Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Vendee Globe

In the heart of the Swiss Jura, nestled within the cradle of horological excellence, lies Le Locle, home to Ulysse Nardin, a name synonymous with maritime timekeeping and innovative watchmaking. Founded in 1846, Ulysse Nardin's legacy is deeply intertwined with the sea, its earliest renown stemming from the creation of highly accurate marine chronometers that guided sailors across vast oceans. This maritime heritage continues to inspire the brand, as evidenced by their latest creation, the Diver NET Vendée Globe, a watch that not only pushes the boundaries of sustainable watchmaking but also embodies the spirit of the world's most challenging sailing race.



The Vendée Globe, often dubbed the 'Everest of the Seas', is a solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world yacht race that tests the limits of human endurance. Since its inception in 1989, this grueling race has seen only a little over half of its participants cross the finish line, a testament to the extreme conditions and challenges faced by these intrepid sailors. The race course, spanning approximately 45,000 kilometers (24,300 miles), takes sailors from the Bay of Les Sables d'Olonne in France, down around the treacherous Cape of Good Hope, across the vast Indian and Pacific Oceans, past the stormy Cape Horn, and finally back to the starting point. It's a test of skill, resilience, and determination, where sailors battle not only the elements but also the solitude and mental fortitude required to endure months alone at sea.



The Diver NET Vendée Globe is a fitting tribute to this extraordinary race and the daring individuals who participate in it. This limited-edition timepiece, restricted to just 300 pieces, encapsulates Ulysse Nardin's commitment to sustainability and innovation. It's the brand's most sustainable watch to date, crafted using an array of recycled and upcycled materials, including recycled steel for the case, upcycled carbon fiber for the bezel, and recycled fishing nets for the case flanks, lugs, and case back. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns perfectly with the Vendée Globe's "One Globe, One Ocean" mission, which aims to raise awareness about ocean conservation and the impact of climate change.



The watch's design is as striking as its sustainable credentials. The grey sandblasted dial, reminiscent of the rough seas encountered during the Vendée Globe, is accented by a bold red and blue X, echoing the race's official colors. This X, a symbol of the challenging course and the crossroads where human resilience meets the raw power of nature, adds a dynamic visual element to the watch's face. The 44mm case, made from 95% recycled steel, strikes a balance between robustness and wearability, its size commanding attention without being overly cumbersome. The uni-directional rotating bezel, crafted from CarbonFoil, an upcycled material made from excess carbon fibers used in the manufacturing of race boat foils, not only serves a functional purpose for divers but also adds a sporty, technical aesthetic to the watch.



The Diver NET Vendée Globe is more than just a symbol of sustainability and a tribute to a challenging race; it's a high-performance diving instrument. With a water resistance of 300 meters, it can withstand the pressures of deep dives, while the luminous hands and markers ensure legibility in low-light conditions. The screw-down crown, nestled between two crown protectors, adds an extra layer of security, preventing accidental adjustments and ensuring the watch's water resistance remains uncompromised. The red fabric strap, made partly from recycled fishing nets, not only complements the watch's color scheme but also provides a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.



Ulysse Nardin's partnership with the Vendée Globe extends beyond just creating a commemorative timepiece. The brand serves as the Official Timekeeper of the race, providing precise and reliable timekeeping instruments to the sailors. This partnership underscores Ulysse Nardin's long-standing connection to the maritime world and its dedication to supporting those who push the boundaries of human endeavor. The Diver NET Vendée Globe is a testament to this commitment, a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience, and respect for the environment. It's a timepiece that tells a story, not just of a race or a brand, but of human ingenuity and our connection to the natural world.



The Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Vendée Globe is a watch that demands a closer look, its intricate details and innovative materials revealing themselves like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The 44mm case, a substantial presence on the wrist, is a marvel of engineering and sustainable practices. Crafted from 95% recycled steel, it embodies Ulysse Nardin's commitment to minimizing its environmental impact without compromising on quality or durability. The case's construction is a testament to the brand's watchmaking prowess, with its complex curves and angles meticulously crafted to create a timepiece that is both robust and visually captivating.



One of the most striking features of the Diver NET Vendée Globe is its bezel. Made from CarbonFoil, a material composed of upcycled carbon fibers sourced from the manufacturing of race boat foils, the bezel boasts a unique marbled pattern that is both visually appealing and environmentally conscious. This innovative material not only reduces waste but also contributes to the watch's lightweight construction, ensuring it remains comfortable to wear even during extended periods. The bezel's uni-directional rotation, a crucial feature for divers, is smooth and precise, with a satisfying click that confirms each adjustment. The red and white Super-LumiNova® markings on the bezel provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions, further enhancing the watch's functionality as a diving instrument.



Beneath the sapphire crystal glass, the dial of the Diver NET Vendée Globe is a study in contrasts. The grey sandblasted finish, reminiscent of a stormy sea, provides a textured backdrop for the bold red and blue X that dominates the center. This X, a nod to the Vendée Globe's official colors and the challenging course it represents, adds a dynamic element to the dial, its sharp lines intersecting the circular forms of the subdials and date window. The hands, also coated in Super-LumiNova®, stand out against the grey background, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting condition.



At 12 o'clock, a power reserve indicator, rendered in the same striking red and blue as the central X, displays the remaining energy of the UN-118 manufacture movement. This self-winding movement, visible through the partially transparent case back, is a testament to Ulysse Nardin's horological expertise. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers a power reserve of 60 hours, ensuring the watch remains accurate and reliable even when not worn for a few days. The movement's intricate workings, including the DIAMonSIL escapement made from upcycled silicon, are a sight to behold, showcasing the brand's dedication to precision and innovation.



The case back itself is a work of art, featuring a lightly grey-tinted sapphire crystal that offers a glimpse into the movement's intricate mechanics. It's also adorned with a map of the Vendée Globe route, a constant reminder of the challenging race that inspired this timepiece. The NyloFoil case back surround, made from recycled fishing nets and upcycled carbon fibers, further emphasizes the watch's commitment to sustainability. It also displays the watch's 300-meter water resistance and the coordinates of the Ulysse Nardin manufacture in Le Locle, adding a personal touch to this limited-edition timepiece.



The Diver NET Vendée Globe is secured to the wrist with a red fabric strap made partly from recycled fishing nets. This strap, comfortable and durable, complements the watch's sporty aesthetic and reinforces its connection to the maritime world. The watch is also available with a grey fabric strap made entirely from recycled fishing nets, offering a more understated option for those who prefer a monochrome look.



Ulysse Nardin's attention to detail extends to the smallest elements of the Diver NET Vendée Globe. The screw-down crown, positioned between two crown protectors, ensures the watch's water resistance remains uncompromised, even during deep dives. The date display, integrated into the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, features blue numerals with the exception of the 10th, which is highlighted in red to commemorate the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe and its departure date of November 10th, 2024.



Priced at $14,200, the Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Vendée Globe is an investment in a timepiece that represents the pinnacle of sustainable watchmaking and horological innovation. It's a watch that tells a story, not just of a race or a brand, but of human ingenuity and our responsibility to protect the planet. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a diving enthusiast, or simply an admirer of fine watchmaking, the Diver NET Vendée Globe is a timepiece that will capture your imagination and inspire you to push your own boundaries. It's a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience, and respect for the environment, a true testament to Ulysse Nardin's legacy of innovation and its commitment to creating timepieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.