Sharks are misunderstood creatures. The apex predators of the sea have commonly painted as villains of the deep but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Swiss watchmaking Maisons, Ulysse Nardin have made it mission to devote its time and effort to shark conservation and its new Diver Chrono Great White is proof of that intent.

The new limited edition timepiece was launched in timely fashion for Shark Week. This new diver chronograph from the brand features a sandblasted and satin finished 44mm titanium case and displays a white, unidirectional, rotating, rubberized bezel.

A History Of Shark Watches

The new Ulysse Nardin Diver Chrono Great White is limited to 300 pieces

That said, this isn’t the first time Ulysse Nardin has released a timepiece that pays homage to the shark. In 2010 the brand unveiled its first – the Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead shark watch. In 2018, the brand officially makes the shark its emblem and brand’s advertising campaign signature. The same year, it also launched its first Diver Great White, which instantly sold out. The brand also launched a women’s Great White Diver in 2019.

This year, Ulysse Nardin delivers yet another contemporary and functional model designed specifically for the deep. The new Ulysse Nardin Diver Chrono Great White is engineered to withstand a depth of 300 metres. Fitted with a Caliber UN 150 self-winding movement, it features a 30 minute counter, a 12 hour counter and a small second counter with date.

Touches of blue and white decorate the grey dial, modelled to look like the animal’s skin. The words ‘Great White’ are placed just below the brand’s logo with the silhouette of the animal appearing on the white rubber strap. A concave bezel with a domed sapphire glass affirms the deep diving credentials of this new diver chronograph.

In Support Of Sharks

Ulysse Nardin is dedicated to the conservation of sharks

The Diver Chronograph 44 mm Limited Edition Great White is limited to just 300 units. Ulysse Nardin will also donate portions of the sale of its new watch to support non-profit organisations focused on sharks. Avatars and cherished icons of Ulysse Nardin, these majestic top predators are essential to the natural order of marine ecosystems.

However with overfishing, many species are now threatened with extinction. Science has proven that sharks have been an irreplaceable resource for coastal communities in the developing world for centuries. Currently, this unique balance is in danger of being lost forever, which is why Ulysse Nardin has dedicated its time and efforts to the conservation of sharks, one of the emblems of the iconic Swiss watch manufacturer.

Following the launch of its new Diver Chrono Great White, the brand has also announced its increasing support of a new fleet of shark conservation initiatives and partners. Ulysse Nardin has pledged 1% of annual sales of all ‘shark watches’ to 1 FOR THE PLANET, a non-profit organizations focused on sharks.

It has also partnered with SHARKTRUST, the leading European shark conservation charity. The outfit actively works to reform unsustainable and unmanaged fisheries and the supply chain that drive the global consumption of shark products, through legislation and effective conservation actions.

Mike Coots is an advocate for shark conservation

Lastly it has also added Mike Coots, a new friend of the brand to the family. The Hawaiian native became an amputee when he lost his right leg in a tiger shark attack at 18 years old while bodyboarding. Despite losing a limb, Coots realized the importance of preservation and has since become an advocate for saving sharks in an effort to maintain balance in the ecosystem.

With its important initiatives to help with shark conservation, the new Diver Chrono Great White is not merely a captivating new timepiece from Ulysse Nardin. It is in fact a powerful statement for collectors, one that pays homage to an important species of a fragile marine ecosystem.

(Images: Ulysse Nardin)