Ulysse Nardin’s links with the sea are as deep as the ocean itself. The Swiss Maison was a pioneer in watchmaking innovation from 1846, when the brand cemented its reputation for incomparably accurate marine chronometers; robust navigational instruments that allowed sailors to calculate longitude at sea.

In April 2021 Ulysse Nardin celebrated its 175th anniversary - reaffirming its status as a watchmaker destined to rule the oceans - with the arrival of the DIVER X SKELETON in blue Carbonium®. In an Xciting fusion of the two DIVER and BLAST SKELETON worlds, Ulysse Nardin has added a new design to its range of horological UFOs: the DIVER X SKELETON, an exclusive edition of skeleton diving watches limited to 175 timepieces already sold-out.
 

This November, to celebrate its partnership with Seddiqi – a pioneer in the UAE retailing universe – Ulysse Nardin has prepared an exclusive pre-launch of its Diver X Skeleton in black Carbonium® for the Dubai Watch Week in November 2021. This exceptional event will feature just 10 out of the 175 new timepieces, all presented on exclusive blue rubber strap with an emblematic yellow anchor. As an added perk for those able to secure one of these rare models, in 2022 the owners will be able to acquire a novel yellow band at no additional charge at the Ulysse Nardin boutique located in the Dubai Mall. The complete numbered limited edition of 175 pieces will be launched worldwide in early 2022.

This cutting-edge evolution of the DIVER X retains its sporty appeal while taking a radical step towards transparency. As the new hero watch of the DIVER collection, the DIVER X SKELETON is an explosive amalgamation of the sporty design of a DIVER and the technical prowess of the BLAST SKELETON. It is a volcanic bonding of beauty and brains. As with all of Ulysse Nardin’s DIVERS, the DIVER X SKELETON is designed to withstand the potentially fatal pressures that exist at depths of 200 meters. To achieve this, it is equipped with a concave inverted unidirectional rotating bezel, which protects the domed sapphire glass from untimely impacts.
 

The engineering team has completely redesigned the UN-371 movement, which is vaisible through the 44mm case. Originally designed for the BLAST SKELETON collection, it has been improved with the addition of an oscillating weight in the shape of the Ulysse Nardin’s iconic “X”. There is also a barrel cover placed at 12 o’clock in black Carbonium®, which is the same as the bezel, and the hours, minutes and seconds hands are coated with Superluminova, so you won’t struggle to read the time underwater.

The desire to keep the dial interface of the DIVER X SKELETON in the shape of the black DLC X was one of the most technical and complex developments ever undertaken by Ulysse Nardin. The hour markers had to be secretly connected to the dial, so they appear to be floating. To achieve the sensation of depth, overlaid layers were used to emphasize the tiered construction of the central “X”. Different levels of finish were also employed to create a play of light, amplified by the transparency of the skeleton movement.

The case, sandblasted on the sides with satin polished lugs, has been coated in black DLC. Yellow details, such as the hour markers, the internal lines of Ulysse Nardin’s signature “X” and the protective rubber around the crown, add vibrant explosions of color and emphasize the model’s sports origins.

On the bezel, Ulysse Nardin has used black Carbonium®, a material originally used on its FREAK X. Carbonium® is an extremely lightweight aerospace material and among the most robust and durable materials ever developed by scientists. It is made from the same fibers as those used for the fuselage and wings of contemporary aircraft. Because its manufacturing process involves using “waste” materials, it has a 40% lower environmental impact than other carbon. This high-performance material is created using a complex process which involves subjecting carbon fibers - which have a diameter of only 7 μm - to high pressure and temperature conditions. The process causes the fibers to form a pattern that is unique to each watch.

The DIVER X SKELETON BLACK comes complete with a rubber strap in either ocean blue or supercharged yellow. The emblematic Ulysse Nardin anchor is also in yellow; a constant reminder that Ulysse Nardin has always ruled the waves by looking to the stars.

(Images © Ulysse Nardin)