Ulysse Nardin, a name synonymous with maritime horology, has once again solidified its commitment to oceanic exploration and sustainability with the release of the Diver Net Vendée Globe Limited Edition. This timepiece not only celebrates the 10th edition of the grueling Vendée Globe sailing race but also showcases the brand’s innovative strides in eco-conscious watchmaking.
The Vendée Globe, often dubbed the “Everest of the Seas,” is a solo, non-stop, and unassisted round-the-world yacht race that pushes sailors to their utmost limits. Starting and ending in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, participants navigate through treacherous waters, covering approximately 45,000 kilometers and rounding the formidable capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn. Since its inception in 1989, the race has been a testament to human endurance and maritime prowess, with only about half of its entrants successfully completing the journey.
In honor of this monumental event, Ulysse Nardin, serving as the official timekeeper for the second consecutive time, has unveiled the Diver Net Vendée Globe. This limited edition of 300 pieces encapsulates the spirit of the race, blending robust functionality with sustainable craftsmanship.
Ulysse Nardin’s dedication to environmental responsibility is evident in the meticulous selection of materials for the Diver Net Vendée Globe. The 44mm case is a harmonious blend of recycled and upcycled components, reflecting the brand’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
• Case Construction: The primary structure comprises 95% recycled stainless steel, sourced from an Austrian foundry. This choice ensures durability while promoting the reuse of existing materials. The lugs, case flanks, and case back are crafted from NyloFoil, a composite material combining 60% recycled fishing nets—procured through a partnership with French company Fil&Fab—and 40% carbon fibers upcycled from the foils of monohull race boats, courtesy of CDK Technologies.
• Bezel Innovation: The unidirectional rotating bezel features an insert made of CarbonFoil, derived from excess carbon fibers used in constructing the foils of racing yachts. This not only enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal with a marbled finish but also underscores the brand’s innovative use of high-strength, lightweight materials.
• Strap Options: Emphasizing sustainability, the watch offers two strap choices. The vibrant red fabric strap incorporates recycled fishing nets, while the grey Nylo strap is composed entirely of recycled fishing nets. Both straps feature a Velcro-style closure, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit.
The Diver Net Vendée Globe’s design pays homage to the race’s heritage and the brand’s nautical roots.
• Dial Details: The sandblasted grey dial serves as a canvas for the prominent ‘X’ motif, symbolizing the race’s challenging course. Accents of red and blue—the official colors of the Vendée Globe—adorn the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and the running seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. A subtle yet thoughtful touch is the date window at 6 o’clock, where the numeral ‘10’ is highlighted in red, marking the 10th edition of the race.
• Luminescence: For optimal readability in low-light conditions, the hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, emitting a blue glow. The bezel’s timing scale also features red and white Super-LumiNova, enhancing visibility during dives.
• Case Back: The exhibition case back, crafted from lightly grey-tinted sapphire crystal, offers a glimpse into the in-house UN-118 movement. It is adorned with a detailed map depicting the Vendée Globe route and the inscription: “THE ONLY SOLO UNASSISTED NON-STOP SAILING RACE AROUND THE WORLD.” This artistic engraving serves as a constant reminder of the watch’s inspiration and the monumental journey it commemorates.
At the heart of the Diver Net Vendée Globe lies the in-house caliber UN-118, a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s horological expertise.
• Precision Engineering: This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and comprises 260 components and 50 jewels. It boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.
• Innovative Materials: Ulysse Nardin, a pioneer in the use of silicon technology, incorporates an antimagnetic silicon and DIAMonSIL® escapement in the UN-118. Notably, the silicon used is upcycled from silicon wafer production waste, aligning with the watch’s overarching theme of sustainability.
Designed with professional divers and sailors in mind, the Diver Net Vendée Globe seamlessly blends form and function.
• Water Resistance: The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters (30 ATM), making it suitable for serious diving activities and ensuring resilience under extreme conditions.
• Rotating Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel allows divers to track elapsed time accurately, a crucial feature for underwater excursions. The bezel’s construction from CarbonFoil ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
• Ergonomic Design: Despite its substantial 44mm size, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist, thanks to its lightweight materials and well-balanced case design. The Velcro-style straps further enhance wearability, allowing for easy adjustments and a secure fit even in rugged conditions.
