# Community-Supporting Watches Altar Watches Offers Elegant Designs with an Ethical Approach By Riley von Niessen | Published 2018-07-24 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/altar-watches References: [altarwatches](https://www.altarwatches.com/showcase) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/altarwatches/a-l-t-a-r-the-swiss-quartz-under-100?ref=project_link) Altar Watches is a new watch company that was created by 16-year-old Martin van Blerk, who wanted to create [affordable timepieces with a luxurious look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-watches1), all while supporting a healthy environment and adhering to ethical business practices. Headquartered in New Zealand, Altar Watches promises to plant and care for one tree for every sale, in addition to donating 10% of all profits towards Community Link Trust, an organization that aims to benefit the lives of those in need. A number of different watch designs are currently available from Altar Watches, with each one boasting a stylish minimal clock face, durable leather strap, and smart metallic accents. Despite the luxurious look of the timepieces, each one retails for under $100. The company is currently being funded through [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vostra-vector), with a goal of $20,000 that will go towards production costs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/watches) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Affordable Luxury:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create affordable luxury products that combine high-end design with ethical business practices. - **Eco-friendly Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop fashion brands that prioritize sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials and supporting environmental causes. - **Socially Responsible Businesses:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build businesses that prioritize social responsibility by donating a portion of profits to organizations that benefit marginalized communities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate eco-friendly practices and ethical business models into the fashion industry. - **Watchmaking:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Disrupt the traditional watchmaking industry by offering affordable timepieces with luxurious designs and a commitment to environmental and social causes. - **Crowdfunding:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize crowdfunding platforms to launch ethical and sustainable businesses with a focus on affordability and social impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant Limited-Edition Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grow-your-dreams.md) - [World-Inspired Watch Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-case1.md) - [Eco-Friendly Timepiece Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinemann-oceania.md) - [Pearlescent Neutral-Toned Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casio-america.md) - [Sustainable Luxury Wristwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circular-1-grenat-dial.md) - [Architect-Approved Watch Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tadao-ando-x-cauny.md) - [Minimalist Refined Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azazel.md) - [DIY Wooden Watchmaking Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tfo-clockwork.md) - [Conservation-Focused Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gshock-x-charles-darwin-foundation.md)