Alexandre Desabrais Unviels the Sustainable Magic Behind SOLIOS Watches
Alexandre is the Co-Founder of SOLIOS Watches, launching the brand back in 2019, they are renowned for being the finest solar powered products and making their watches as sustainable as possible. Their buyers are typically ones that want to send a clear message by wearing a symbol of care and sustainability. Even though there are a few other solar powered watch brands out there, Alexandre stresses that they’re the only ones that he's found that combine solar technology, good design and sustainability all into one watch product. Alexandre says you don’t need to worry if you live in a dark place or work all day inside, you can still enjoy a Solios Watch. They only need 2 hours of exposure to sunlight that will last you 6 months! You don't even need sun necessarily, he adds, the watch will soak up artificial light but it will take a little longer. “A couple minutes, and you’ll be okay for a week.”
He mentions that they are in the process of becoming a B-Certified company, and that they have been dedicated to the practices since the beginning. “We built this company to show people that it is possible to have this sustainability aspect, ethical aspect, and profitability all in one product and one company.” Alexandre is excited to become B-Certified because they can show their prospective employees and collaborators their values, and prove their mission and initiative for the future.
Daniel Wellington is the main design inspiration for the Solios watches, Alexandre explains. Their innovative minimalist and classic design with the fabric strap is what launched the trend that sparked their interest, and they morphed it into something sustainable and their own. “We just took what we loved from there, and then we started improving in what we think is extremely important.” The Solios team does not see themselves as solely a watch company, but a sustainable fashion accessory company, but started with the watch because it's a symbol of success.
Alexandre states that the best occasion to gift a watch is graduation, “it really represents something you’ll carry every moment of your life,” it’s a large commitment that has great meaning. He also mentions that when seasons change and our wardrobes evolve, they see a lot of sales, especially when the sun comes out in the summer and you can really utilize the solar powered feature Solios offers. Alexandre mentions that they have a style guide system using Shopify upcoming on their website that will allow you to input your fashion style, and they will recommend the style of watch that would be best for you, what could make the shopping experience any easier?
They're unboxing experience is something that Solios takes extremely seriously, as it's the first time the customer will experience the quality of the brand. As it arrives, it will come in a white box completely made of 100% recycled and re-recyclable material that they are extremely proud of. Once opened, the watch will be exposed, you can view their 3 main pillars that explains their goals and a booklet that reveals all other information to keep them as transparent as possible. Even though they package and ship everything with Canada Post themselves in their Montreal office and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the new normal of online shopping, Alexandre says they love it. “We can see the progress physically, you can actually see when things are working, it’s a good feeling.”
If you're looking for a sustainable watch that looks awesome, check them out! For all online orders within Canada, it'll take 2 business days to arrive.
Written by Juliana Bermudez