The aquatic shade of Azure Blue is the colour of choice for Ulysse Nardin’s latest timepieces. Two high-tech watches are being released in celebration of World Oceans Day. The first is the Diver X Skeleton Azure, a watch made to be ultra-accurate even at deep ocean depths, and the second is the Diver Net Azure, which Ulysse Nardin terms ‘innovative durability’.
Ulysse Nardin’s association with the marine world goes back almost two hundred years, to 1846 when the brand made the first marine chronometers. These marine chronometers were of vital importance, as their accuracy was depended on for setting the course of a ship. Now these very oceans are in danger, and for them to survive, sustainable practices along with environmental resources are a must.
The United Nations has dedicated an international day to it, an opportunity for Ulysse Nardin to support the NGO OCEARCH
and shark activist Mike Coots and to put its expertise in innovation and timekeeping at the service of this essential cause. Ulysse Nardin has used as many raw and recycled materials as they can responsibly in the creation of these two timepieces, all the while not compromising on the high standard of excellence expected of the brand.
To put things into perspective as to why sustainable practices are required, ninety percent of large fish populations have been depleted, fifty percent of coral reefs have been destroyed, and nine million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the Ocean each year. The approach that Ulysse Nardin is taking certainly helps reduce waste and provides a sustainable approach to watch manufacturing. For example, their Diver Net timepiece which was first presented last year, has been constructed from upcycled materials. This timepiece is the fruition of a collaboration between Ulysse Nardin and several other start-ups focused on ocean conservation.
This latest Diver Net Azure case is made from Carbonium®, which has approximately 40% less of an environmental impact compared to standard carbon composites. Other parts of the case include Nylo® (recycled polyamide from fishing nets) and lastly 95% recycled steel. The steel composition is a vast improvement from the first Diver Net model, which only contained 80% recycled steel. With each new model that comes out, Ulysse Nardin is showing us that they are very much committed to the cause of sustainable practices to protect our oceans.
The 2023 Diver Net Azure is presented in a beautiful azure-blue rubber strap, with azure-blue details also shown throughout the watch. Details such as the markings on the bezel, the ‘X’ on the dial, and subdial inscriptions and hands. The hour indices and hands have a generous amount of SuperLumi-Nova which certainly helps when the watch can dive up to 300m depth. The Carbonium® adds character to the watch as well, with the bezel showing the unique carbon look that will be different on each watch.
Ulysse Nardin has given the Diver Net Azure the UN-118 movement. This movement comes fitted with a silicon balance spring, an escapement wheel, and an anchor in DiamonSil. The movement powers the small seconds at 6 o’clock, the date at 6 o’clock, the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and also the normal time operation. Beating at 4Hz (28, 800 Vph) it’s also able to put out a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
The Diver X Skeleton Azure takes a different approach to the Diver Net, by being a lot more technical and revolutionising the way diving watches are presented aesthetically. The Diver X Skeleton comes in a titanium DLC case that is water-resistant to 200m. Immediately the eye is drawn to the ‘X’ on the dial made from deep black with the inner outlines done in azure blue. What’s sitting underneath the X is the heart of the Diver X.
And what is at the heart of the Diver X? It’s Ulysse Nardin’s UN-372 Manufacture caliber movement, which stands out proudly for its reliability and accuracy. It also comes fitted with an extra-large oscillator and a silicon escapement wheel, anchor, and
balance spring, all produced in-house, which is rare in watchmaking. Operating at a frequency of 3Hz (21, 600 VpH), the UN-372 movement is able to push out an impressive power reserve of 96 hours.
Much like the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Azure, the Diver X Skeleton Azure features the same azure blue details throughout the watch. From the rubber strap to the incremental markings on the bezel to the blue minute track and ‘X’ on the dial, these details are all a reference to the beautiful colour of the oceans the brand is working hard to protect.
With the release of the Diver Net Azure and Diver X Skeleton Azure, Ulysse Nardin is showing their specialty in watchmaking innovation through the sustainable materials used to create these watches while also displaying the high accuracy of these diving instruments.
Reference: 1183-170-2B/3A (Diver Net Azure)
Specification
- Case: 44 mm,
- Case Material: Central case, bezel, case back, and movement mount in 95% recycled stainless steel. Side case and case back ring: 60% Nylo® recycled fishing nets and 40% Carbonium® upcycled carbon fibers from the aeronautic industry.
- Dial: Sandblasted black dial with an embossed and satinated X
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 300m (30bar)
- Movement: UN-118 Manufacture calibre
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Strap: Azure-coloured rubber strap with black “Ulysse Nardin” ceramic element at 6 o’clock. Black ceramic pin buckle.
Availability: Selected retailers and Ulysse Nardin Boutiques.
International Recommended Retail Pricing: 11,900 CHF
Reference: 3723-170-2B/3A (Diver X Skeleton Azure)
Specification
- Case: 44 mm,
- Case Material: Polished and satin finished black DLC titanium casering: 60% Nylo® recycled fishing nets and 40%
- Dial: X-shaped skeleton dial in polished and satin-finished black PVD. Carbonium® barrel cover.
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Movement: UN-372 Manufacture calibre
- Power reserve: 96 hours
- Strap: Azure-coloured rubber strap with black “Ulysse Nardin” ceramic element at 6 o’clock. Folding clasp in black ceramic and black PVD titanium.
