NEED OF THE HOUR

These five timepieces seek to create a greener world by promoting solar power and ethically sourced metals, and doubling as champions of the planet.

1. ECO DRIVE ONE CITIZEN

Made of Super Titanium™ and protected by a sapphire crystal, this watch is hypoallergenic and resistant to rust, scratches, and water. It measures 36.5 mm in diameter with a thickness of 3.53 mm. With a 1 mm-thick movement and a 2.98 mm case, Eco-Drive One is the world’s thinnest light-powered watch. The sapphire dial allows light to pass through to the solar receptors; this is converted into electrical energy by a solar cell. EcoDrive One can charge in dim light as well as sunlight. Running time is over six months on a single full charge. `5,75,000

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2. L.U.C FLYING T TWIN CHOPARD

This watch boasts an artistic finish, ultra-thin engineering, and a COSC-certified chronometer. The case is made from ‘Fairmined’ rose gold, which is ethically sourced from artisanal mining cooperatives that adhere to a list of environmental, safety, and ethical employment standards. The 50-piece limited edition Flying T Twin is Chopard’s first calibre equipped with a flying tourbillon. Price on request ――

3. BIG BANG UNICO SORAI HUBLOT

In 2019, Hublot partnered with cricketer Kevin Pietersen and SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India) to conserve rhinoceros threatened by extinction.

Symbolic of the alliance, the 45 mm ceramic dial of this watch dons the sandy tones of the African bush and features the image of a white rhinoceros. It comes with two strap options: a matching NATO style or a camouflage rubber bracelet. `16,71,000

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4. ASTRON GPS SOLAR 8X SERIES DUAL TIME SEIKO

Harnessing solar energy may not be a breakthrough in watchmaking anymore, but combining it with GPS technology to power watches to adjust time via satellites surely is. The watch has combined many functional attributes that Seiko has been working on for years. Apart from connecting to global positioning satellites, it is charged by light. It also offers an automatic perpetual calendar, a power reserve indicator, and a second time zone. What more does a globetrotter need? `1,45,000

5 SUBMERSIBLE ECOPANGAEA™ TOURBILLON GMT 50MM MIKE HORN EDITION PANERAI

Panerai has fitted its popular Submersible model with a tourbillon, for a limited edition of just five timepieces. Buyers get the chance to embark on an expedition to the Arctic with explorer Mike Horn. The model offers a skeletonised titanium in-house movement showcasing the tourbillon, the GMT function, the AM/PM indicator, and the power reserve. The material of EcoPangaea is recycled metal from Mike Horn’s boat, the Pangaea, and the piece also boasts a porthole-style caseback with an engraving of Mike Horn’s signature in Arctic blue colour. The watch comes with a black rubber strap and a second strap made of recycled PET material. Price on request

1. CHARGER GOAL ZERO NOMAD 7 SOLAR PANEL

Heading off to a camping trip? Avoid those polluting disposable batteries by carrying this portable solar charger. Plug in a power bank, and leave it out in the sun as you make breakfast. Its 7W output might not stand up to the charging speeds we’re used to, but it’s sufficient to juice up your phone for a music marathon. `12,225; tanotis.com ――

2. WATER FILTER BOTTLE LIFESTRAW GO

Bottled water gets much criticism for the amount of plastic waste it generates. But what do you do when you aren’t sure about the water quality at your destination? Ditch the plastic bottles and get a LifeStraw Go. This nifty travel companion filters out nasty bacteria, chemicals, and other impurities, and with a lifetime of 1,000 litres, it will last you quite a few vacations! `1,990; ascreations.in

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3. PHONE CASE A GREEN CO.

Electronic waste is a serious issue, but what about the plastic accessories we use with our gadgets? Like phone cases, which end up in the bin once you get a new device. We recommend an eco-friendly phone case that won’t rot for eternity in a landfill. A Green Co.’s cases are made of wheat straw, are compatible with wireless charging, and come in plasticfree packaging. `499; agreenco.in

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4. SOLAR OVEN GOSUN GRILL

The best reason to go camping? BBQs every day! And here’s a way of making your grilled trout or roast veggies habit safer and greener: a solar grill that can touch temperatures of

290°C. No fire hazard, no charcoal to burn, no electricity supply needed—all you need is a sunny day. `19,259; amazon.com

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5. SPEAKER REVEAL BAMBOO SOLAR SPEAKER

A grille made from eco-friendly bamboo helps this one stand out in a sea of lookalike Bluetooth speakers, but its real claim to green fame is that it uses an in-built solar panel to charge its batteries. This speaker also doubles up as a power bank. `10,569; desertcart.in

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