Material world: Ulysse Nardin Diver x Skeleton Black

Ulysse Nardin brings together high-tech materials and a complex skeletonised design for its new dive watch

Watches & Jewellery 1 Jul 2022

With a long heritage in creating nautical precision instruments, Ulysse Nardin is no stranger to testing the limits of underwater timekeeping. Its latest release builds on this pioneering spirit, bringing in technical skeletonisation and innovative use of materials for a dive watch that stands out from the crowd. 

A limited edition of 175 pieces, the Diver x Skeleton Black’s stand-out feature is its openworked dial, intriguingly taking the form of an “X”. This dramatic shape required a complete reworking of the UN-371 movement visible through the dial, which here incorporates an oscillating weight in the shape of Ulysse Nardin’s trademark crossed motif. Many elements appear to effortlessly float, with its tiered construction playing with light and transparency, creating a sense of depth to the dial.

The decision to make the bezel from carbonium – an extremely light material typically used in the aerospace industry – is not just for its robust and hardwearing properties. It also has a 40 per cent lower environmental impact than other carbon, due to the fact its manufacturing process uses waste materials. It taps into the watchmaker’s ongoing focus on sustainability, echoed further still in the choice of a black fabric R-strap, made of upcycled polyamide from fishing nets. 

ulysse-nardin.com