BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Ulysse Nardin revealed its new Diver Chronometer just weeks ago during the Monaco Yacht Show. The slick piece is rather a cleaner iteration of the emblematic model. Moreover, this is a smaller 42 mm version, honestly the new size is quite surprising for the collection. Interestingly though the watch also serves as the entry-level piece for the brand which is quite nice for those looking to have a Ulysse Nardin watch. For CHF 5,800, this diver can now be yours as long as you’re fine with the smaller size. Okay so let’s go to the details of the new Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 mm with an 300 m water resistance.
Other than the “small size”, the new Diver adds a cool modern vintage look that looks fitting for the same concave bezel and a domed sapphire crystal. Next is the clean dial with its nice grained texture with a sand-blasted finish. The indications in beige also adds retro looks. Looking even closer, we can see the longitude and latitude of Le Locle, Switzerland which is the hometown of the brand. As we assumed, the hour markers and hands are also lumed. There is also a useful unidirectional bezel with a 60-minute scale.
Moving on to the case, the redesign is subtle minus the size of course. The protective device around the crown is not present, maybe to make way for the smaller size and the lugs are noticeably slimmer. However, the signature elements of the UN Diver like the stepped lugs, brushed and polished surfaces, and large notches on the bezel are all here. Considering its size, UN also decided to let go of the integrated rubber strap in place for the Milanese mesh bracelet or a classic diver-styled steel bracelet.
Underneath the case is the automatic calibre UN–816 with hours, minutes, central seconds and date. The discreet window at 6 o’clock looks good yet too small. The movement is Sellita SW300 based but heavily modified to include in-house silicon components for the regulating organ. Moreover, it operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and cranks 42 hours of power reserve. An anchor motive or a shark for the blue shark edition can be found on the solid caseback.
Speaking of the strap, the integrated rubber strap would not look very nice for this classical model, good decision of UN to let it go but there’s a wide range of straps to choose from textile or calf leather straps in black or dark blue. The Milanese mesh bracelet looks great if you like stylish or the steel bracelet for a more robust look. The Blue Shark limited edition (300 pieces) is distinguished by its blue PVD-coated steel with orange accents.
Finally, the Blue Shark limited edition costs CHF 6,800 whereas the Diver Chronometer 44 mm with in-house movement costs at CHF 7,900. Moreover, the Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 mm retails for CHF 5,800 on textile or leather strap and CHF 6,500 on a Milanese mesh bracelet. Visit Ulysse Nardin here.
