Votch (also sold at Immaculate Vegan) makes beautiful vegan leather watches (and straps) in quality Microfiber and part-recycled materials like piñatex (from pineapple waste, made from the long leaves of the plant that would otherwise be discarded, and provides additional income for farmers).
Many watches are made from plastic or leather (often made in countries with poor or no animal welfare laws). It takes 17,000 litres of fresh water to make 1kg of leather. 80% of leather is tanned with chrome that is toxic to tannery workers (who have higher rates of cancer than average). And of course animals suffer – 65% of leather is from cows. Here are some better brands of watches (and straps) when time comes to replace.
Recycle watch batteries (choking hazards) at jewellers. Send broken and unused watches (and other jewellery) to Animals Asia, where the metal is used to raise cash for its work to help bears and other creatures abroad.
This company was founded by a woman who whilst bored in a hospital bed (suffering from a painful skin condition) read up on the leather industry, and promised herself that when better, she would launch a company to help the skins of our fellow creatures (ie. leather-free). So she did! Use natural dubbin to wax the straps (leave in a warm location for 24 hours, then buff with a cloth). The company also makes beautiful metal mesh watches, if you prefer a more traditional style.
