Quashing the notion that eco-conscious choices have to come at the cost of style, Solios Watches fuse sustainability with timeless aesthetics. The brainchild of Montreal-based co-founders Sam and Alex, Solios Watches was born after the duo watched the National Geographic documentary Before the Flood, which focuses on the current and impending effects of climate change.
Fueled by a desire to be part of the solution and create something that would tangibly benefit tomorrow’s world today, Solios Watches create high-quality men’s and women’s solar-powered watches. Minimalist and sophisticated in their design, Solios Watches are equal parts refined and striking; a pared-back dial in your choice of black or white is teamed with a rose gold, black, or silver case, with the option of a mesh metal or eco vegan leather strap. The resultant effect is a classic timepiece that looks just as at home resting under a shirt cuff as it does on an off-duty weekend away.
While a Solios watch is an undeniably stylish statement piece, it’s what’s on the inside that differentiates it from the rest. Solios Watches run on a solar-powered battery, doing away with frequent maintenance and ensuring each timepiece lasts a lifetime. While termed ‘solar-powered’, perhaps a more apt (albeit unwieldy) description would be light-powered; the batteries are powered by artificial and natural light alike, so homebodies and office dwellers needn’t worry about running out of charge. Just two hours of light exposure generates enough energy to last 6 months.
In addition to its sustainability credentials, Solios Watches are also cruelty-free and vegan friendly. Eschewing traditional leather, Solios opts for eco-friendly vegan leather. Crafted from durable silicone and lined with cork, it’s devoid of PU and PVC, representing a truly eco-conscious vegan leather alternative. Similarly, cases and mesh are made from recycled stainless steel, while the packaging is entirely recycled and recyclable.
Solar Watches for Men
The cornerstone of the Solios lineup, the Solar Watch comes in 36mm and 40mm case sizes. With the option of a black or white dial paired with a black, silver, or rose gold case and endless strap combinations, there’s a solar watch for every taste. The black dial and rose gold case teamed with brown eco vegan leather strap exudes an understated masculine vibe. Meanwhile, the black dial and case paired with grey mesh or white dial, silver case, and blue eco vegan leather strap combinations make for effortlessly clean options.
Solar Watches for Women
While all Solios watches are inherently unisex, the rose gold and silver colour combinations in 36mm sizes work especially well for women. The black or white dial with rose gold case and mesh make an ideal dress watch, while the black-on-black combination with eco vegan leather strap works for all occasions.
Mini Solar Watch
A solar watch for women, the Mini Solar Watch was designed with smaller wrists in mind. At 29mm, it comes with a white dial and the option of a rose gold or silver case and mesh or eco vegan leather strap. We’re particularly partial to the classic elegance of the rose gold case and mesh, while the silver case paired with green eco vegan leather strap makes for a subtle yet distinctive statement.
In addition to the positive change represented by each Solios watch, the Montreal-based company is the first certified B Corp watch brand; an accolade awarded to companies that meet high standards of social, ethical, and environmental responsibility. Plus, each Solios watch purchased makes a contribution to environmental conservation, with 1% of all sales donated to the Rainforest Trust which works to save endangered rainforest land and the species that inhabit it. Through this ongoing partnership, Solios Watches aims to save over 10,000 acres of endangered land by 2022. Watch this space.
Words by Theo Rosen