The Most Complex Skeleton Diving Watch Is Back: A Look At Ulysse Nardin’s New Diver x Skeleton

On the heels of the massive success of the DIVER X SKELETON in blue, which sold out upon its release in 2021, the iconic Ulysse Nardin timepiece has returned in a new colorway: black. The relaunch encompasses 175 new pieces in black Carbonium® with a contrasting yellow rubber strap and a black R-STRAP made of upcycled fishing nets.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Remaining true to the Diver collection with bold design elements, the DIVER X SKELETON BLACK evokes an elevated sporty nod while also being a technical testament. Designed to withstand the intense pressures at the depths of 200 meters, the new watch features a black Carbonium® concave unidirectional rotating bezel and domed sapphire glass. In addition, the 44mm case has been sandblasted on the sides with satin lugs and coated in black DLC illuminated with subtle yellow details on the hour markers and internal lines of the signature “X” — ultimately creating a dynamic design.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Bringing the timepiece to life is the redesigned UN-371 movement. Visible through the caseback, the movement has been improved by adding an oscillating weight within the “X.” Perhaps the most important element of the timepiece is the “X” as Ulysse Nardin maintained the shape within the dial interface, proving to be one of the most technical and complex developments taken on by the brand.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

To appear as if they were floating, the hour indexes had to be discreetly connected to the dial, and overlaid layers were used to highlight the central “X.” Completing the complex timepiece are varying levels of finishes used to mimic light in the depths of the ocean, which also amplifies the transparency of the skeleton movement.