Following the success of the Diver X Skeleton in blue release in 2021, Ulysse Nardin relaunches 175 new pieces in black Carbonium with an audacious choice of a flashy yellow rubber strap or a black R-STRAP made of upcycled fishing nets.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
New: Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton Black
Retail price for the UN Diver X Skeleton Black is set at SGD 36.300 inclusive of GST (24’500 CHF / 23’300 EUR / 25’800 USD). Limited Edition of 175 pieces.
Commentary
The combination of a skeleton movement and a divers watch seems to be at odds to each other. The diver watch is regarded as the epitome of a hardy, strong watch, capable of withstanding not only the pressures of the depths and the rigours of a diving habitat, but also needs the ruggedness as the diver’s life may depend on it working well. And often, skeletonising a movement will reduce the structural integrity, making it less rugged than a regular one. So it is rather interesting that UN has chosen to combine these two traits into one watch. The original design was a 10 piece limited edition to celebrate the new partnership between UN and Sediqqi. Sediqqi is the largest retailer in the UAE, and a force to be reckoned with in the world of luxury watch retail. It was revealed as a sneak peak of 10 watches in Dubai Watch week 2021, with the release announcing that a further 175 pieces will be available in 2022. Here is the official commercial release.
The base design was released in April 2021, and the Diver X Skeleton takes design cues from existing UN Diver and Skeleton X collections. Launched in April 2021, the Diver X Skeleton takes design cues from the Diver and Blast Skeleton collections. The launch models were in a black DLC sandblasted titanium case with a concave black Carbonium unidirectional rotating dive bezel. The Sediqqi 10 piece preview release models sported new colours from the original April launch model. And this latest release is an extension of the same watch by a further 175 pieces, making a total of 185 pieces.
Price is now a higher SGD 36,300 compared to another 175 piece limited Edition Diver X Skeleton in blue and orange Ref. 3723-170LE-3A-BLUE/3A at SGD 34,050.
Release details
This cutting-edge evolution of the existing Diver X collection retains its sporty appeal while taking a radical step towards transparency. As the new hero watch of the Diver collection, the DIVER X SKELETON model is an explosive amalgamation of the design of a Diver and the technical prowess of the Blast collection. It is a volcanic bonding of beauty and brains. The DIVER X SKELETON BLACK is designed to withstand the potentially pressures that exist at depths of 200 meters and is equipped with a black Carbonium® concave unidirectional rotating bezel and domed sapphire glass.
To bring the DIVER X SKELETON model to life, the engineering team has completely redesigned the UN-372 movement, which is visible through the 44 mm 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. The hours, minutes, and seconds hands, as well as the indexes are coated with white or yellow tinted Super-LumiNova®.
The desire to keep the dial interface of the DIVER X SKELETON in the shape of the “X” was one of the most technical and complex developments ever undertaken by Ulysse Nardin. The hour indexes 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 lugs, has been coated in black DLC. Yellow details, such as the hour markers and the internal lines of Ulysse Nardin’s signature “X” add vibrant explosions of color and emphasize themodel’s sports origins.
Carbonium®: aircraft fuselage on the wrist
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 limited to 175 timepieces comes with both a yellow rubber strap and a black fabric R-strap made of upcycled polyamide from fishing nets. It is priced at 24’500 CHF.
Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton Black specifications
Reference 3723-170LE-2A-BLACK/3B
Movement UN-372 Manufacture caliber, Skeleton automatic movement
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, Extra-large Silicium oscillator, Silicium escape wheel, anchor and balance spring 171 components / 23 jewels, 3 Hz frequency/ 21,600 V/H oscillations
Dial Skeleton dial, X shape black PVD / Black indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova®
Case/bezel Titanium black DLC sandblasted and satin finish-case / Concave black Carbonium® unidirectional rotating bezel with a domed sapphire glass
Case back Black DLC Titanium open case-back with sapphire crystal
Diameter 44mm
Strap Black R-STRAP with scratch closing / 100% Recycled fishing nets from the Ocean
Water resistance 200m
Power reserve 72 hours
Limited edition 175 pieces
