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For regular readers of Time+Tide, Ulysse Nardin’s involvement in the world of sailing and the use of sustainable materials in the production of its watches is nothing new. Previously, we’ve covered the brand’s involvement in the Ocean Race, its role as official timekeeper, and its sponsorship of the 11 Hour race, which it became the first U.S. team to win last year. Alongside the Ocean Race, Ulysse Nardin also launched the Ocean Race Diver Chronograph. This honors the brand’s desire to become more environmentally conscious and Ocean Race’s sustainability mission, which also celebrates its 50th anniversary. Today, Ulysse Nardin pays homage to another legendary and grueling sport of sailing with the new Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe, which takes the sustainability element of the watch even further.
Before we get into the race, what exactly is the Vendée Globe? Competitive sailing involves races around the world, but unlike ocean races, which are made up of teams, the captains competing in the Vendée Globe are the most powerful sailors in the world. They use monohulls and work completely independently, without the assistance of third parties. Ulysse Nardin explains: The race will begin on November 10, 2024 in Les Sables-d’Olonne Bay on France’s western Atlantic coast, with a record 40 skippers starting. The course heads south to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, crosses the Indian and Pacific Oceans, passes Cape Leeuwin in Australia and Cape Horn in South America, and heads back north to the finish line at Les Sables-d’Olonne. The distance of the race is theoretical, with many sailors covering more than 50,000 kilometers, zigzagging across the ocean in search of the best conditions. ”
The brand also points out that since the competition began in 1989, only about 50% of participants have completed the challenge. ” The race is known as the “Everest of the Seas,” but far more people now climb the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. “Completing the Vendée Globe was arguably the ultimate test of human endurance,” explains Ulysse Nardin. “Racers must overcome extreme weather, sub-zero temperatures, huge waves, fatigue, loneliness, (almost inevitable) damage to their boats, and possibly even illness or injury to complete the 45,000-kilometer (24,300-mile) course. Now that you know more about the race, let’s take a quick look at the 10th edition of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe.
case
The 300 meter waterproof case is larger, measuring 44 mm in diameter, 14.81 mm thick, and 50 mm lug-to-lug width. We can debate whether it’s too wide or too thick, within our subjective tastes, but in theory it should come with skippers and recreational sailors in races like the Vendée Globe. From the point of view of a watch that does a lot of work, it can be said that the size is appropriate to ensure visibility and functionality. Additionally, even though my wrist is small at 6.5 inches, I can comfortably wear a watch with a 50mm lug distance (though I don’t think I can go any further). Perhaps an even more interesting talking point than its size is the sustainable materials used throughout the case.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Gloves are rich in sustainable materials throughout the design, as well as locally sourced materials in France near the start of the race. Similar to Ulysse Nardin’s Carbonium, this divernet watch has a carbon foil bezel. The material is made from surplus carbon fiber used to make foils for monohull race boats, and comes from Ulysse Nardin partner CDK Technologies, which makes boats like those used in the Vendée Globe. Supplied. The bezel displays a diver’s timing scale that incorporates red and white Super-LumiNova for increased visibility.
The case or its core is made from 95% recycled stainless steel sourced from an Austrian foundry. However, the lugs, case sides, and caseback are made from 60% recycled fishing net (sourced in partnership with France-based Fil&Fab) and 40% carbon fiber from upcycled foil (sourced from CDK Technologies) It’s made from a material called NyloFoil, which consists of . These materials result in an environmentally friendly case that is highly robust and can also be used for racing.
dial
The pleasantly grainy gray dial features the model’s signature X spread across it, with red and blue accents to match the official colors of the Vendée Globe. Red and blue accents are also used on the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, with blue at the full end of the scale and red at the sky end. The running seconds counter is also surrounded by alternating red and blue segments. The final, very subtle red accent is on the date disc tucked into the 6 o’clock position. Almost all dates are shown in blue numbers, but to commemorate the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, the number 10 is printed in red. In the dark, all hands and hour markers glow bright blue thanks to the generous Super-LumiNova coating.
strap
All we were able to get was a bright red cloth strap that incorporated recycled fishing netting, but buyers are willing to sacrifice a bolder color for a strap made entirely from recycled fishing netting. You can also choose a gray nylon. Both straps feature a simple Velcro-style closure, allowing you to fine-tune the perfect fit. It may not be as sustainable, but it’s not a bad thing, but the red strap gives the watch a very attractive, sporty edge that I don’t think a gray strap can match.
movement
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe comes with a display caseback, but the dark gray sapphire slice is more a laser-etched commemorative Vendée Globe than a clear view of the in-house automatic caliber UN-118. It is a canvas for However, the view of movement is not completely obstructed. For example, there’s nothing actually covering the balance wheel, so you can definitely see the heartbeat of the watch. Speaking of heartbeats, the UN-118 is a 4Hz movement with 260 components, 50 jewels, and a 60-hour power reserve. Ulysse Nardin is known for being the first watch brand to produce a silicone escapement, and its movements feature anti-magnetic silicon and DIAMonSIL (diamond-coated silicone) escapements. A nice touch is that the silicone used is upcycled, also incorporating an aspect of sustainability into the caliber.
judgment
With sailing and boating culture woven into this watch, we suspect that the limited edition of 200 pieces will end up on the wrists of people who primarily live in coastal cities and enjoy spending time by the water. It’s a very sporty and summery watch, but I don’t think I’d wear it in a formal setting. Beyond the net of sailing and boating enthusiasts, these well-thought-out designs reach the hearts of those seeking a rare diver’s watch that comes from both the world of the ocean and the world of watches. I think so.
Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe price and availability
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Gloves are currently available as a limited edition of 200 pieces. Price: $14,200
Brand Ulysse Nardin Model Diver Net Vendée Gloves Reference 1183-170LE-2A-VG/0B
1183-170LE-2A-VG/0A Case dimensions 44mm (D) x 14.8mm (T) x 50mm (LTL) Case material Recycled steel container, NyloFoil Case sides and lugs Water resistance 300 meters, screw-down crown Crystal sapphire case and Back Dial Sandblasted gray strap Red fabric, hook-and-loop fastener
Gray nylon, hook-and-loop movement UN-118, in-house, automatic, silicone escapement Power reserve 60 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve Availability Limited to 200 pieces Price $14,200
