soft goods design
3D Knitted Watch Packaging
A soft goods and 3D knitting study for more sustainable luxury watch packaging.
Rethinking luxury watch packaging
Sustainable soft goods development using advanced 3D knitting and recycled yarns.
Our client, a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, asked us to explore new directions for next-generation watch travel pouches and packaging. Their ambition was to move beyond traditional leather and cardboard without losing the refinement, protection and sense of ceremony expected from a luxury object.
The pouch had to feel appropriate for a high-end mechanical watch: precise, tactile and beautifully made. At the same time, the project opened up new possibilities through 3D knitting, recycled materials, prototyping and supplier development.
Sustainable materials with a luxury feel
A key part of the project was the exploration of alternative materials and production methods. We researched plant-based leather alternatives, recycled materials and advanced textile processes that could replace conventional leather and cardboard packaging in a more future-facing way.
We chose the path of advanced knitting using recycled yarns, opening the possibility of a soft, protective and refined watch pouch with a mono-material approach. This reduced material complexity while giving the product a distinctive three-dimensional character and a luxury expression shaped through texture, construction, detail and finish.
From concept to refined prototypes
The development moved from concept sketches and material directions into patterns, drawings, mock-ups and physical prototypes. We worked through the shape development and construction of the pouch, the way the watch would be held and protected, the opening and closing experience, and the role of trims, labels, colours, materials and finishes.
We also created supporting tools, moulds and assembly aids to help test and refine the production process. Working closely with the watch brand’s creative lead, we translated the ambition into tangible product directions with a refined luxury unboxing experience.
Developed through close supplier collaboration
The project required close collaboration with specialist suppliers and producers. We sourced potential partners, managed communication and guided the development process through remote and on-site exchanges.
A key collaboration was with an innovative Dutch knitting lab, where we developed and fine-tuned knitted pouch prototypes through several detailed feedback loops. Together, we adjusted construction, material behaviour and finish, with the goal of preparing the concept for production in Turkey.
This hands-on supplier process helped bridge the gap between creative vision, material innovation and production reality for future development.
What we did: research, soft goods design and 3D knitting development
Groen Boothman developed concepts for next-generation watch travel pouches and packaging, supporting the brand’s ambition to explore more sustainable future products.
Our role covered soft goods concept design and development, sustainable material research, prototyping, material sourcing, supplier liaison, technical drawings, patterns, CMF detailing, trims, labels, tooling and assembly support. We researched plant-based leather alternatives, recycled materials and advanced knitting with recycled yarns.
A key direction was the development of a mono-material knitted pouch concept with a refined, future-facing luxury appearance, shaped together with the creative lead and specialist suppliers.
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