As the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe—the world’s largest solo, non-stop, and unassisted sailing race—approaches, Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Diver NET Vendée Globe, a groundbreaking timepiece that reaffirms the brand’s legacy of maritime precision and its commitment to sustainability. With its roots in crafting marine chronometers for 19th-century navies, the Swiss watchmaker continues to bridge the realms of innovation and adventure.

This limited-edition watch, produced in only 300 pieces, embodies the spirit of the Vendée Globe and its intrepid participants. Known as “the Everest of the Seas,” the race challenges solo sailors to circumnavigate the globe, covering an immense and perilous 24,300 nautical miles. To align with the audacity and sustainability values of this extraordinary event, Ulysse Nardin has crafted its most eco-conscious watch to date.

Vendee Globe: A Race Unlike Any Other

The Vendée Globe, held every four years, is a singular test of human endurance, skill, and sheer willpower. First contested in 1989, this solo, non-stop, and unassisted journey around the globe has seen only 200 sailors dare to compete, with just over half reaching the finish line. Starting and ending in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, the course takes competitors around the formidable Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn. Along the way, they battle extreme weather, towering waves, isolation, and mechanical failures—all without external assistance.

Skippers pilot IMOCA 60-class monohulls, cutting-edge vessels designed for speed and resilience. These boats, measuring 60 feet in length with vast sails, can reach speeds of 40 knots, making them some of the fastest monohulls in the world. Yet, even with such technology, racers face relentless challenges over approximately 70 to 116 days at sea.

Ulysse Nardin, returning as the Vendée Globe’s Official Partner and Timekeeper for the second time, celebrates the daring nature of the sailors while highlighting the fragility of our oceans through the Diver NET Vendée Globe.

Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vende’e Globe watch

The Diver NET Vendée Globe is a tribute not only to the skippers’ bravery but also to the race’s commitment to ocean conservation. The watch sets a new benchmark for sustainability in luxury horology, incorporating an unprecedented mix of recycled and upcycled materials.

Its 44mm case flanks, lugs, and case back are crafted from NyloFoil, a hybrid material made from recycled fishing nets sourced directly from Les Sables d’Olonne and upcycled carbon fiber from race boat production waste. The unidirectional rotating bezel, integral for dive timing, uses CarbonFoil, another upcycled material from excess carbon fibers. Even the movement incorporates an upcycled silicon escapement, a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering use of silicon in watchmaking.

The dial, sandblasted gray with red and blue accents, features a bold “X” in homage to the Vendée Globe’s logo and spirit. A date window at 6 o’clock includes a unique red numeral for November 10, 2024—the race’s start date. The watch’s UN-118 automatic movement, visible through the tinted sapphire case back, boasts a 60-hour power reserve and anti-magnetic properties, ensuring reliability under the most challenging conditions.

Completing the timepiece is a fabric strap partially made from recycled fishing nets. For those seeking variety, a second strap option in 100% NyloFoil is also available. It retails for $14,200.

“One Globe, One Ocean”

Through this watch, Ulysse Nardin emphasizes the Vendée Globe’s environmental mission: “One Globe, One Ocean.” This mantra reflects the urgent need to address climate change and protect marine ecosystems. By incorporating locally sourced and upcycled materials, the Diver NET Vendée Globe not only reduces waste but also shines a spotlight on the value of circular economy principles in luxury craftsmanship.

Ulysse Nardin’s partnership with the Vendée Globe is a natural extension of its history as a pioneer of nautical precision and bold design. From the disruptive Freak series to this latest sustainable marvel, the brand continues to challenge conventions and redefine what’s possible in watchmaking.

The Vendée Globe, much like the Diver NET Vendée Globe, is not for the faint of heart. Both the race and the watch celebrate those who dare to push beyond the boundaries, whether in crafting timepieces or navigating the vast, unforgiving oceans. With the release of this exceptional timepiece, Ulysse Nardin sets the standard for luxury watches designed with a conscience—a fitting tribute to the freakishly courageous sailors who just set sail in early November 2024 on this quest.