Introducing: Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe

The new Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe commemorates one of the most demanding sailing races. It’s also the Swiss brand’s most sustainable watch. Let’s take a closer look at this sporty and colorful diver.

Ulysse Nardin is no stranger to supporting long and challenging races. The Gumball 3000 comes to mind in the automotive world, but the company is also involved in sailing. The Diver Net Vendée Globe was created to support the race of the same name and marks the second time the company has supported the event. The demanding Vendée Globe is held every four years and is a global sailing race for single-crew boats. Participants will spend more than 70 days traveling more than 25,000 kilometers without setting foot on land. Normally, very few people complete this race, but this year a record 40 participants will take part.

Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe

The latest Divernet Vendée gloves feature a familiar case shape. This 44mm x 50mm diver comes in bold, bright colors. In addition, the dial indexes, bezel markers, and thick hands are fully coated with Super Luminova for excellent visibility. This watch has an ocean-ready depth of 300 meters, which is partially ensured by the large screw-down crown.

Commitment to sustainable materials

As with all Diver Net models, sustainability plays a big role in the construction of the Diver Net Vendée Globe. Ulysse Nardin states that the core of the case is stainless steel with at least 95% recycled content. The case sides and lugs are made from a combination of polyamide from recycled fishing nets and upcycled carbon fiber, while the bezel uses upcycled carbon fiber from racing yacht hulls. Finally, the movement showcases new technology. It features a silicon escapement made from upcycled silicon wafer manufacturing waste.

Return to Divernet Vendée Globe dial

Ulysse Nardin chose a sandblasted gray dial with stainless steel elements. Red, white and blue also feature strongly, perhaps in homage to the race’s starting point, Les Sables d’Olonne in France. The blue-on-white date wheel uses red font at the 10 position. This marks the 10th running of the race and a start date of November 10th. The power reserve display is located at the top of the dial, and the small seconds indicator is located at the bottom. The result is a regulator-like appearance, which is unusual for a diving watch.

UN-118 automatic movement

The UN-118 Automatic is partially visible through a sapphire window on the caseback. The map features a globe and the slogan “THE ONLY SOLO UNNASSISTED NON-STOP SAILING RACE AROUND THE WORLD” is engraved on it. Ulysse Nardin has developed a modern movement with a power reserve of 60 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vph.

Wrist fun

The Diver Net Vendée Globe is not an ultra-light watch, but its carbon fiber components help reduce its mass. Plus, despite its large size, it’s comfortable thanks to its downward-curving lugs. Also, the red strap made from recycled fishing nets is perfect for your wrist. Simple pull-through design with Velcro closure system. The strap design is perfect for sporty activities and swimming.

The best feature of this watch is its use of color and materials. Sometimes carbon cases look funky or futuristic. The Diver Net Vendée Globe avoids this with its light-toned dial and richness of color throughout the watch. Granted, it’s a less traditional choice than, say, a Submariner, but the overall finish is well put together.

Price and availability

Ulysse Nardin will produce 300 numbered pieces of the Diver Net Vendée Globe. The price is 14,400 euros, which is to be expected for this kind of brand. The watch will be available at retailers worldwide. To learn more about watches and lace, visit the official Ulysse Nardin website. For now, let us know what you think about this latest collaboration. Interested in focusing on sustainable materials?

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Watch specifications