Ulysse Nardin is a watchmaker that’s destined to rule the oceans, and this year they are reconfirming this status with the latest release of the DIVER X SKELETON. Back in 2019, the Swiss brand unveiled the DIVER X Cape Horn, Nemo Point, and Antarctica. The release of these models was a way of celebrating the bravery of the solo-round-the-world sailors of the Vendée Globe. In celebration of its 175 years, Ulysse Nardin giving the Diver X design new life by stripping away more of the dial and giving it the skeleton treatment.
Ulysse Nardin brings together two of its iconic collections, the Diver and Executive Skeleton to make up the new design of their new range of horological UFOs; The DIVER X SKELETON. This range is an exclusive range of skeleton diving watches that is limited to 175 pieces, all individually numbered. The Diver X Skeleton features design elements from both the Diver X and Executive Skeleton range, such as the cutting-edge sporty appeal of Diver X and the transparency and technical prowess of the Executive Skeleton.
Design:
The 44mm case is coated in blue PVD, has satin polished lugs, and is micro beaded on the sides. The bezel itself is made from blue Carbonium®. There are orange details on the bezel, the protective rubber around the crown, internal lines of Ulysse Nardin’s signature “X” which all come together to add a pop of colour to the overall appearance of the timepiece.
In regards to the dial design, Ulysse Nardin says that “the desire to keep the dial interface of the DIVER X SKELETON in the shape of the blue PVD X was one of the most technical and complex developments ever undertaken by Ulysse Nardin.”
The hour markers of the DIVER X SKELETON had to be specially designed so that how they connect onto the dial remains hidden, which gives a visual sense of the markers floating. The hours, minutes, and seconds hands are all coated with Superlunminova, to improve visibility in dark/unlit conditions. To create a 3D effect or sensation of depth on the dial, Ulysse Nardin overlaid layers which then emphasize the tiered construction of the central “X”.
Movement:
The movement used inside the DIVER X SKELETON is the UN-372 calibre automatic movement. To create this new movement, the engineering team at Ulysse Nardin completely designed the UN371 movement. The UN-372 calibre movement is visible from the dial side. For this movement, the oscillating weight has also been designed in the shape of Ulysse Nardin’s iconic X. The barrel cover located at the 12 o’clock position is also made from blue Carbonium®, to match the bezel. The Un-372 calibre has a frequency of 3Hz (21, 600 VpH) and gives out a power reserve of approximately 96 hours.
To match the colours of the case and dial, the DIVER X SKELETON comes in a rubber strap in either ocean blue or supercharged orange. As Ulysse Nardin states “this is a constant reminder that Ulysse Nardin has always ruled the waves by looking to the stars”.
References: 3723-170LE-3A-BLUE/3B (Orange strap), 3723-170LE-3A-BLUE/3A (Blue Strap)
Specification:
- Case: 44 mm
- Case Material: Blue PVD / blue Carbonium®
- Dial: Skeletonised X
- Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Movement: UN-372 calibre Automatic movement
- Power reserve: Minimum 96 Hours
- Strap: Blue or orange rubber strap
