Today, Ulysse Nardin introduces a new azure colorway for its Diver Net and Diver X Skeleton models. If, like me, you’re unfortunate enough to have experienced a short-lived streak in the cloud computing industry, the word Azure will remind you of the Microsoft platform. However, if you remained untainted by this association (until now), you’ll likely think of a particular coastal area in the south of France, or even a lovely bright blue shade of clear skies. For Ulysse Nardin the it’s latter. It’s this attractive shade that the brand has applied to two of its dive watches. Their release today is no coincidence, as June 8th is World Ocean Day.

The brand’s relationship with the world’s oceans can be traced back over a century and a half. Ulysse Nardin gained its reputation thanks to its production of marine chronometers. These were essential course-setting tools for early ocean explorers. An accurate timekeeper could spell the difference between life and death in the open ocean.

In recent years conservation has been an essential aspect of Ulysse Nardin’s mission. This has driven innovation which we’ve seen materialize in some of its recent releases. You might remember that last year, the brand released the limited edition Ulysse Nardin The Ocean Race Diver Net. This watch was based on the brand’s concept for a sustainably-produced upcycled luxury dive watch. It broke new ground in its use of materials. Namely, Carbonium (a carbon composite material with 40% less environmental impact than other comparable materials), and Nylo (a material made of recycled polyamide fishing nets). Last year’s Diver Net also used 80% recycled steel in its construction. The two timepieces introduced today follow up the concept in a non-limited addition to the brand’s catalog.

In motion for the ocean: The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Azure and Diver X Skeleton Azure

Let’s take a look at the pair of bold divers released today and see how they follow up on those pioneering first steps taken last year, starting with the Diver Net Azure. The watch’s 44 mm × 14.81 mm case is now made of 95% recycled stainless steel. The side case and case back ring are made of 60% Nylo and 40% Carbonium. The bezel is also made entirely of the latter. Below the domed sapphire crystal sits a black sand-blasted dial. At 12 o’clock, you have a power reserve indicator, and at 6 o’clock, the running seconds. An Azure “X” extends across the dial and highlights the bright white Super-LumiNova hour markers. Powering the watch, you’ll find the UN-118 Manufacture caliber. An automatic movement with 50 jewels, a Silicon balance spring, and a DiamonSil escapement wheel and anchor. This model has a water resistance rating of 300m.

Now, if we take a look at the Diver X Skeleton Azure, we see a slightly different beast. The DLC-coated titanium case is just as big (44mm) but slightly taller (15.7mm). The same Carbonium dive bezel insert is also featured here. The x-shaped skeletonized dial features polished and satin finishes, with azure accents mirroring those on the Diver Net. Looking below the brand’s logo at 12 o’clock you’ll see the Carbonium barrel cover of the UN-372 Manufacture caliber. Another distinctive feature of the movement is its oversized silicon balance wheel, visible at 6 o’clock. The Diver X Skeleton has a water resistance rating of 200m. This model does away with the date and power reserve, which suits the inherently busier look of its skeletonized dial. Both watches are delivered on complementary azure-blue rubber straps.

Final thoughts

On this World Ocean Day, Ulysse Nardin rejuvenates these two previously-existing models with its innovative materials. The brand is also teaming up with OCEARCH and photographer-turned-shark-activist Mike Coots to bring awareness to the issues plaguing the world’s oceans. To learn more about World Ocean Day and all its associated initiatives, check out the website here.

The two chunky divers join the brand’s permanent collection. The bright color and generous proportions will call attention to the worthy cause of ocean conservation. And the novel materials used, to the efforts made by Ulysse Nardin to make a difference in this space — A commendable commitment to a more than worthy cause.

The Diver Net Azure will retail at €12,700 (incl. VAT), and the Diver X Skeleton Azure for €26,800. For more information, please visit the Ulysse Nardin website.