Ulysse Nardin has taken significant strides in promoting sustainability, making the Diver Net Vendée Globe a pioneering effort in the luxury watch industry. The brand’s ongoing research into alternative materials, particularly its collaborations with Fil&Fab and CDK Technologies, demonstrates a long-term commitment to reducing waste and repurposing discarded materials.
Moreover, the use of upcycled silicon in the movement reflects a forward-thinking approach to watchmaking, ensuring that high-performance technology aligns with eco-conscious principles. This watch is not just a statement of adventure and endurance but also a testament to responsible innovation in horology.
With only 300 pieces available worldwide, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Given the brand’s legacy in marine horology and its role as the official timekeeper of the Vendée Globe, this timepiece holds both historical and technological significance.
Collectors and watch enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of cutting-edge materials, environmental responsibility, and maritime heritage will find this model particularly appealing. The limited production run ensures exclusivity, making it an attractive investment for those who value rarity in the luxury watch market.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe retails for approximately CHF13,500, positioning it as a high-end diver’s watch with a unique sustainability angle. While this price point reflects the brand’s prestige and technical expertise, it also underscores the watch’s pioneering use of recycled materials, in-house movement, and professional-grade diving capabilities.
Interested buyers should act quickly, as the limited production and increasing demand for sustainable luxury items make this timepiece likely to sell out swiftly. Availability is through Ulysse Nardin boutiques and authorized retailers, ensuring that customers receive the full benefits of warranty and after-sales service.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe is more than just a wristwatch—it represents a bold statement on the future of watchmaking. By integrating high-performance materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and eco-conscious design, Ulysse Nardin has set a new benchmark for the industry.
Its combination of maritime heritage, modern innovation, and limited-edition exclusivity makes it a standout choice for serious collectors, professional divers, and sustainability-conscious watch enthusiasts alike. Whether worn on the deck of a racing yacht or as an everyday companion, this watch embodies the relentless spirit of adventure that defines the Vendée Globe.
For those seeking a luxury timepiece that pushes boundaries in both performance and environmental responsibility, the Diver Net Vendée Globe is undoubtedly one of the most compelling options available today.
(photo credits: Ulysse Nardin / www.ulysse-nardin.com)
A Tribute to the Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe, often dubbed the “Everest of the Seas,” is a solo, non-stop, and unassisted round-the-world yacht race that pushes sailors to their utmost limits. Starting and ending in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, participants navigate through treacherous waters, covering approximately 45,000 kilometers and rounding the formidable capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn. Since its inception in 1989, the race has been a testament to human endurance and maritime prowess, with only about half of its entrants successfully completing the journey.
In honor of this monumental event, Ulysse Nardin, serving as the official timekeeper for the second consecutive time, has unveiled the Diver Net Vendée Globe. This limited edition of 300 pieces encapsulates the spirit of the race, blending robust functionality with sustainable craftsmanship.
Sustainable Craftsmanship
Ulysse Nardin’s dedication to environmental responsibility is evident in the meticulous selection of materials for the Diver Net Vendée Globe. The 44mm case is a harmonious blend of recycled and upcycled components, reflecting the brand’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
• Case Construction: The primary structure comprises 95% recycled stainless steel, sourced from an Austrian foundry. This choice ensures durability while promoting the reuse of existing materials. The lugs, case flanks, and case back are crafted from NyloFoil, a composite material combining 60% recycled fishing nets—procured through a partnership with French company Fil&Fab—and 40% carbon fibers upcycled from the foils of monohull race boats, courtesy of CDK Technologies.
• Bezel Innovation: The unidirectional rotating bezel features an insert made of CarbonFoil, derived from excess carbon fibers used in constructing the foils of racing yachts. This not only enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal with a marbled finish but also underscores the brand’s innovative use of high-strength, lightweight materials.
• Strap Options: Emphasizing sustainability, the watch offers two strap choices. The vibrant red fabric strap incorporates recycled fishing nets, while the grey Nylo strap is composed entirely of recycled fishing nets. Both straps feature a Velcro-style closure, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit.
Design and Aesthetics
The Diver Net Vendée Globe’s design pays homage to the race’s heritage and the brand’s nautical roots.
