Watches

Breitling Partners With Surfrider Foundation

WatchesJul 05, 2023

Breitling Partners With Surfrider Foundation

The watch company will support the nonprofit in researching and tackling plastic pollution.

Breitling and Surfrider Foundation beach cleanup in Biarritz, France
Breitling announced its partnership with Surfrider Foundation with a beach cleanup in Biarritz, France.
Biarritz, France—Breitling has teamed up with non-profit Surfrider Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to ocean protection. 

The watch company announced the partnership mid-June with a beach cleanup in Biarritz, France. 

It will support the Surfrider Foundation in “researching and tackling the issue of plastic pollution.”

The Surfrider Foundation was founded in Malibu, California, in 1984, with a mission to combat plastic pollution, preserve water quality, advocate for universal beach access, and address climate change.

It has more than one million supporters and members, and since 2006, the foundation has executed more than 800 campaigns “leading to significant coastal-protection victories,” it said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Breitling as an official partner in supporting our mission to protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches,” said Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. 

“We applaud Breitling’s dedication to ocean and coastal conservation efforts. Surfrider is proud to collaborate with a partner committed to global community engagement aimed at preserving clean water and healthy beaches for all.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Swiss watchmaker said the partnership expands its strong ties to surfing and its work with the surf community to identify the most pressing ocean-preservation needs. 

Breitling plans to participate in more beach cleanups as part of the partnership, reporting that the efforts have a multifaceted impact. 

The cleanups help to safeguard and enhance coastal environments, contribute to Surfrider’s advocacy work through the collection of data, and inspire participants to make positive lifestyle changes that favor a healthier ocean.

“Breitling has always had a strong connection to the sea,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “Together with Surfrider, we are stepping up the global fight for a clean ocean, not only for today but for future generations.”

Breitling’s commitment to protecting marine environments dates to 1957, when Willy Breitling released the first SuperOcean watch for diving enthusiasts, incorporating “Sea” as one of the company’s brand universes, joining “Air” and “Land.” 

The newest in the SuperOcean collection, a redux of the SuperOcean Slow Motion of the 1960s and 1970s, was released last summer.

https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/11088-breitling-releases-new-superocean-collection

The company’s current sustainability commitment includes a goal of eradicating plastic waste from its global operations by 2025 and working to innovatively transform plastics. It is already using watch boxes made of 100% recycled PET and offers watch straps crafted from salvaged ghost fishing nets. 



Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

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