Hands-On Debut: Ulysse Nardin Ocean Race Diver Chronograph for the Ocean Race

Just released by Ulysse Nardin is the new Ocean Race Diver Chronograph limited edition watch celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Ocean Race. Long associated with maritime history and a commitment to environmental causes, Ulysse Nardin is a natural partner for The Ocean Race (formerly known as the World Race and the Volvo Ocean Race) and the 11th Hour Racing team. In addition to sponsoring this incredibly grueling sailing race, Ulysse Nardin also has partnered with environmental organization Time to Act which is dedicated to helping reduce pollution and raise awareness of climate change in an effort to protect the oceans. 

The watch itself is done in a 44mm sandblasted black DLC titanium case with 300 m of water resistance and will be limited to 100 pieces. This isn’t the first first watch Ulysse Nardin has done partnering with The Ocean Race as there was a piece last year that was done in a case which was 60% done in NYLO synthetic polyamide made from repurposed fishing nets and 40% Carbonium and finished with green accents. This year’s piece is more conventional in its material and opts for a largely black color scheme that is spliced with hits of bright blue.

A sandblasted black dial with a Carbonium bezel (the brand’s proprietary carbon blend) makes a sleek, matte design that is a little brooding, but comes alive with those blue hints on the chronograph hand, parts of the subdials, minute markers, and bezel markers. The subtlety of the design could make one forget the association with The Ocean Race, so the organization’s logo is engraved onto a ceramic element on the rubber strap as well as on the caseback.

The Ocean Race Diver Chronograph is outfitted with the Calibre UN-150 Manufacture movement which operates at 4 Hz with a 48-hour power reserve and features a silicon escape wheel, anchor, and balance spring.

The matte sandblasted finishes of this watch are really quite attractive, and it’s great to see the 50th anniversary of The Ocean Race get matched with a thoughtfully designed watch. Again, the Ulysse Nardin Ocean Race Diver Chronograph watch is limited to 100 pieces and priced at $15,700. You can learn more at ulysse-nardin.com.