Ulysse Nardin has a storied history deeply intertwined with the maritime world, a legacy that began in 1846. The Swiss watchmaker quickly established itself as a premier producer of marine chronometers, instruments vital for oceanic navigation. These precise timekeepers were indispensable tools for navies and explorers across the globe, cementing Ulysse Nardin's reputation for supreme mechanical accuracy. Nearly two centuries later, this commitment to precision and innovation in mechanical watchmaking continues to be a hallmark of the independent Maison.
Building on this rich nautical heritage,
Ulysse Nardin has recently introduced the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK], a timepiece that not only showcases the brand's high-horology dive watch capabilities but also underscores its dedication to marine conservation. This new model joins a series of "shark line" watches, each created to bring attention to the plight of these often-misunderstood marine creatures and to raise funds for organizations working towards their protection. Previous editions have highlighted the Great White Shark, the Lemon Shark, and the Blue Shark. The latest iteration focuses on the Hammerhead Shark, a species facing significant threats.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The selection of the Hammerhead Shark for this edition is particularly poignant. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, global populations of all recorded Hammerhead Shark species are in decline. Specifically, the Scalloped and Great Hammerhead are designated as ‘critically endangered’. The primary drivers of this alarming trend are overfishing, pollution, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Ulysse Nardin's initiative aims to shed light on these critical issues.
A key figure in Ulysse Nardin's efforts for shark advocacy is brand ambassador Mike Coots. Coots' connection to sharks is intensely personal; he lost a leg in a tiger shark attack as a teenager. Instead of fostering fear or resentment, this life-altering event ignited a profound passion for understanding and protecting sharks. He has since become a vocal advocate for marine conservation and a respected voice on the importance of sharks to oceanic ecosystems. Ulysse Nardin values Coots' dedication and insights, which significantly contribute to their conservation-focused initiatives.
In line with its commitment to environmental responsibility, Ulysse Nardin has pledged to donate 1 percent of the annual sales from the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] to conservation efforts. This contribution is facilitated through its membership in 1% for the Planet, a global organization established in 2002. Members of this collective commit to donating 1 percent of their revenues to environmental causes. For the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK], the designated recipient of these funds is the Shark Trust, a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to protecting shark populations worldwide.
The Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] is a robust and technically proficient dive watch, designed to perform in demanding underwater environments. It builds upon the established Ulysse Nardin Diver collection, known for its fusion of high horology and practical dive features. The watch boasts a water resistance of 300 meters, a crucial feature for serious divers. It also incorporates a uni-directional rotating bezel, essential for accurately timing dives, luminescent detailing for visibility in low-light conditions, and a clearly discernible running seconds hand that serves as a visual confirmation that the watch is operational.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
At the heart of the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] lies the flagship UN-118 Manufacture Movement. This self-winding calibre is a testament to Ulysse Nardin's in-house watchmaking prowess, offering exceptional reliability and accuracy. A key feature of the UN-118 is its escapement made of DiamonSil, a proprietary technology that combines silicon with a diamond coating, and a silicon balance spring. This advanced material science results in superior anti-magnetic properties and eliminates the need for traditional lubrication, enhancing the movement's longevity and performance. The movement also provides a substantial 60-hour power reserve, conveniently indicated by a gauge at the 12 o’clock position on the dial. Furthermore, it features a date corrector that allows for easy adjustment of the date both forwards and backwards.
Visually, the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] presents a striking and purposeful aesthetic. The 44mm case is crafted from titanium and finished with a deep ocean blue PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) treatment, giving it a stealthy and contemporary look. Titanium is an excellent choice for a dive watch due to its strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance. The uni-directional rotating bezel is a key functional element, featuring a rubberized blue insert for enhanced grip, even with gloved hands. The bezel is marked with a 60-minute scale, a standard and indispensable tool for divers to monitor their immersion time.
The dial of the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] is a captivating blue with a sandblasted finish, evoking the depths of the ocean. A prominent red and blue "X" motif is emblazoned across the dial, a recurring design element in Ulysse Nardin's collections that signifies the brand's dynamic and innovative approach to watchmaking design and technology. Positioned at 6 o’clock is a small seconds sub-dial, which incorporates a lumed running seconds hand. This feature is critical for a dive watch, as it allows the wearer to quickly confirm that the watch is functioning correctly, even in the dim light of underwater environments. Neatly integrated within this sub-dial is a round date window, providing practical everyday functionality.
The power reserve indicator, located at 12 o'clock, also features a lumed hand, ensuring that the remaining power of the watch can be easily assessed in all lighting conditions. The notched, screw-down crown contributes to the watch's impressive water resistance. It is thoughtfully flanked by two red crown protectors, a design feature intended to shield the crown from accidental impacts that could compromise its integrity or the watch's water resistance. This detail underscores the watch's robust build quality and suitability for rugged use.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] is offered with two distinct strap options, catering to different preferences and activities. The first option is a blue rubber strap that features a red Hammerhead Shark motif, subtly reinforcing the watch's thematic connection. This strap is secured with a blue PVD-coated titanium tang buckle and includes a single blue PVD-coated titanium link adorned with the Ulysse Nardin logo. The rubber material is ideal for water-based activities, offering durability and comfort. The second strap option is a blue fabric strap with contrasting red edging. This strap utilizes a Velcro scratch fastening system, allowing for quick and secure adjustments. This type of strap is known for its lightweight feel and adaptability.
