IWC Launches New TimberTex Straps Range
Thursday - 25 March 2021
IWC Schaffhausen has always been renowned for its strong expertise in ground-breaking materials. Whether it’s their world’s first titanium watch in 1980 or their more recent patented Ceratanium watch cases combining the benefits of both titanium and ceramic, the luxury watch manufacturer has always had an eye for innovation. Now, the Schaffhausen-based brand turns its pioneering spirit towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices and with a new range of paper-based straps nicknamed the TimberTex range.
With genuine leather straps considered the most ecologically damaging, IWC decided it was time to create an alternative but with the same levels of sophistication and quality. So, in 2018, IWC’s research team began looking into some possible options. After realising that even faux leather demonstrated a high usage of plastic, they decided to focus on creating a range of sustainable straps made from natural products and subsequently turned to the idea of recycled paper. IWC now offers a range of watch straps made of low-impact paper-based material TimberTex which is composed of 80% natural plant fibres and is coloured with only natural dyes and is handmade entirely in Italy – just like their real leather straps.
The cellulose used within the straps are made of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified trees from managed forests or tree farms in Scandinavia and Austria, with even elements like the stitching and lining engineered using recycled thread and microfibre. It is this attention to detail that IWC Schaffhausen is so highly reputed for and seeing them use this talent to reduce their own environmental and social impacts is exactly why collectors love them. Alongside their increased sustainability, IWC have ensured the TimberTex range still meets all their stringent testing criteria including resilience, breathability and resistant to humidity. In a word, IWC TimberTex straps are just as durable and water resistant as they are stylish.
Ivo Malacarne, the Department Manager for IWC’s Bracelet’s & Accessories describes, “The resistant of the material is amazing. You can use it as an athletic accessory, in the water, during your sport activities. However, the main point is to offer something vegan. And I think we should offer these alternatives more in the future.”
There are currently three IWC TimberTex watch straps available in blue, brown and black and due to the intricate manufacture of each design and the material’s irregular grain, each strap is entirely unique and will be bespoke to its wearer. The straps also compliment four models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph.
If you’re in need of a replacement IWC watch strap or you’d like to shop the new IWC TimberTex strap collection, head over to the Jura Watches website here. You can also get in touch with our strap department by filling out our Strap Finder Form here. Simply tell us the model of your watch and we will reply with all the possible luxury strap options suited to your timepiece.