• Dial Details: The sandblasted grey dial serves as a canvas for the prominent ‘X’ motif, symbolizing the race’s challenging course. Accents of red and blue—the official colors of the Vendée Globe—adorn the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and the running seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. A subtle yet thoughtful touch is the date window at 6 o’clock, where the numeral ‘10’ is highlighted in red, marking the 10th edition of the race.
• Luminescence: For optimal readability in low-light conditions, the hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, emitting a blue glow. The bezel’s timing scale also features red and white Super-LumiNova, enhancing visibility during dives.
• Case Back: The exhibition case back, crafted from lightly grey-tinted sapphire crystal, offers a glimpse into the in-house UN-118 movement. It is adorned with a detailed map depicting the Vendée Globe route and the inscription: “THE ONLY SOLO UNASSISTED NON-STOP SAILING RACE AROUND THE WORLD.” This artistic engraving serves as a constant reminder of the watch’s inspiration and the monumental journey it commemorates.
Technical Mastery: The UN-118 Movement
At the heart of the Diver Net Vendée Globe lies the in-house caliber UN-118, a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s horological expertise.
• Precision Engineering: This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and comprises 260 components and 50 jewels. It boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.
• Innovative Materials: Ulysse Nardin, a pioneer in the use of silicon technology, incorporates an antimagnetic silicon and DIAMonSIL® escapement in the UN-118. Notably, the silicon used is upcycled from silicon wafer production waste, aligning with the watch’s overarching theme of sustainability.
Functionality and Performance
Designed with professional divers and sailors in mind, the Diver Net Vendée Globe seamlessly blends form and function.
• Water Resistance: The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters (30 ATM), making it suitable for serious diving activities and ensuring resilience under extreme conditions.
• Rotating Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel allows divers to track elapsed time accurately, a crucial feature for underwater excursions. The bezel’s construction from CarbonFoil ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
• Ergonomic Design: Despite its substantial 44mm size, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist, thanks to its lightweight materials and well-balanced case design. The Velcro-style straps further enhance wearability, allowing for easy adjustments and a secure fit even in rugged conditions.
The Environmental Commitment
Ulysse Nardin has taken significant strides in promoting sustainability, making the Diver Net Vendée Globe a pioneering effort in the luxury watch industry. The brand’s ongoing research into alternative materials, particularly its collaborations with Fil&Fab and CDK Technologies, demonstrates a long-term commitment to reducing waste and repurposing discarded materials.
Moreover, the use of upcycled silicon in the movement reflects a forward-thinking approach to watchmaking, ensuring that high-performance technology aligns with eco-conscious principles. This watch is not just a statement of adventure and endurance but also a testament to responsible innovation in horology.
Limited Edition and Collectibility
With only 300 pieces available worldwide, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Given the brand’s legacy in marine horology and its role as the official timekeeper of the Vendée Globe, this timepiece holds both historical and technological significance.
Collectors and watch enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of cutting-edge materials, environmental responsibility, and maritime heritage will find this model particularly appealing. The limited production run ensures exclusivity, making it an attractive investment for those who value rarity in the luxury watch market.
Pricing and Availability
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe retails for approximately CHF13,500, positioning it as a high-end diver’s watch with a unique sustainability angle. While this price point reflects the brand’s prestige and technical expertise, it also underscores the watch’s pioneering use of recycled materials, in-house movement, and professional-grade diving capabilities.
Interested buyers should act quickly, as the limited production and increasing demand for sustainable luxury items make this timepiece likely to sell out swiftly. Availability is through Ulysse Nardin boutiques and authorized retailers, ensuring that customers receive the full benefits of warranty and after-sales service.
Final Verdict: A New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe is more than just a wristwatch—it represents a bold statement on the future of watchmaking. By integrating high-performance materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and eco-conscious design, Ulysse Nardin has set a new benchmark for the industry.
Its combination of maritime heritage, modern innovation, and limited-edition exclusivity makes it a standout choice for serious collectors, professional divers, and sustainability-conscious watch enthusiasts alike. Whether worn on the deck of a racing yacht or as an everyday companion, this watch embodies the relentless spirit of adventure that defines the Vendée Globe.
For those seeking a luxury timepiece that pushes boundaries in both performance and environmental responsibility, the Diver Net Vendée Globe is undoubtedly one of the most compelling options available today.
(photo credits: Ulysse Nardin / www.ulysse-nardin.com)
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