Tom Ford launches 100% ocean plastic watch and Plastic Innovation Prize

In an effort to battle the 5 trillion plastic pieces in the world's oceans and promote a clean, sustainable ocean future, Tom Ford is releasing a timepiece made from 100% ocean plastic.

Featuring a 40mm case and a black DLC stainless steel screw caseback, the timepiece is made of 100% ocean plastic collected from oceans, coastlines and uncontrolled landfills. The material used contains no virgin plastics or non-ocean bound plastics and can be traced to the collection source.

The Swiss-made watch was developed and produced in partnership with Ford and suppliers who are equally committed to finding solutions to the world's plastic problems.

The watch is also water resistant and features a Tom Ford signature braided strap woven out of ocean plastic.

Ford was also concerned about the transportation and production of the ocean plastic granules, ensuring that the delivery method used was carbon neutral and compounding powered by solar energy.

Designer Tom Ford said: "In my opinion, ethical luxury is the greatest luxury of all. The Tom Ford customer is sophisticated with a heightened awareness of the issues facing our planet and the responsibility we have to protect it. Sustainability is a key issue in our lives right now.

"For every 1000 Ocean Plastic Timepieces we produce and sell, we permanently remove and prevent 490 pounds of plastic waste from entering the ocean. It is incredibly appealing to know that you are not only wearing a high-quality product, but by simply owning the product you are also taking direct action to improve the planet."

The Tom Ford Ocean Plastic timepiece will be available from the end of November online and at Tom Ford boutiques worldwide.

Tom Ford has also announced a partnership with 52HZ, launching the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize, incentivising the global community to create a new material that will serve the same purpose as existing thin-film plastic without poisoning the ocean.

$1 million has been allocated as prize money, to be awarded by a panel of industry-leading judges.

The winning submissions will be vetted and stress-tested to ensure they not only have positive impact on the environment, but that they are also scalable and market-ready by 2025.