“Time waits for no man,” as the saying has it, especially when applied to the issue of environmental protection. Hamilton is reinforcing the urgent call to action made by the non profit environmental group, Conservation International (CI) with a special new watch, the Hamilton Khaki Conservation Auto Chrono. Designed in collaboration with Harrison Ford, vice chair of the organization’s Board, the watch is dedicated to encouraging individuals to take time to reflect on conservation and the need to preserve important resources. Harrison Ford speaks about the partnership with Hamilton and his fight to save the planet
The Khaki Conservation Auto Chrono is the third series of watches you created with Hamilton watch to support the work of Conservation International (CI). The collaboration is proving a success. Tell us more about it.
Harrison Ford: The two previous collections were extremely popular and the funds raised were able to contribute to some major conservation breakthroughs driven by CI. These have included releasing a global study on marine managed areas - showing that households near these areas have significantly higher household incomes compared with those that are not managed. Another big accomplishment was the groundwork laid by CI and Starbucks in the Mexican state of Chiapas, which helped to inform a statewide action plan for tackling climate change in 2010—and to convene the parties that will connect the state of California, a market for carbon offsets, with the state of Chiapas, which can benefit from its conservation efforts to reduce emissions from forest loss and degradation. The preservation of planet earth is extremely time-critical. What could better mirror that fact than a watch? So I am very happy to have collaborated with Hamilton over the last few years with many positive outcomes demonstrated..
Were you also involved in the design of the new collection?
Harrison Ford: Like the previous collections, I really appreciated being actively involved in the design of the Khaki Conservation Auto Chrono. It was important for me to create a watch that reflects the mission and values of Conservation International. Each detail of the design echos the theme of nature, longevity and sustainability. For example the automatic chronograph movement, the engraving of my signature and the logo of CI on the back case remind us the fragility of time and the importance of immediate action. To express the colors of nature, I went for a soft brown leather strap that perfectly fits the vintage dial. The resulting watch is just great!
Why are you so involved in the protection of the planet?
Harrison Ford: I see opportunities to preserve the natural world slipping away, and I want to be involved in correcting the balance between the pressure of human population and the potential benefits to humanity of healthy ecosystems. We are the problem; we are the solution. Our health relies entirely on the vitality of nature and our fellow species on Earth. We have to recognize our responsibility and take action now. This summarizes the mission of the Conservation International organization and I can’t think of anything more relevant – to me or any other human being!
Which have been the highlights of your role as a campaigner for Conservation International?
Harrison Ford: Many ambitious goals have been achieved for the preservation of nature thanks to the hard work of CI's supporters and many partners. Each acre of forest or ocean protected, each climate solution is an important step to ensure a better life for everyone. I am proud to lend my voice to help CI develop relationships with new communities, corporations and countries worldwide. One of the recent highlights is my involvement in the UN Biodiversity conference in Japan last October. More than any other NGO, CI was able to influence and energize the proceedings there, sounding the rallying cry to set bold new targets for ecosystem protection. In the end, CI’s efforts were instrumental in reaching international agreements to prevent the extinction and decline of threatened species, to ensure the equitable sharing of resource benefits, and to protect 17 percent of terrestrial and 10 percent of marine areas by the year 2020. It is amazing to see the power of public outreach. It proves that together we can make a difference.
About Khaki Conservation Auto Chrono
The watch is equipped with a new movement, the H31 that integrates an above average power reserve of 60 hours. The date has a fast corrector at 10 o’clock, a subtle reminder to all wearers that "it is Time to DO". A vintage beige dial, an intricately grooved case and a stitched brown leather strap add nostalgic touches to underline the theme of preservation and longevity. On the back of the case is the charity’s logo, endorsed by the signature of Harrison Ford.
Fact Sheet
Size 42 mm
Material Stainless steel
Dial Colour Vintage beige
Attachments Brown leather
Movement New H31
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 10 bar (100 m)/ 145 psi (328 ft)
Recommended retail price 1895 USD, 1345 €, 1800 CHF
About Hamilton
Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the Swiss movements and technologies. Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 350 films. The brand also boasts a strong aviation heritage.
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