Fossil has launched the first watch series in a new breed of eco-friendly sustainable watches called Fossil Solar. It's a watch built using sustainable materials and recharges using energy converted from sunlight. 

This watch was born out of an aim by Fossil to meet its own 'pro-planet criteria' by 2025. Specifically, that means all of its products will include at least one material that's sustainability-approved and will ship in fully recyclable and/or reusable packaging. 

The outer ring of the watch case acts like a solar panel, according to Fossil, with a solar cell placed underneath for converting that light into energy which is then stored in its rechargeable battery.

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Fossil

Once fully charged, the watch battery can go up to four months before needing a refill.  

Design wise, it's a fairly basic but attractive-looking round analogue watch with a white hands and markings on its contrasting black dial, plus a single rotating crown on the right edge.

The casing is built from plastic, which is paritally bio-plastics made from castor oil. Then there's the strap. Or, more accurately straps. Each watch ships with five different coloured pull-through straps, and each is made with yarn spun from discarded plastic bottles. 

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Fossil

If that wasn't enough, the watch ships in a fully cardboard box which you can either to store your straps in, or recycle. No non-recyclable plastics in sight. 

The Fossil Solar is available from mid-May, and comes in two sizes: 36mm and 42mm and both cost £129 in the UK or €149 in Europe.