After the GPHG nominees were announced a few weeks ago, there was one watch in the “Sports” category that captured a lot of early attention. A previously unreleased Ulysse Nardin diver caused dive-watch focused forums and social media pages to light up in a flurry of questions. Just what was this new direction for Ulysse Nardin? The two images available highlighted a streamlined and very modern look, shying away from both the maximalism of this year’s hammerhead-infested Diver Deep Dive and previous heritage-focused dive watch releases like 2017’s Le Locle Diver. Ever since this year’s nominations went live, dive watch fanatics thirsted for details beyond the specs and promotional text written on the GPHG website to no avail. As of today, we finally have our answer with the release of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer at the Monaco Yacht Show.
Consisting of four titanium-cased models, the collection’s contemporary design and 300-meter depth rating have already helped affirm the initial fascination. We already knew about the so-called “Deep Blue” colorway from the aforementioned GPHG page, but it’s joined by All-Black and Diver Great White (limited to 300) iterations, as well as a Monaco Limited Edition to celebrate the annual yachting showcase. All four models are sized at 44 mm with a thickness of 13.05 mm.
The dial features a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a date and small seconds at 6 o’clock, surrounded by the concave, unidirectional bezel and protected by a domed sapphire crystal. The indexes and numerals on the bezel have been coated with Super-LumiNova. The rubber strap has titanium accents and features a pin-buckle clasp. Our contact at Ulysse Nardin confirmed that new CEO Patrick Pruniaux was very hands-on with the design and that this collection is meant to be indicative of a refreshed brand direction.
Inside the watches is the automatic UN-118 caliber featuring silicium technology with a 60-hour power reserve. The pricing for all four models ranges from a very reasonable $7,900 for the Deep Blue and All-Black models and going up to $12,000 for the Monaco LE.
I totally agree! I feel that UN was losing its distinctive appeal. How many hammerhead sharks can you include on a watch…This new streamlined direction is refreshing.
Good work UN!
A proud owner of a MMD (white dial) & a MP (blue dial)
These watches look truly fabulous, yet they do not cost an arm and a leg.
I like the design direction they are taking. It seems a more tool watch purposeful approach with a little bit of flair, rather than something with a lot of whimsical off beat design elements that many of their watches have.