The 52-Gram Diver AIR by Ulysse Nardin is the lightest mechanical dive watch ever created.
In an innovative move towards sustainability and technological advancement, Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has unveiled its latest timepiece, the Diver AIR watch. Debuted at Watches & Wonders, this remarkable watch weighs less than 52 grams, including the strap, despite its 46mm case size.
The Diver AIR watch's lightweight construction is achieved through the use of innovative materials. The case is made from a combination of recycled titanium, carbon fiber, and fishing nets, with the middle case comprising 90% recycled titanium. The sides and lugs, meanwhile, are crafted from Nylo-foil and recycled fishing nets.
The watch's movement, the in-house Caliber UN-374 automatic, is 80% air due to the removal of a large plate up top, making it particularly lightweight. Ulysse Nardin has also used titanium for the majority of the movement's construction, a first for the brand. The movement includes a silicon escapement, oscillator, and balance spring, and boasts a mainspring barrel with a 90-hour power reserve.
The Diver AIR watch's movement weighs just 7 grams but is capable of withstanding 5,000g of impact. The bridges of the movement were made narrower and their innards were removed for a hollow center, contributing to its lightweight yet robust design. The movement's skeletonized dial allows visibility through the watch to the other side.
The unidirectional rotating bezel is made from upcycled carbon fiber from IMOCA sailing boats, further emphasizing the watch's eco-friendly ethos. The Diver AIR watch is also available with two additional strap options: a white and an orange elastic fabric strap, each weighing under 6 grams.
The Diver AIR watch is water-resistant to 200m and is not a limited edition. It is now available for purchase, with a price tag of $38,000. With its lightweight materials, commitment to sustainability, and innovative design, the Ulysse Nardin Diver AIR watch is poised to make a significant impact in the luxury watch market.
[1] Recycled titanium used in the case and middle case of the Diver AIR watch. [3] Carbon fiber and fishing nets used in the sides and lugs of the Diver AIR watch. [5] The watch's movement, the in-house Caliber UN-374 automatic, is primarily crafted from titanium.
The use of recycled titanium, carbon fiber, and fishing nets in the Diver AIR watch's case, middle case, sides, and lugs highlights its eco-friendly design. The in-house Caliber UN-374 automatic movement, weighing just 7 grams, is largely constructed from titanium. In an effort to reduce weight, the watch's movement includes a silicon escapement, oscillator, and balance spring, and the proprietary Caliber UN-374 is primarily crafted from titanium.
