2025-04-01 06:38:41 by Hautetime.com

I cannot believe I am writing this, but this year is not about the Ulysse Nardin Freak. At Watches & Wonders 2025, the brand once again defied expectations with the unveiling of the Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR], a timepiece that shatters the boundaries of dive watch design. Weighing a mere 52 grams (including strap)—less than half the weight of its predecessors—this skeletonized marvel claims the title of the world’s lightest mechanical dive watch. For a brand rooted in pushing limits since 1846, the Diver [AIR] is not just an evolution; it’s a revolution, blending high horology, high technology, and high performance into a singular, featherweight package. Paul-David Nardin’s words from 1876 echo through this creation: “If it’s possible, it’s done. If it’s impossible, it will be done.” With the Diver [AIR], Ulysse Nardin has made the impossible a reality.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse NardinUlysse Nardin’s relationship with the sea dates back to 1893, when it crafted its first waterproof instrument, followed by its inaugural dive watch in 1964 and the groundbreaking Aqua Perpetual in 2001—the only perpetual calendar dive watch water-resistant to 200 meters. The Diver X Skeleton of 2021 marked a turning point, merging skeletonization with dive-watch durability and redefining the genre. But for Ulysse Nardin, resting on laurels is not an option. The Diver [AIR] builds on this foundation, envisioning a watch that fuses the robustness of a sport timepiece with the artistry of high horology—then slashes its weight in half. At 52 grams, it’s a staggering 68.6 grams lighter than the 2019 Diver 44mm (120.5g) and nearly 54 grams below the Diver X Skeleton (105.8g). This isn’t just a watch; it’s a statement of what’s possible when innovation is unrestrained. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse NardinThe Diver [AIR]’s featherlight profile starts with its new UN-374 movement, a high-tech evolution of the Diver X Skeleton’s UN-372 caliber. Reducing mass while enhancing strength required a complete rethink. Ulysse Nardin’s engineers stripped material from the movement, leaving bridges just millimeters wide and hollowed out for minimal weight. The winding rotor was pared to its essentials, and the mainspring barrel was reimagined as a “flying” arrangement, shedding its top bridge. Even the barrel itself was lightened, bringing the caliber’s weight to an astonishing 7 grams—less than half the UN-372’s mass.Yet this isn’t a fragile skeleton. The UN-374’s slender bridges form triangular structures—a nod to engineering principles seen in architecture—ensuring rigidity. Tested to withstand 5,000g of impact, plus thousands of real-world shocks over days, it proves its mettle beyond the lab. With 80% of its volume being air, this movement is a marvel of minimalism that doesn’t compromise performance, boasting a 90-hour power reserve thanks to its innovative flying barrel. Why keep the automatic winding? Dive-watch standards demand it, and Ulysse Nardin delivers—pairing practicality with prestige. The result is a caliber that’s as visually striking as it is functional, its delicate balance of form and resilience a testament to over 30 years of skeletonization expertise. Achieving this record-breaking weight required more than clever engineering—it demanded a material revolution. Ulysse Nardin turned to cutting-edge elements, leveraging two decades of high-tech expertise to craft the Diver [AIR]’s 44mm case and movement—starting with titanium—at 4.5g/cm³, it’s 45% stronger than steel yet notoriously difficult to machine due to its fire-prone nature—used for the first time in the UN-374 movement’s core and the case’s middle section, crafted from 90% recycled titanium sourced from Swiss biomedical waste by TiFast and processed by Thyssenkrupp. The case’s side parts feature Nylo®-Foil, a blend of 60% ocean-sourced Nylo® (recycled fishing nets from Fil & Fab) and 40% carbon fiber from IMOCA sailing boats, recycled by Extracthive and refined by Lavoisier Composites, boasting a density of just 1.8g/cm³—less than half that of titanium—for a modular design that balances lightness and style while titanium ensures 200m water resistance. The antimagnetic silicon escapement, forged from upcycled wafers by Sigatec, weighs half as much as a standard balance, boosting precision and cutting grams, while the luminous CarbonFoil bezel insert, made from 100% upcycled carbon fibers from IMOCA boats and compressed into a marble-like pattern, delivers a striking, sustainable finish. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse NardinThis ecosystem of recycled and high-performance materials—born from partnerships with aerospace, motorsport, and sustainability innovators—makes the Diver [AIR] a lab on the wrist. At under 46 grams without its strap, it’s a feat that feels almost unreal until you hold it. Visually, the Diver [AIR] is a hybrid masterpiece. Its skeletonized dial reveals the UN-374’s intricate architecture, with triangular bridges and a minimalist rotor creating a dynamic, open aesthetic. The 44mm case, blending titanium’s matte sheen with carbon fiber’s marbled texture, exudes futuristic elegance. A unidirectional bezel with a CarbonFoil insert ensures dive-ready functionality, while sapphire glass withstands 170kg of pressure at 200 meters—proof of its real-world prowess. Two ultralight, elasticated straps in white and orange (interchangeable without tools) fasten with a scratch closure, prioritizing comfort and versatility. At 52 grams total, the Diver [AIR] feels like a whisper on the wrist—sleek, robust, and unburdened. It’s a dive watch you can wear daily, a high-horology piece that doesn’t demand delicate handling. The Diver [AIR] isn’t just the lightest mechanical dive watch—it’s a bold step forward for Ulysse Nardin and the industry. It marries the rugged utility of a sport watch with the artistry of skeletonization, all while embracing sustainability through recycled materials. Since the Diver X Skeleton redefined the genre in 2021, Ulysse Nardin has refused to stagnate, and this latest creation proves their DNA is one of relentless transcendence. Specifications: Reference: UN-374 Model: Diver [AIR] Movement: UN-374 automatic, skeletonized caliber Case: 44mm titanium and Nylo®-Foil (60% recycled Nylo®, 40% upcycled carbon fiber) Bezel: CarbonFoil (100% upcycled carbon fiber) Weight: 52g (with strap), <46g (without strap) Power Reserve: 90 hours Water Resistance: 200m Straps: Interchangeable white and orange elasticated straps with scratch closure