The New Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead Shark Supports Shark Conservation

Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Diver Hammerhead Shark, a timepiece that marries haute horology with environmental stewardship. Limited to just 300 pieces, this watch is more than a tool for depth exploration—it’s a beacon for shark conservation, channeling 1% of annual sales to 1% for the Planet and the Shark Trust, a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting these endangered apex predators.

The release underscores Ulysse Nardin’s dual commitment to precision engineering and planetary responsibility, blending avant-garde materials with a narrative of ecological advocacy.

At the heart of the Diver Hammerhead Shark lies the UN-TIR manufacture movement, a powerhouse of reliability engineered for extreme conditions. This self-winding calibre features Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary silicon technology, including a DIAMonSIL balance spring, which ensures anti-magnetic performance and long-term accuracy—a critical feature for professional divers navigating unpredictable underwater environments.

The movement’s 28,800 vibrations per hour and 60-hour power reserve, displayed via a gauge at 12 o’clock, cater to both functionality and aesthetics, while a date corrector allows seamless adjustments forward or backward. Encased in blue PVD-coated titanium, the 44mm timepiece is water-resistant to 300 meters, with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down crown flanked by protective guards, ensuring durability against the rigors of deep-sea exploration.

The design language of the Diver Hammerhead Shark pays homage to marine ecosystems, with a sandblasted blue dial accented by red and white details that evoke the ocean’s dynamism. The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, guaranteeing legibility in low-light conditions, while a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock adds a touch of classical elegance.

The caseback, engraved with a hammerhead shark motif, reinforces the watch’s conservation ethos, reminding wearers of the species it aims to protect. Two strap options—a blue rubber band with a titanium link or a blue-and-red fabric strap with a scratch-resistant clasp—offer versatility, whether for diving expeditions or casual wear.

Central to the watch’s narrative is Mike Coots, a shark attack survivor turned globally recognized advocate. At 18, Coots lost his right leg to a tiger shark off Hawaii’s coast, an event that could have fueled fear but instead ignited a lifelong mission to protect sharks.

His collaboration with Ulysse Nardin bridges horology and habitat preservation, amplifying awareness of threats like overfishing and habitat loss. “Sharks are not monsters; they’re vital to ocean health,” Coots emphasizes. His story, etched into the campaign, transforms the watch into a symbol of resilience and redemption, proving that tragedy can catalyze positive change.

Ulysse Nardin’s partnership with 1% for the Planet ensures that each purchase directly funds shark conservation projects, from establishing marine sanctuaries to combating illegal finning. This initiative aligns with the brand’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes pioneering eco-friendly materials like DiamondSil®—a silicon derivative that reduces friction and eliminates the need for lubricants. By integrating such innovations, Ulysse Nardin not only elevates watchmaking standards but also minimizes its environmental footprint, setting a benchmark for ethical luxury.

The Diver Hammerhead Shark continues Ulysse Nardin’s legacy of marine chronometry, tracing back to 1846 when the brand supplied naval fleets with precision instruments. Over 180 years, the maison has pioneered breakthroughs such as the first perpetual calendar adjustable in both directions and the Freak, a watch that redefined mechanical ingenuity.

This latest release honors that heritage while embracing modernity, with a 14.8mm profile that balances robustness and wearability. The blue PVD-coated titanium case resists corrosion, while the anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures clarity under water, making it as practical as it is visually striking.

Priced at $12,000 USD (excluding VAT), the Diver Hammerhead Shark targets collectors and eco-conscious enthusiasts seeking exclusivity with purpose. Its limited-edition status—each piece individually numbered—heightens its allure, while the five-year warranty underscores Ulysse Nardin’s confidence in its craftsmanship.

Competitively positioned within the luxury dive watch market, it rivals offerings from brands like Rolex and Omega but distinguishes itself through its conservation narrative and material innovation. For buyers, owning this timepiece is both an investment in Swiss horology and a contribution to global marine preservation efforts.

The launch arrives amid growing demand for sustainable luxury, where consumers increasingly prioritize brands that align with their values. Ulysse Nardin’s focus on shark conservation taps into broader environmental concerns, particularly as hammerhead populations face critical endangerment.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies scalloped hammerheads as critically endangered, with populations plummeting due to bycatch and habitat degradation. By spotlighting these issues, the Diver Hammerhead Shark transforms wristwear into a conversation starter, merging art with activism.

For diving professionals, the watch’s technical specs are as compelling as its mission. The 300-meter water resistance meets ISO 6425 standards for dive watches, while the unidirectional bezel’s 60-minute scale allows precise tracking of immersion times. The luminescent markers and hands ensure readability in murky depths, and the titanium construction guarantees lightweight endurance. These features, paired with Ulysse Nardin’s legacy of accuracy, make it a reliable companion for underwater adventurers.

Beyond functionality, the Diver Hammerhead Shark embodies a philosophical shift in luxury—a recognition that opulence and responsibility can coexist. Ulysse Nardin’s decision to embed conservation into its DNA reflects a broader industry trend, where brands like Breitling and Panerai also champion environmental causes. Yet few intertwine storytelling and engineering as seamlessly as this release, where every component—from the caseback engraving to the choice of recycled materials—serves a dual purpose.

As the May 2025 launch approaches, anticipation builds among horology aficionados and environmentalists alike. The Diver Hammerhead Shark isn’t merely a timekeeper; it’s a manifesto for change, proving that luxury can be a force for good. By wearing it, owners become ambassadors for shark conservation, carrying a piece of the ocean’s story on their wrists. In a world where marine ecosystems face unprecedented threats, Ulysse Nardin’s latest masterpiece offers hope—one tick at a time.