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ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

September 2024


ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

In this collection, the young Swiss watch brand presents five 37 mm iridescent watches crafted from stainless steel recycled from 100% Swiss waste. Inspired by nature and living phenomena, these pieces aim to redefine the codes of the luxury industry and the standards of eco-innovative design.

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D Genève is writing its next chapter: a collection of bio-inspired watches, influenced by the processes, visual effects, shapes and colours found in nature. The five unique, high-contrast dials are based on nano-engraving technology developed by Morphotonix, a Swiss start-up specialising in printing processes for banknotes and passports. Several strap options complete the line-up, including a hemp fabric strap by revoltech and ID Genève’s first integrated strap in recycled steel.

Key points of the Elements collection:

• New bio-inspired design; • Two partners: Swiss Morphotonix and German revoltech; • Five nano-printed dial options with unique iridescence; • Eco-material innovation for the strap: hemp reinvented; • Slow-launch: produce less, better, less often.

The eyes of the watchmaking world are on Lake Geneva as ID Genève marks the start of the new season with a bang. Four years after its debut on the Swiss crowdfunding platform wemakeit, the young brand is once again shaking things up by unveiling (only!) its second collection. True to its “impact native” DNA and circular economy principles, ID Genève pursues its quest for sustainability with a streamlined, modular range. This thoughtful approach values the long term, prioritising superior quality and longevity, while reducing the environmental footprint of each model.

ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

The air we breathe, the water we drink, the earth that nourishes us and the fire that warms us are the pillars of the survival of species and our planet. Their strength inspired ID Genève to create the Elements collection, symbolising the duty to preserve them for future generations. ID Genève wanted to pay tribute to them by making them shine on the wrists of men and women eager to wear their convictions.

Conceived by Singal Depéry, industrial designer and co-founder of ID Genève, the Elements collection is the fruit of a creative process imbued with biomimicry, drawing its inspiration from nature and the elements.

Featuring a 37mm case and five distinct dials representing air, fire, water, earth and a fifth element, it is distinguished by lines and luminous effects inspired by natural motifs: the iridescent brilliance of insects, the symmetry of leaves and plants, and the dynamic elliptical shapes found throughout nature. These elements are the cornerstones of this new statement collection, celebrating the harmony between art and nature and embodying a contemporary vision of design.

With Elements, ID Genève takes another look at a more sensitive and sustainable future. Elements is at the frontiers of sensory design. Inspired by iridescent colours such as the wings of the blue Morpho butterfly, the elytra of beetles, the pearly reflections of shells and the shimmering plumage of certain birds, the watches in this collection capture the essence of these natural microstructures that play with light to create captivating visual effects. The use of symmetries, ellipses and curves on the dial, as well as for the indexes and hands, evokes the organic, harmonious forms seen in nature.

ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

This approach enables ID Genève to offer designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful, drawing on nature’s age-old know-how to create watches that are both innovative and timeless. Like the shapes of Rorschach, the five dials reinforce this deep connection with the natural world, transforming each watch into a tribute to the beauty and ingenuity inherent in living things.

The fifth element, the crowning glory of the collection, reflects the soul of the first four and embodies the interconnection of these natural forces in a unified, timeless design. This model, Morphotonix’s technological showcase, boasts exceptional brilliance, surpassing that of other watches in the collection, with a dial featuring unique holographic reflections that catch the eye. More than just a watch, it’s a masterpiece, a “talking piece” that provokes discussion.

Often interpreted as a divinity in theology and philosophy, this fifth element takes on a profound meaning at ID Genève: it symbolises an essential questioning of our extractive relationship with the elements in the context of climate change. It’s a reflection on the connection between mankind and planet, an exploration of the interactions between nature, mankind and spirituality. ID Genève deliberately leaves the meaning of this 5th element open, inviting each wearer to project their own interpretation onto it, to define their personal relationship with nature and the world around them.

ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

ID Genève, in partnership with Lausanne-based Swiss start-up Morphotonix, uses advanced nano-engraving technology, usually employed in the design of banknotes and passports, to guarantee the authentication and traceability of its luxury watches. This unique process, developed in Switzerland, creates holographic dials that capture light and generate iridescent refractions, just like on the back of a CD. By making falsification impossible, this patented technology gives each watch eternal brilliance while minimising its carbon footprint. What’s more, thanks to this process, watch identification requires no recourse to blockchain, thus eliminating the carbon impact associated with digital technologies.

