What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

We all have an old watch tucked away in a drawer — maybe it stopped ticking, the strap has worn out, or our style simply evolved. Yet, even an unused watch holds value. Rather than letting it collect dust or, worse, throwing it away, there are meaningful ways to extend its life. From creative repairs to sustainable recycling, here’s how to give your old timepiece a new purpose.

“Even when a watch stops ticking, its materials — and its story — can continue to move forward.”

There’s a quiet beauty in keeping time — and in preserving the instruments that do so. A watch is more than a functional accessory; it’s a vessel of memories and craftsmanship. With a bit of care, imagination, or the help of a skilled watchmaker, you can breathe new life into an old piece.


If your vintage or outdated watch no longer feels “you,” consider restoring it. A professional can replace worn parts, refresh the finish, or even repurpose the mechanism into something entirely new — like a pendant or desk clock. Sometimes, a simple strap replacement is enough to rediscover its charm.


However, some older models may no longer have available parts, making repairs challenging. In such cases, recycling becomes a conscious and sustainable alternative. Watch components — from stainless steel to glass and leather — can often be separated and reused, reducing waste while conserving materials.

At Nordgreen, sustainability doesn’t stop at production. Our circular approach encourages customers to return their used timepieces so they can be refurbished and rehomed. By refurbishing gently worn Nordgreen watches, we extend the lifespan of every piece — keeping craftsmanship in motion and waste out of landfills.


If your Nordgreen watch feels outdated, consider a simple refresh: swap the strap for a new color or texture. Our interchangeable Nordgreen straps collection makes it easy to transform your watch — from stainless steel mesh to vegan leather — and rediscover your style without replacing the entire timepiece.

Guardian

Sustainability is not just about what we buy — it’s about how we care for what we already own. Choosing to repair, recycle, or donate your old watch is a small gesture that carries lasting impact. Whether it’s passed on, transformed, or worn again, every watch deserves a second life.


Embracing timeless design means more than following trends. It means choosing pieces made to endure — and honoring them long after their first tick.

What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

Read more
What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

Read more
What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

What to do with old watches: sustainable ways to reuse and recycle your timepieces

Read more