The handful of brands specializing in wood were born from a common idea, sustainability, and the future safety of our planet. So not only will you be sporting a slick new timepiece, you can also be content in the knowledge that your purchase is supporting the future of our forests for the next generations.
Types of wood used to make a wooden watch case:
Cork wood watches are extremely comfortable, light weight and inexpensive, which makes this style of wood good for a first time or casual wearer. It wont cost you much but it wont last you as long as some of the stronger woods either.
Bamboo is one of the earths most strongest and resilient plants making this type of wood perfect for someone who’s more likely to accidentally bash their watch against things because of their active lifestyle. Bamboo wood is also a symbol of luck and power in some parts of the world.
Koa is a sacred wood used for centuries in the Hawaiian culture. Koa, sometimes referred to as Acacia Koa, is mainly known for and widely considered to be the most beautiful and useful of all Hawaii’s native hardwoods. It’s fairly resilient to almost all types of environments.
Maple is affordable and ultra-durable. It can take a beating and look great for years. Because it takes dark stains well, maple is often stained to mimic a pricier wood, like cherry or mahogany, but is a pricer wood in general itself.
Some of the top Wooden Watch brands:
WEWOOD
WeWood watch company has a strong background heritage in eco-friendly craftsmanship. This brand has some unique benefits; not only is each watch made from 100% reclaimed and recycled wood (including the packaging) but each piece is nickel free and hypoallergenic, allowing more wearers the opportunity to wear a wooden watch without fear of any allergy or skin irritation. This Italian born company promises to replant a tree for every watch sold, in fact within the first 3 months of production they planted 5,000 trees, a sure sign of the allure of a wooden watch on your wrist.
JORD
Jord is at the forefront of wood watch design. They offer a large selection of varying wooden materials, from the everyday maple to the more exotic acacia. Face styles are offered in both the typical circular and the more uncommon square shape. Above all, one of the most desirable options is the inclusion of automatic movements in their top tier pieces.
ORIGINAL GRAIN
Original Grain not only pride themselves on using exotic hardwoods from around the world, but they also collaborate with the non-profit organisation ‘Trees For The Future’ who are responsible for a huge campaign to plant more trees and crops. Each of their watches are designed using an combination of wood and various metal type styles ranging from the simple yet striking plain face to the more intricate chronograph. Also, with each watch sold, Original Grain pledges to plant an extra 10 trees.
Cocuzzi
Cocuzzi’s watches are characterised by the Italian designer’s eye for detail. The strap is made of wooden pieces that go through a series of treatments used in the marine industry to make the watch durable and 100% water resistant. The wooden strap is finely polished to bring out the grain and color of the natural wood, making each timepiece truly individual and unique.
Nixon Wood Watches
Inspired by the sleek simplicity of mid-mod furniture and style, Nixon’s wood watches are made of sustainable timber or bamboo, set off with an enamel inlay and solid stainless butterfly clasp for a snug and secure fit to your wrist.
Valerii Danevych
Unlike other wood watch brands, Ukrainian horologist Valerii Danevych does something very special: he makes wood watches with actual wooden movements. Each piece is truly a miniature work of art that just happens to track the passage of the day.
Bewell’s
Bewell’s speciality is the production of exquisite wristwatches that are hand crafted by skilled engineers. They make good use of wood plus high tech materials to produce a practical timepiece whose chunky, manly style is reminiscent of a Rolex Oyster–but far more sustainable!
Tense
Tense was one of the first ever wood watch brands, and with dozens of different models and woods to choose from, it’s no surprise they’re still one of the most popular ones.
14 Comments
jim bianchi
Are there any wooden pocket watches?
Len. UK
Well! Well! Well! Would you Christmas eve it………whatever next, I wonder?
I think these wooden watches are not only unbelievably stunning to look at, but also another fine example of mankind’s achievability…………when he’s not otherwise involved in his other fine art and pastime of blowing his fellow earthling to bits!
Being in the funeral trade for many years, I would love to own an Oak/Ebony wooden watch.
Oak used to be the traditional wood for a coffin in the UK and, as for the Ebony, well, I think the ‘black’ speaks for itself.
Wooden watches? Brilliant idea……….. bring ’em on!
Robert
Mark,
I jest to a degree. I imagine these “wooden watches” have a very profitable niche in the State of Oregon and City of San Francisco.
Saving trees? Good grief!
I wonder if they come with a free termite control contract also.
What else for $ profits in our times will marketing agencies do.
Nice read though.
Robert
TechTog
Let’s hear it for cynicism.
Mark Morgan
Gold,silver,and stainless are my choices. Great that other people have their choices.
Thanks Mark
Barry Wingard
Neat. Thanks Mark
Marty D
Actually Tissot made a wood version of its “rock watch” about 30 years ago – way ahead of the curve on this.
You can find photos of them online if you google it.
Rob
Never understood why watches that were designed to be earth friendly all sport batteries that need to be swapped every year or so. I wish they would start offering simple wind ups more often.
Philip
I prefer wood over metal band. Some of these watches are affordable. There must be a profitable market since several suppliers.
Mike Graves
Wow. I had no idea. Thanks for another great post, Mark.
Bob
Hamilton had a line of watches with wood dials. They were the Sherwood models. Google them, very interesting pieces.
Tom Grande
Most wood watches I have encountered have been a nightmare. I run a repair busines and taking links out and replacing batteries can be very risky. The wood can crack very easy.
My opinion, watches should not be made of wood.
Wrist Watch Shop
Great collection you have there on the list. but most of these are over $100 would love you to add a few that are say in the $30 – $50 price range.
Lori Turner
I like to get nice things on sale ..I really think your watcha look amazing