Breitling revealed its partnership with the Surfrider Foundation yesterday with a beach cleanup in the picturesque city of Biarritz, France. The Surfrider Foundation is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all through research, education, and advocacy.
Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers from Malibu, California, the foundation has grown into a global community with over one million supporters and members. Breitling’s commitment to protecting marine environments began in 1957 when Willy Breitling released the first SuperOcean watch, introducing the beauty and fragility of the undersea world to a new generation of diving enthusiasts and establishing Sea as one of Breitling’s brand universes, together with Air and Land.
“Breitling has always had a strong connection to the sea,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “Together with Surfrider, we are stepping up the global fight for a clean ocean, not only for today but for future generations.”
The partnership with Surfrider expands on Breitling’s already strong ties to surfing and its work with the surf community to identify the most pressing ocean-preservation needs. Surfrider’s mission revolves around the key objectives of combating plastic pollution, preserving water quality, advocating for universal beach access, and addressing climate change. Since 2006, the foundation has won over 800 campaigns leading to significant coastal-protection victories.
A SHARED MISSION FOR A PLASTIC-FREE OCEAN
Eliminating plastic waste, one of the major causes of ocean pollution, is a large part of Breitling’s sustainability commitment. Aside from eradicating plastic waste from its global operations by 2025, Breitling is also innovatively transforming plastics. The company has switched to watch boxes made of 100% recycled PET and introduced a range of watch straps crafted from salvaged ghost fishing nets.
“We are thrilled to welcome Breitling as an official partner in supporting our mission to protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches,” says Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. “We applaud Breitling’s dedication to ocean and coastal conservation efforts. Surfrider is proud to collaborate with a partner committed to global community engagement aimed at preserving clean water and healthy beaches for all.”
Breitling will support the Surfrider Foundation in researching and tackling the issue of plastic pollution, while also rolling up its own sleeves to participate in beach cleanups around the world. Cleanup efforts have a multifaceted impact: they safeguard and enhance coastal environments, contribute to Surfrider’s advocacy work through the collection of data, and inspire participants to make positive lifestyle changes that favor a healthier ocean.
BREITLING
Founded in 1884, Breitling is a leading Swiss watchmaker. The innovative company invented the modern chronograph and pioneered the navigational tool watch. Today, it’s still breaking new ground as a casual, inclusive, and sustainable luxury brand with more than 200 industrial- loft-inspired retail locations around the world. Breitling’s collections center around air, land, and sea pursuits, all captured in the brand’s unmistakable modern-retro style. The exceptional quality of every watch movement is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, and the brand remains one of only a handful of independent watchmakers to produce its own manufacture calibers. Combining classic watchmaking with the latest innovations, Breitling is a company with history and one ahead of its time.
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. The Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 800 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org. 
