Giving Time: Watches That Support Good Causes
Whether auctions like Only Watch benefitting research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or celebrities selling personal watches and donating proceeds to various charities, auctioning high-end timepieces for worthy causes is a common occurrence in the watch industry. Along with these high profile events, some brands also have charity-supporting timepieces as part of their catalog. From wildlife conservation to social change to health care, here are a few fantastic watches that support good causes.
Photo Credit: Blancpain
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III
With the debut of the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, Blancpain essentially defined the modern diving watch. So it is only fitting that Blancpain has long been an advocate of ocean exploration and conservation by championing marine expeditions, major oceanographic projects, and underwater photography. Since 2014, the company has also released limited-edition Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) timepieces where a portion of the proceeds is donated to missions centered around ocean awareness, exploration, or preservation. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III is the third edition in the series, launched in 2018. Limited to 250 pieces, the BOC III features a 40mm stainless steel case (a case size reserved for LE Fifty Fathom models), a gorgeous blue dial and sapphire bezel colorway, and the automatic Caliber 1151 with a 90-hour power reserve.
Photo Credit: Hublot
Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI
Pivoting from cricket to conservation, Kevin Pietersen is on a mission to save the rhinoceros from extinction with his SORAI – Save Our Rhino Africa India – initiative. The former cricketer and current wildlife advocate teamed up with Hublot last year to release a limited-edition (100 pieces) watch with part of the proceeds going directly to Care for Wild and South African National Parks to support efforts in rhino protection. Inspired by the colors of the African bush and emblazoned with an image of a white rhinoceros on the skeletonized dial, the Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI sports a 45mm microblasted beige ceramic case. Plus, thanks to the watch’s clever quick-strap change system, the wearer can alternate between a camouflage rubber strap or a beige velcro strap—both perfectly complementary to the overall style of the chrono.
Photo Credit: IWC
IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Monopusher “Laureus Sport for Good”
Laureus Sport for Good uses sport for social change and over the last two decades, the foundation has altered the lives of over 6 million children and young people around the globe. IWC has been a major sponsor of the non-profit organization since 2005 and as part of the partnership, creates special limited edition Laureus watches. The new IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Monopusher “Laureus Sport for Good” is the 14th edition of the collection and it is limited to 500 pieces. The watch is the first Portugieser model with a monopusher chronograph, powered by the in-house Caliber 59360 hand-wound movement with an eight-day power reserve. The 46mm steel case houses a blue dial, characteristic of the Laureus line, and the caseback features a drawing by 15-year-old Yi Xin, a Special Olympics China participant who won the 2019 IWC Drawing Competition.
Photo Credit: Omega
Omega Speedmaster 38 “Orbis”
Orbis International is a non-profit non-governmental organization focused on tackling preventable blindness in developing nations. A major part of Orbis’ work involves sending its state-of-the-art aircraft, dubbed the Flying Eye Hospital, around the world to train doctors, nurses, and medical technicians on the ground. Omega has been an official supporter of the NGO since 2011 and creates special Orbis watches with a portion of the proceeds donated to the organization. One of these charitable watches includes the Omega Speedmaster 38 “Orbis” with a 38mm stainless steel case, a blue aluminum bezel, and a dark blue dial with light blue oval-shaped registers. A particularly touching detail is the teddy bear symbol on the blue central seconds hand and on the caseback in honor of the cuddly plush given to every child that undergoes Orbis-supported eye surgery.
