Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive was unveiled at SIHH 2018. The watch has a maximum water resistance of 1000 metres and is endowed with a helium escape value. Most notably, it exhibits a robust aesthetic making it highly practical.
This detailed review of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Founded in 1846, the eponymously named company, Ulysse Nardin, created marine chronometers from the outset. These were necessary in order to determine longitude and safely navigate seas. The Swiss company became renown for the precision and reliability of its navigational instruments, two qualities which endure to this day.
Ulysse Nardin products have not only been created for use upon the water but also beneath the waves. Over the years, several of its diver models have incorporated complications such as chronographs and power-reserve indicators. While these watches proffer impressive water resistance, like most divers’ watches, many wearers are only ever likely to use them on dry land.
Now, the brand from Le Locle has unveiled a new diver’s watch, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive, a hard-core timepiece ideally suited to deepwater exploration. This latest timepiece has a maximum water resistance of 1000 metres, exceeding the ‘world record diving depth’ of 701 metres and perfectly illustrating the deepwater capabilities of this watch.
The dial
The luminescent hour and minute hands are partly open-worked and exhibit a notable boldness. The indices also feature luminescent treatment and share the same conspicuous appearance. Positioned between each index are crisp, white strokes, proving ideal when reading-off the minutes.
A small seconds display is located between 4 and 6 o’clock. It features a two-tone centre, red hand and 60-second scale encircling the subdial. A red hammerhead shark is portrayed on the centre of the display, a detail which is repeated throughout.
The dial is adorned with parallel horizontal lines, numerous depictions of sharks and the brand’s nomen. The sharks are barely visible in dim light conditions, playing a deferential role next to the hands and indices.
A round date aperture sits at 3 o’clock. The date is proclaimed in black text on a white disc.
The case
At 46mm in diameter, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive is substantial, yet appears even larger owing to the large crown guard, positioned at 2 o’clock. The crown guard is removable, helping to mitigate the sense of scale, however, I like its masculine appearance. Owing to the position of the crown and guard, there is no impingement of the wrist or chafing of the skin. Indeed, a key attribute of this titanium watch is that it confers an agreeable union with the wrist.
A helium valve is positioned at 9 o’clock. This feature is relevant to commercial divers who spend time in a dry pressurised environment, such as a decompression chamber. Previously, when divers needed to spend time in a decompression chamber, the sapphire crystals popped out, owing to a build up a helium gas.
Both the crown and helium valve feature a smattering of red. This sparing use of colour adds to the charm of the watch without proving distracting.
The unidirectional bezel is constructed of titanium and features a blue rubber insert. Some areas of the bezel feature a wave-like motif, underscoring the associations with the marine world. The castellated profile of the bezel facilitates easy manipulation, even with diver’s gloves. At 12 o’clock, a round luminous index proves a useful reference point when underwater.
A depiction of a hammerhead shark graces the reverse of the case. The case-back is held in position with six screws.
A blue rubber strap is affixed to the case. It features two titanium panels, one marked ‘Ulysse Nardin’ and a second labelled ‘Limited Edition’. Courtesy of a ‘spring that adjusts to water depth’, the strap expands and contracts. This is beneficial as a neoprene diving suit will be compressed when going deeper underwater. The attention to detail proves very impressive.
The movement
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive offers the convenience of an automatic movement. The
Calibre UN-320 harnesses much of Ulysse Nardin’s impressive know-how. The Manufacture movement features a silicium (silicon) hairspring. In addition, the pallet lever and escape wheel are also made of silicium.
Silicium is a glass-like material which is not liable to corrosion or the influence of magnetism, both of which are attributes in watchmaking. Furthermore, silicium does not require lubrication. Lastly, with its low mass and virtually friction-free surface, silicium components mitigate energy consumption. Ulysse Nardin was an early adopter of silicium and stands at the vanguard of this avant-garde technology.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive has a power reserve of 48 hours.
Closing remarks
With its prodigious history of watchmaking and an impressive understanding of the marine world, Ulysse Nardin clearly appreciates the requirements for a diver’s watch. The maximum water resistance of 1000 metres and the inclusion of a helium valve will sate the requirements of a commercial diver.
The dial is highly legible. The small seconds display provides a suitable means of indicating to the wearer the watch is operational, a critical factor when used underwater. The bezel rotates with a positive action and its notched-edge facilitates rotation, even with glove-clad hands. Wearer comfort is excellent, partly owing to the expandable strap. All of these attributes make the watch ideal for deep water exploration.
This is robust watch which looks capable of post-apocalyptic survival. It has a sporty appearance which would befit casual attire. And lastly, its aforementioned qualities confer everyday benefit to wearers whether on land or dipping their toes in shallow waters. Quite simply, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive is an incredible watch irrespective of where you choose to venture.
Further information
Technical specification
- Model: Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive
- Case: Titanium; diameter 46mm; sapphire crystal to front and solid case-back; water resistant to 100 atm (1000 metres)
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date
- Movement: Calibre UN-320; self-winding movement; power reserve 48 hours
- Strap: Rubber strap with expandable element
- Price: CHF 12,000 (RRP as at 14.6.2018)