Ulysse Nardin has added three new models to its Diver collection: a Diver Chronograph, a Diver X and a Diver Net. The limited-edition Chronograph celebrates the watchmaker’s relationship with The Ocean Race, while the latter two are part of the brand’s support for ocean conservation projects.
Founded by Ulysse Nardin in 1846, the eponymous company built its reputation at sea. Its onboard marine chronometers and complicated timepieces are among the most reliable and awarded for their time. In the hundred-odd years since its founding, it is reported that over 50 of the world’s navies had the Swiss watchmaker’s instruments on board their ships. This strong marine heritage plays a significant role in Ulysse Nardin’s philanthropic participation.
This strong marine heritage is reflected in the fact that two out of its four collections – Marine and Diver – have nautical themes. The three new watches presented here are part of the Diver X and Diver Chronograph model lines within the Diver collection.
THE OCEAN RACE DIVER CHRONOGRAPH
The Ocean Race Diver Chronograph was presented at Newport, Rhode Island, on the eve of the US leg of The Ocean Race. This watch, a limited edition of just 100 pieces, was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic race.
Ulysse Nardin is the Official Timekeeper of the international sailing completion that began as the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973. The independent Swiss watchmaker is also a partner of the 24-Hour Speed Challenge, in which the crew that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours wins.
The Ocean Race Diver Chronograph has a 44mm sandblasted black DLC titanium case that is water-resistant to 300 meters. It houses Ulysse Nardin’s chronograph calibre UN-150, comprising 318 components. This movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case-back and bears the number ’50’ in tribute to the race’s anniversary.
The Ocean Race logo is affixed to the ceramic part adorning the rubber strap and its pin buckle. The unidirectional bezel in Carbonium, which contains fibres upcycled from aeroplane fuselage offcuts. According to the watchmaker it offers 40% lower environmental impact than other carbon composites. First introduced by Ulysse Nardin in 2019, this innovative lightweight material, in addition to displaying a marbled effect, offers exceptional resistance.
“The new Diver celebrates this legendary sailing race, its commitment to protecting the ocean environment, and the research and marine conservation projects that Ulysse Nardin is proud to support,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin.
The other two new Diver models – Diver X Skeleton and Diver Net – were created to support the NGO OCEARCH and shark activist Mike Coots. This philanthropy is part of Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to ocean conservation in general and the United Nations’ World Oceans Day programme.
From an aesthetic point of view, both watches feature azure blue, as highlighted on the case and dial and on the strap. It offers a beautiful contrast to the anthracite shades of the Diver X Skeleton and the Diver Net. From a sustainability point of view, the watchmaker has incorporated raw and recycled materials into the construction of both watches without compromising on excellence.
DIVER X SKELETON AZURE
The Diver X Skeleton Azure has a titanium DLC case that is water-resistant to 200 metres. It has a skeletonised dial in the shape of an ‘X’ in deep black and azure blue highlights. This blue extends onto the crown protector and the rubber strap. The transparency of the dial and movement draws the eye deep into the heart of the mechanism. Carbonium, a light and resistant technical composite, tops the barrel cover and the unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring immersion times.
The watch’s UN-372 calibre, renowned for its reliability and accuracy, features an extra-large oscillator and silicon escapement wheel. These components, along with the anchor and balance-spring are all produced in-house. Silicon was introduced to the watchmaking world with Ulysse Nardin’s Freak, back in 2001. It has a number of exceptional properties, such as anti-magnetism and resistance to oxidation and deforming. The inclusion of this material, therefore, improves the accuracy and reliability of its timekeeping.
DIVER NET AZURE
Made from upcycled materials, Ulysse Nardin presented the Diver Net last year. It was the result of a collaboration between the watchmaker and several start-ups.
Its case is made from a combination of three materials. Carbonium has a 40% lower environmental impact than other carbon composites according to Ulysse Nardin. Nylo is recycled polyamide from fishing nets. The primary component, around 95%, is recycled steel. The 95 percentage represents an improvement on the first Diver Net, which contained 80% recycled steel.
The new Diver Net Azure is adorned with white and blue highlights. These colours are found on the display indications and the markings on the bezel. The sandblasted black dial features a large embossed and satinated “X.” This watch, water-resistant up to 300 metres, is powered by the UN-118 movement. While it has a silicon balance-spring, its escapement wheel and anchor are in DiamonSil – silicon coated with a diamond layer. Like the Diver X Skeleton, the rubber strap is ocean blue.
