Introducing ID Genève Unveils the Circular S Eclipse

ID Genève presents the latest evolution of its flagship Circular S collection, launched alongside the inauguration of Switzerland’s first-ever solar furnace, developed by Panatere. The “S” in Circular S stands for Solar: the world’s first watch collection crafted from reprocessed stainless steel melted using concentrated sunlight, resulting in a carbon footprint 165 times smaller than standard steel.

The first experimental solar melting took place in Mont-Louis, France, in 2022. Today, the technology reaches a new milestone with the industrial-scale solar furnace now operational in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This initiative builds on ID Genève’s earlier achievements, including regenerative carbon cases developed with Swiss HealTech innovator CompPair, as well as its collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The newest edition within the Circular S line, the “Eclipse,” is crafted from batches of solar-melted steel from Mont-Louis. During its launch, Academy Award-winning actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, a supporter and investor in the brand, visited the Solar Furnace in La Chaux-de-Fonds to witness the material breakthrough firsthand, a moment that underscores the company’s mission to redefine luxury through eco-innovation. In October 2023, DiCaprio invested in ID Genève, further reinforcing its commitment to uniting Swiss craftsmanship with environmental leadership.

The case of the Eclipse is crafted from SOLAR 316L stainless steel, grade 1.4441, 100% reprocessed, collected exclusively in the Jura region, and melted in a solar furnace, making it 165 times less impactful than standard steel. It measures 41 mm in diameter and 9.65 mm in thickness, with a bezel featuring a satin-brushed sunray finish and side decoration that is rounded and brushed, or optionally fluted. The front and back are in sapphire crystal (70% recycled, made in France), both with anti-reflective coating, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters.

The Solar Furnace, operated by Panatere, is one of Europe’s most advanced solar-powered research and manufacturing facilities. By concentrating sunlight to temperatures above 1,500°C, it enables the melting and regeneration of metals and composites without fossil fuels. ID Genève’s partnership with Panatere is a cornerstone of its strategy to decarbonize fine watchmaking and ensure full traceability in material sourcing.

The dial features a laser-engraved “Solar” guilloché effect in black with a golden chapter ring, creating an authentic “solar eclipse” effect, and is adorned with multi-faceted, polished, diamond-cut indexes. The hour and minute hands, inspired by an eagle’s tail, are bi-faceted and diamond-polished, while the seconds hand is sandblasted with a red tip. Both the dial indexes and the hour and minute hands are luminescent, utilizing recycled Super-LumiNova technology (SNL/GL).

Inside, the Eclipse houses the ETA 2892, a renowned automatic caliber sourced from historical stock and meticulously overhauled to meet modern precision standards. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement offers a power reserve of 38 hours and reliable accuracy.

The watch comes with upcycled grape residues post-vinification from a renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate by NISIAR® in brown, and a natural rubber strap with plant oils and waxes by MIRUM®, free of plastics, in black. Both strap options are available with either a pin buckle in 316L stainless steel, grade 1.4441, 100% reprocessed, or a deployant clasp in 316L stainless steel.

The ID Genève Circular S Eclipse is limited to 15 pieces and is priced at CHF 4,440, approximately 20,500 AED.

For more information visit ID Genève official website.