The Vendée Globe, widely regarded as one of the most demanding sailing races, draws competitors with a drive for endurance and a willingness to push beyond limits. Each solo skipper braves the elements on a 45,000-kilometre journey around the globe, contending with towering waves, freezing temperatures, and unyielding isolation. As these sailors challenge the limits of human resilience, their dedication finds a parallel in the Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Vendée Globe – a robust yet thoughtfully crafted watch that reflects both the brand’s technical ingenuity and an enduring commitment to marine conservation.

This year, Ulysse Nardin, an icon of maritime timekeeping, returns as the Official Partner and Timekeeper of the 10th Vendée Globe, underscoring the shared values of precision, courage, and respect for the world’s oceans. Through the Diver NET Vendée Globe, Ulysse Nardin has crafted a watch that not only celebrates the indomitable spirit of the race but also reinforces the brand’s dedication to pioneering sustainable horology. Made from upcycled materials and powered by Ulysse Nardin’s in-house movement, the Diver NET Vendée Globe is a symbol of technical advancement with a purpose: to draw attention to ocean conservation and inspire others to consider their impact on our world’s most precious ecosystems.

The Diver NET Vendée Globe represents Ulysse Nardin’s most ambitious environmental endeavour to date, crafted with a compelling mix of upcycled materials. The watch’s case components, including flanks, lugs, and the back, are made from NyloFoil – a composite material combining recycled fishing nets and carbon fibre. This thoughtful design does more than highlight the company’s environmental awareness; it connects the watch directly to the race's location.

The fishing nets used in the NyloFoil material were sourced from Les Sables d’Olonne, where the race begins, showcasing Ulysse Nardin’s appreciation for regional partnerships and sustainable sourcing. The bezel, fashioned from CarbonFoil, is another example of innovative material use, created from excess carbon fibre left over from the production of the very boats used in the Vendée Globe.

The movement’s escapement features DIAMonSIL, made from upcycled silicon, adding an intricate layer of precision without additional environmental impact. These carefully selected materials result in a watch that is durable, functional, and environmentally considerate.

This special edition piece carries the Vendée Globe’s red and blue hues with a uniquely sandblasted grey dial and a prominent “X,” symbolising the race’s 10th edition. At 12 o’clock, the power reserve indicator is marked in the same distinctive colours, enhancing functionality and visual appeal. Moreover, the date window at 6 o’clock displays the 10th day in red, marking both the race’s starting date and the significance of this year’s anniversary.

Every element of the Diver NET Vendée Globe is designed with purpose and practicality. The case is water-resistant to 300 metres, a critical feature for any marine watch, and the unidirectional rotating bezel with Super-LumiNova minute markers offers essential legibility. Additionally, the watch’s screw-down crown is flanked by protectors that ensure resilience without compromising the watch’s elegant profile.

Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to environmental consciousness extends beyond the Diver NET Vendée Globe, aligning with the Vendée Globe’s own “One Globe, One Ocean” mission. The watch serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and the impact of climate change, underscoring the fragility of the world’s oceans. Ulysse Nardin’s partnerships with organisations like Fil & Fab, which recycles and transforms fishing nets into durable polyamide pellets, further demonstrate the brand’s proactive approach to sustainability and marine stewardship.

The Diver NET Vendée Globe’s thoughtful design embodies a partnership of innovation and responsibility, speaking to Ulysse Nardin’s core values of resilience and sustainability. This partnership also serves as an invitation to reflect on our role in preserving the oceans, an ethos that Ulysse Nardin continually champions through its horological advancements.

Available in both red and grey strap options crafted from recycled materials, the Diver NET Vendée Globe comes as a 44 mm case model, powered by Ulysse Nardin’s in-house UN-118 automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve. Each watch is individually numbered, reflecting the unique journey that each wearer will embark on with this watch, a true companion for those who share the brand’s respect for nature and the sea.

In crafting the Diver NET Vendée Globe, Ulysse Nardin reaffirms its dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and conservation alike, bridging the worlds of tradition and modernity. As competitors prepare for this year’s Vendée Globe, the Diver NET Vendée Globe stands as a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s legacy in precision and its forward-looking stance on environmental responsibility.

Want to know more about Ulysse Nardin and the Diver NET Vendee Globe? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the Manufacture or send us a message to enquire further.