Ulysse Nardin Diver X Nemo Point
UNcharted: Two Ulysse Nardin Diver X Timepieces Designed For The World’s Most Hostile Environments
From the southernmost continent of Antarctica to the ocean coordinates furthest from civilization, Ulysse Nardin’s Diver X models are made for explorers who seek out nature’s loneliest and most dangerous places.
By Sophie Furley
Contributor
Today we take a look at two of Ulysse Nardin’s extreme sports watches – the Diver X Nemo Point and the Diver X Antarctica – and the incredible adventures that are associated with them.
Nemo Point – Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility
The Ulysse Nardin X Nemo Point takes its name from the most remote place on Earth with over, the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, 1,600 miles (1,400 nmi) of water in every single direction before hitting even the smallest spit of land. It is so far from civilization that the closest human beings are actually the astronauts in the International Space Station! The term “Nemo” is Latin for “no one” and it also refers to the name of Jules Verne’s submarine captain from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and for whom this pole of inaccessibility is named.
The Vendée Globe
This inaccessible place is also on the route of the famous open-ocean race, the Vendée Globe, the only sailing race around the world that takes place solo, non-stop, and without assistance. The race begins and ends in France’s Les Sables d’Olonne and traverses the freezing temperatures, gigantic waves, and tempestuous skies of the Atlantic and Southern Oceans.
The Everest Of The Seas
Since the competition began 30 years ago, there have been 167 contenders, yet only 89 finishers, earning this death-defying race the name of “The Everest of the Seas.”
“This is not a race for those who doubt themselves,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin. “This is a challenge for modern-day Ulysses who believe that they will be able to confront themselves, their fears, and nature’s strongest forces in order to complete an odyssey of epic proportions.” The monohull yachting event takes place every four years and will next depart on November 8th, 2020 with Ulysse Nardin as its official timekeeper.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver X Nemo Point And Its X-Factor
Understandably, the watch that accompanies sailors on such an event has to have the roughest and toughest technology to survive the hostile environments of the open oceans. The Ulysse Nardin Diver X Nemo Point is certainly up to the challenge.
Limited to 300 pieces, the Diver X Nemo Point is powered by Ulysse Nardin’s UN-118 Caliber, indicating the hours, minutes, seconds, and date, and guaranteeing accuracy in any hemisphere at any time of day or night. The blue “X” is boldly stamped in relief across the dial, and the route of the Vendée Globe is stamped on the back.
The timepiece comes in a 44mm titanium case with a unidirectional blue carbon bezel and is water-resistant to 300 meters. It is fitted with a blue fabric strap with a red lining that is reminiscent of the leash on a surfboard. The velcro-like clasp is made with cutting-edge technology, so it won’t come off, no matter how bad the conditions become.
Ulysse Nardin Diver X Antarctica
The second timepiece in Ulysse Nardin’s divers’ series is the Diver X Antarctica, which is an ode to the work of award-winning photographer, adventurer, and environmentalist, Sebastian Copeland.
Sebastian Copeland
Copeland has been a friend of Ulysse Nardin since November 2019 and is part of the brand’s team of explorers called “Team of Ulysse,” along with other explorers of the world’s waters such as Fred Buyle, Alex Caizergues, Mathieu Crépel, Sébastien Destremau, Ben Thouard, and Alessia Zecchini. His images, exhibitions, and books of frozen lands are world-famous.
Centennial Expedition Of The South Pole
In 2011, to mark the centennial of explorer Roald Amundsen reaching the South Pole on December 14th, 1911, Copeland set off with partner Eric McNair-Landry on an East to West transcontinental crossing of Antarctica by skis and kites, covering 2,500 miles in 82 days and setting three world records in the process. Next year, he is planning another expedition across the Arctic Ocean.
The Toughest Watches For The Most Hostile Places
In honor of this brave adventurer and his fascination with the Earth’s most hostile landmass, Ulysse Nardin designed the Diver X Antarctica with a frozen white and blue color scheme. Like the Diver X Nemo Point above, the Diver X Antarctica comes in a 44mm titanium case, is water-resistant to 300 meters, features the Vendéé Globe case back stamp, and is powered by the UN-118 Caliber. The Antarctica version, however, comes on a white rubber strap and has a white rubber bezel.
“Ulysse Nardin is a brand as devoted to our planet’s oceans as I am,” says Copeland. “I believe that our partnership will bring important benefits to all parties concerned, and hopefully, raise awareness of what we need to do to take better care of this great blue planet.”
These extreme Diver X timepieces bring attention to parts of our planet that only a few ever get to see, and as Copeland says so eloquently, “Helping people fall in love with their world is a catalyst to wanting to save it.”
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
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Ulysse Diver X Antarctica
