THE ID GENÈVE PRINCIPLE
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Local
The transportation of stainless steel has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of watches. While it's common to use Asian steel for watchmaking, ID Genève focuses on local sourcing.
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Recycled
The steel waste is systematically "flashed" to ensure that it contains only 4441 grade steel. The challenge is to preserve the steel's properties during the recycling process.
316L stainless steel is used for surgical instruments because its formula contains molybdenum, which, among other things, prevents allergies.
4441 is the Rolls Royce of steels in this category. Due to its formulation, it is very homogeneous and, when polished, retains its beauty for a long time!
The entire process, from collection to melting, is carried out within a 200-km radius. The recycling rate varies slightly for each batch. The batch from which our watches are made is 100% recycled. -
Reused
ID Genève uses exclusively refurbished, automatic Swiss movements. They are robust, easily repairable worldwide, and offer the same performance characteristics as new movements. The movements are serviced in Switzerland.
Bands – the subtle difference
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Rethinking manufacturing
Biophilica is a London-based biotechnology company developing 100% bio-based material solutions for the fashion, footwear, packaging, furniture, home goods, and automotive industries.
In collaboration with ID Genève, Biophilica produces a completely plant-based material for the production of watch straps. -
Ribbons made from green waste
In the laboratory in the British capital, the innovative team led by Mira Nameth has developed a textile material made from green waste. Remarkably, this was achieved without the addition of chemical binders or plastics. In close collaboration with ID Geneva, the process was refined to the point where they can offer straps that are industrially compostable at the end of their life cycle. The material is soft like rubber and has beautiful dark plant-derived colors.
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Reused
In northern Italy, a startup company came up with the brilliant idea of using wine waste to produce a leather-like textile. Tests at ID Genève's Geneva laboratory have shown that such a strap is of optimal quality. Note that approximately 20% PU must still be added for strength.
Considering that 27 billion liters of wine are produced every year, it should be possible to obtain 3 billion m² of such material annually.” Gianpiero Tessitore
THE TEAM
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NICOLAS FREUDIGER – CEO & Co-Founder
The founder
The first is Nicolas, a born entrepreneur who has been passionate about watchmaking since childhood and is studying at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, where he is researching 21st-century service, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
He's spending his holidays at Baselworld! As a dedicated volunteer, he's patiently exploring the world of watchmaking. His project is slowly simmering away...
He gained his professional experience at Coca-Cola HBC as a Digital & e-Commerce Manager. There, he learned collective intelligence. He knew that success lies in the alliance of talent and trusting relationships. But his values weren't present at Coca-Cola. He was passionate about the circular economy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
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SINGAL DEPÈRY – Designer & Co-Founder
The designer
The other is the dreamer, the designer. A pure product of the Swiss melting pot. Raised in Ticino with parents from Zurich, he grew up by candlelight in the mountains of the Valle Onsernone, far from civilization. Bilingual (Swiss German and Italian), he added French during his design studies at the ECAL in Lausanne.
Since then, he has worked as a freelancer in Lausanne, designing objects for street furniture and clocks for the Swiss watch industry.
He imagines universes and designs collections, builds 3D models, and works closely with suppliers. Chinese, Serbian, Italian, and Swiss suppliers – he loves creating simple and ethical human relationships. His desire is to create a brand that respects both the environment and people.
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CÉDRIC MULHAUSER – COO & Co-Founder
The Watchmaker
The third protagonist of this story is Cédric, the watchmaker. He embodies Genevan authenticity, having been shaped by the prestigious Geneva School of Watchmaking. With a watchmaking diploma, followed by a specialization in microtechnology, he took his first steps in the world of watchmaking at Vacheron Constantin. He then took over the management of the production workshop of a small Geneva watch manufacturer, where he quickly rose to technical and operational leadership positions. This invaluable experience and renowned expertise have allowed him to explore all facets of watchmaking at major brands.
Hyperactive by nature and always with an open ear for others, Cédric brings essential structure to ID Genève's production while allowing himself to be carried away by the imagination of his co-founders Nico and Singal.
