The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece will be available at Tom Ford boutiques worldwide, as well as online at tomford.com starting this month. 

Alongside the launch, Tom Ford has also entered into a partnership with 52HZ, an advisory service from the ocean conservation organization Lonely Whale, to create The Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize. The prize aims to accelerate meaningful innovation around a replacement for thin-film plastic and steer the global community toward a historic turning point in the fight against plastic pollution, the brand said.
 
Submissions to the prize will be vetted and stress-tested to ensure that they have a positive impact on the environment, and that they are scalable and market-ready by 2025. A total of $1 million in prize funds will be awarded based on the decisions of a panel of industry-leading judges, the brand said. 

“Collaboration accelerates innovation, and we are so proud to partner with Tom Ford in 52HZ’s inaugural venture: the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize," said Dr. Dune Ives, CEO of Lonely Whale. 

"[Ford's] Ocean Plastic timepiece and the launch of the prize is a technological feat and proof positive that the fashion industry can be an ally, with plenty to contribute to the environmental movement.” 

The submission guidelines and prize rules will be outlined on a dedicated website at plasticprize.org. Submissions will be accepted as of the end of January 2021.