Bioceramic Takes the Plunge: Swatch’s New Diver’s Watches Are Making Waves

Once relegated to the fringes of eco-conscious design, recycled materials have now taken centre stage in the world of diver’s watches, known for their deep connection to the sea. In a notable shift, leading watchmakers are leaning more and more on sustainability, incorporating materials like ocean-bound plastics, reclaimed stainless steel, and even decommissioned fishing nets into their timepieces. This move isn’t just about optics; it reflects a broader change in industry mindset as consumers demand transparency and environmental accountability. 

For diver’s watches — icons of marine exploration — the symbolism is potent. Brands are no longer just building tools for the ocean; they’re actively working to protect it. This commitment to ocean conservation is reflected in Swatch's latest launch — the SCUBAQUA collection, a vibrant lineup inspired by the beauty and diversity of marine life. There are five variations in the collection, namely Black Sea Nettle (Ref. SSCU09B100), Egg Yolk (Ref. SSCU09J100), Aurelia Aurita (Ref. SSCU09K100), Lion's Mane (Ref. SSCU09R100), and Blue Fire (Ref. SSCU09S100). All incorporate Swatch's bioceramic material, a proprietary innovation that blends sustainability with modern watchmaking. 

Introduced in 2021, bioceramic is composed of two-thirds ceramic (specifically zirconium oxide) for durability and a smooth, premium feel, and one-third biosourced plastic derived from castor oil. This unique combination results in a material that is lightweight and soft to the touch. It is more flexible than traditional ceramic while still retaining a high level of scratch resistance and structural integrity. Bioceramic also reflects Swatch's commitment to reducing environmental impact by minimising the use of fossil-based materials.

The 44 mm biosourced material-cased watches have a bioceramic crown at 10 o'clock, and a grey and transparent biosourced bezel with grey and white print. Black Sea Nettle has a transparent black dial with grey printed hour markers, white printed Arabic numerals for 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, black hour and minute hands, and a grey seconds hand. 

Egg Yolk has a transparent yellow dial with white printed hour markers, grey printed Arabic numerals for 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, yellow hour and minute hands, and a grey seconds hand, all with glow-in-the-dark effect.

Aurelia Aurita features white printed hour markers, grey printed numerals for 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, a red hour hand, a blue minute hand, and a yellow seconds hand, also with glow-in-the-dark effect. 

Lion's Mane sports a transparent red dial, with white printed rectangular hour markers for 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, red hour and minute hands, and a grey seconds hand.

Completing the collection is Blue Fire with a transparent blue dial, displaying white printed indexes and Arabic numerals for 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock, blue hour and minute hands, and a grey seconds hand; these are provided with a glow-in-the-dark effect as well. All models have biosourced glass and common to all is the quartz movement. These watches are finished on matte transparent straps, each with a matte transparent loop and a transparent biosourced material buckle in the colour of respective cases. These diver’s watches are water-resistant for up to 100 metres.