Turning the watch over reveals a blue PVD-coated titanium case back. This solid case back is intricately engraved with a depiction of a Hammerhead Shark, further emphasizing the watch's namesake. Red detailing on the case back indicates the model number, its limited-edition status, and the 300-meter water resistance rating. A notable detail on the rubber strap option is the engraving of the 1% for the Planet logo on the back of the single titanium link, a discreet yet meaningful reminder of the watch's charitable component.
The Caliber UN-118 movement, powering this exceptional timepiece, is a complex and finely crafted piece of engineering. It is composed of 231 individual parts and incorporates 50 jewels, which reduce friction and wear on moving components, contributing to the movement's accuracy and longevity. The total diameter of the movement is 31mm. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), a standard for modern precision movements that contributes to its timekeeping stability. The functions provided by the UN-118 include central hour and minute hands, the small seconds and round date window at 6 o’clock, and the power reserve indicator. The innovative DIAMonSIL® escapement is a cornerstone of its advanced technical specifications.
The case of the Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] measures 44mm in diameter and has a thickness of 14.81mm. Despite its robust construction and substantial size, the use of titanium for the case material helps to keep the weight manageable at 103.99 grams, ensuring comfortable wear, especially during active pursuits. The watch crystal is made of sapphire, a material highly valued in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring the dial remains clear and legible over time. The hands on the blue dial are rhodium-finished and feature white Superluminova®, a luminescent material that provides excellent visibility in dark conditions, essential for a dive watch.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin's philosophy, "No Boundaries. Since 1846," encapsulates its enduring spirit of innovation and its willingness to challenge the conventions of Haute Horlogerie. The Maison's early renown for precision timing instruments laid the foundation for nearly two centuries of horological advancements. Over five generations, the Nardin family consistently produced marine chronometers of the highest reliability, earning the trust of naval forces and scientific expeditions worldwide. These instruments were critical not only for navigation but also for research in fields such as geodesy, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Throughout its history, Ulysse Nardin has been at the forefront of innovation in chronometry, in-house movement development, and material research and development. This dedication to pushing horological boundaries has resulted in the accumulation of over 4,300 technical and design awards. The Manufacture has introduced numerous groundbreaking timepieces, including the first chiming watch with Jacquemarts automatons, the intricate Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, and the pioneering perpetual calendar that could be adjusted both forwards and backwards via the crown – a significant user-friendly innovation. Ulysse Nardin was also a pioneer in the use of silicon in watchmaking, a material now widely recognized for its benefits in precision and durability, and developed DiamonSil®, the revolutionary surface treatment that enhances the performance of its movements.
The launch of the Freak in 2001 was a watershed moment, perfectly embodying Ulysse Nardin's distinctive approach of blending high technology with traditional craftsmanship in a truly unconventional manner. More than two decades later, the enduring impact of this audacious creation was recognized when the Freak [ONE] received the "Most Iconic Watch" prize at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This accolade underscores the Freak's lasting influence on contemporary watchmaking.
As part of the first collective of independent watchmaking manufactures, alongside its sister company Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin continues its mission to redefine the expectations of a heritage brand. It consistently pushes the boundaries of horology, maintaining a global presence with boutiques in key cities, including flagship stores in Geneva, Silicon Valley, Dubai, and Shanghai. This global reach allows the Maison to connect with watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world, sharing its passion for innovation and craftsmanship.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The Ulysse Nardin Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] is a limited-edition release, with only 300 pieces being produced. This exclusivity adds to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both its technical merits and its conservation-focused mission. The watch, identified by the reference numbers 1183-170LE-3A-HAMMER/3A for the rubber strap version and 1183-170LE-3A-HAMMER/0A for the fabric strap version, was scheduled for release on May 7th.
Regarding pricing and availability, both strap versions of the Ulysse Nardin Diver [HAMMERHEAD SHARK] are priced at $12,100. Given the limited production run of 300 pieces, prospective buyers are encouraged to inquire with authorized Ulysse Nardin retailers for availability. This timepiece represents a convergence of Ulysse Nardin's maritime legacy, its commitment to innovative watchmaking, and its dedication to the vital cause of shark conservation, making it a compelling offering for those who seek a high-performance dive watch with a meaningful purpose.
Case: Titanium with blue PVD treatment, 44mm diameter, 14.81mm thickness. Sapphire crystal. Uni-directional rotating bezel with rubberised blue insert and 60-minute scale. Screw-down crown with red crown protectors. Blue PVD-coated titanium case back engraved with Hammerhead Shark motif. Water resistance 300 meters. Weight 103.99g.
Movement: Caliber UN-118, self-winding. 231 parts, 50 jewels. 31mm total diameter. Frequency 4 Hz (28,800 vph). 60-hour power reserve. Functions: Hour, minute, small seconds and round date window at 6 o’clock, power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. DIAMonSIL® escapement.
Dial: Blue sandblasted dial with red and blue 'X' motif. Rhodium-finished hands with white Superluminova®. Lumed running seconds hand in small seconds sub-dial. Lumed hand for power reserve indicator.
Strap: Choice of two: Blue rubber strap with red Hammerhead Shark motif, blue PVD titanium tang buckle, and single blue PVD titanium link with Ulysse Nardin logo (1% for the Planet logo engraved on back of link). Or, blue fabric strap with red edging and Velcro scratch fastening system.
Price: $12,100
Reference Number: 1183-170LE-3A-HAMMER/3A (rubber strap), 1183-170LE-3A-HAMMER/0A (fabric strap)
Notes: Limited edition of 300 pieces. The watch supports shark conservation, with 1% of annual sales donated to 1% for the Planet, benefiting the Shark Trust. The UN-118 movement features a date-corrector allowing forward and backward date setting. Released May 7th.