“The pinnacle of luxury is not in the diamond, but in the enlightened decision to do without it while keeping the brilliance.” - Nicolas Freudiger, Co-founder & CEO, ID Genève.

« Our patented Swiss technology brings aesthetic effects to surfaces - from chromatic marking to diamond-like brilliant designs - with zero additives and post-processing of the parts. We engrave materials with lithographic, sub-visible wavelength precision. The light doesn’t just reflect off the nano-engraved surface, but exhibits a quantum behaviour and it gets diffracted, like the security holograms in a passport. No need for inks or labels to create dancing colours. One nano-engraved tooling creates a whole product series with an extremely low C-footprint.“Veronica Savu, founder and CEO, Morphotonix.”We both aim to disrupt established industries (printing, and watchmaking respectively) with highly sustainable solutions which foster transparency, elegance, and trust."

Brilliance is, of course, the keystone of the Elements collection. Depending on the angle from which the watches are viewed or the intensity of the lighting, they appear in different colours. This unique process of light diffraction offers unprecedented brilliance and contrast. Several layers of decals are applied to the dial, gradually revealing the brilliance and creating a final rendering that transports the wearer to the heart of the natural elements.

ID Genève presents the Elements collection to redefine responsible luxury

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Presented in a 37mm case made from 100% locally recycled steel, these watches combine finesse and geometry with a thickness of just 8.8mm. Finishes are meticulous, blending polished and satin-finished surfaces. The lugs and links of the steel strap have a clean, angular bevel cut, creating ellipses. The entire collection is equipped with the same movement: the refurbished ETA 2892, displaying hours, minutes and central seconds. Highly appreciated in the watchmaking world for its precision and aesthetics, this movement has the advantage of being easily repairable anywhere on the planet. It offers a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 alt/hour).

  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 8.8 mm
  • Functions: hours, minutes and central seconds
  • Case: Recycled stainless steel - grade 1.4441
  • Water resistance: 50 m
  • Dial: Morphotonix bio-inspired marking
  • Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
  • Movement: Swiss Circular Calibre ETA 2892, certified refurbished
  • Strap: revoltech LOVR™, recycled stainless steel, and all other straps in the Circular collection
  • Price: from CHF 3,400 excluding tax
  • Limited edition: 500 pieces LAB edition
  • Modularity: Interchangeable straps for total personalisation

ID Genève’s Elements collection perfectly illustrates the art of modularity. With over 11 different strap options, each watch can be customised to suit every taste and occasion. The interchangeable strap system, designed for ease of use, lets you change your look in an instant with a simple pinch of two fingers. This modularity is based on ergo bars that offer impressive speed and ease of use.

The range of Straps offers several styles to suit all preferences: a straight cut 18 mm for a classic, slender look, a wider 24 mm (the standard for the Circular collection) that fits with a central insert for a strong presence, and a magnificent integrated strap, made entirely of recycled steel, for a resolutely modern look. In addition, ID Genève offers a selection of eco-innovative materials such as NISIAR™, MIRUM™ , and LOVR™ all lined with cork, combining comfort and respect for the environment. This modularity allows wearers to personalize their watches to their desires, while remaining true to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

ID Genève, in partnership with, an innovative company based near Frankfurt, is pushing the boundaries of sustainability by reinventing hemp as a credible alternative to animal leather. Since 2015, the cultivation of hemp for fiber has increased by 60% in the European Union, due to its exceptional carbon storage properties. One hectare of hemp captures between 9 and 15 tonnes of CO2, an amount similar to that of a young forest, but with a major advantage: hemp reaches maturity in just five months.

This new material, developed for ID Genève watch straps, is not only durable but also aesthetically innovative. Called LOVR™ this entirely recyclable and biodegradable textile offers a new dimension to watch design, with a unique felted look and a variety of textures that add a touch of sophistication. LOVR™ is also moldable and non-abrasive, guaranteeing comfort and durability while respecting the environment. In choosing this material, ID Genève offers a planet-friendly alternative, integrating nature and technology for truly responsible luxury.

“We are excited to partner with ID Genève, a brand that shares our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Lucas Fuhrmann, Co-Founder and CEO of revoltech. “Together, we are setting new standards in the luxury industry by merging revoltech’s groundbreaking LOVR™ material with ID Genève’s expertise in crafting timeless, sustainable designs. This collaboration embodies our shared vision for a more responsible and sustainable future.”

The Elements collection is more than just a fashion accessory. It represents a commitment to sustainability and a reflection on the relationship between mankind and nature. Each watch in this collection embodies a part of natural beauty, while offering a unique approach to design.

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