Ulysse Nardin creates lightest mechanical dive watch ever

Known for pushing technical boundaries, the new Diver [AIR] from Ulysse Nardin sets a new standard in high horology, high technology, and high performance, weighing just 52g including the strap.

The brand has a deep history in dive watchmaking, dating back to its first waterproof instrument in 1893.

Looking back at its archives, the Diver X Skeleton (2021) was a milestone, merging skeletonised haute horology with a robust dive watch. Now, the Diver [AIR] takes this fusion even further by cutting its weight in half while maintaining the resilience and precision expected of such a instrument.

This weight reduction was achieved through a complete reengineering of the movement and case.

The new UN-374 calibre is a refined version of the UN-372, with its components hollowed out and restructured to increase strength while minimizing mass.

Here, the bridges and main plate are made from 90% recycled titanium, while its ultra-skeletonised architecture means the movement is 80% air, yet withstands 5,000g of impact force.

The 44mm case follows suit with a modular construction, combining titanium and Nylo-Foil – a material made from recycled fishing nets and carbon fibre from IMOCA racing boats.

Sustainable considerations can also be seen with the concave rotating bezel which is forged from CarbonFoil, an upcycled carbon composite.

Despite its extreme lightness, the Diver [AIR] meets the stringent ISO standards for dive watches, including 200m water resistance and automatic winding.

The watch also boasts a 90-hour power reserve thanks to its flying barrel design.

Completing the timepiece is two ultra-lightweight interchangeable straps, in orange and white, made from elastic fabric with a scratch closure system.

CHF 36,000 / $38,000, ulysse-nardin.com