Review Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark

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For some, World Oceans Day is just a day on the calendar when we remember to celebrate the Earth’s oceans. And maybe that we should do something about it… But for some, World Oceans Day is not just a date but a way of life, a mission. Between those deeply involved in protecting the oceans is Ulysse Nardin. The brand, with profound maritime heritage, was and is involved actively in protecting maritime life and the oceans’ health. One of their latest pieces is the Diver Lemon Shark.

Before going into details of this sweet diver watch dedicated to an equally sweet sea creature, let’s remember why Ulysse Nardin is one of the brands that receive my appreciation when it comes to the blue side of our planet.

Recently, Ulysse Nardin takes action for a healthy ocean and becomes “Time To Act” partner of The Ocean Race. The brand is actively involved in shark’s study and protection. Ulysse Nardin’s latest friend of the brand is Andromache, a young female white shark! The brand is also supporting Ocearch, the leading scientific shark conservation non-profit organization. In 2020, Ulysse Nardin becomes the official timekeeper of “The Explorers”, the “Earth Inventory”. The brand is also an official partner and supporter of the Vendee Globe – a race that gathers crucial information about the state of the oceans in remote and critical areas.

On its own side, Ulysse Nardin is committed to sustainability. In October 2020, Ulysse Nardin marked the first milestone in its commitment to the marine circular economy with the launch of the new “R-STRAP”. The strap made of fishing nets is compatible with the DIVER, MARINE and FREAK X watches and is made from recycled fishing nets, one of the main sources of ocean plastic pollution.

Hands-on Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark

This new diver with its dark tones enlighted by some yellow accents. This watch pays homage to the lemon shark, respectively, the colour of its skin and its connection to the ocean floor.

Black DLC steel case

Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark is cased in stainless steel. The matt finish was additionally covered with a black DLC treatment. The diameter of 42mm is a good choice for this design and wears smaller than expected due to the smart design. The concave bezel with a domed sapphire, the short lugs and the wearing comfort makes the Diver Lemon Shark an attractive solution even for a lady.

As it can be noticed, the yellow lemon colour adorns several elements of the watch: stitching on the strap, highlighted logo on the screwed-in crown, on the bezel and on the dial’s details. As on many of Ulysse Nardin‘s pieces, the right side of the case was enriched with the screwed-in plate bearing the limited series number.

A special note to the fabric strap manufactured from recycled fishing nets. More info about the process of producing these straps can be found here. The strap is very comfortable but, at the same time, offers a good and stable wrist position. I find the strap a bit on the short side – while for my 18.5cm (7.2inch) or smaller wrist is ok, a larger wrist might find it too tight. The Ulysse Nardin bid acts like a securing element not to lose the watch but could be a blocking point on wristing the watch on a large hand.

Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark comes with a metal caseback that does not reveal the movement but displays a nice engraving depicting the Lemon Shark – tree specimens swimming in parallel on a frosted background. The caseback is fixed using six screws and bears several engravings.

Surprisingly warm

The dial of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark is black. Despite its entire dark appearance, the watch impresses in a very positive and warm note due to its lemon shade of yellow. It comes as no surprise to find this combination of colours on many Mediterranean inspired fashion items. It just works well.

The face of the watch begins with its diving bezel presented in black steel with brushed numerals and indexes. The origin is displayed using a yellow zero. To note that the minutes’ indication goes beyond the 15 minutes mark, up to 20 minutes.

The upper side of the dial bears the name of the brand and the traditional anchor logo against a frosted background. For the hours’ marker were used three-dimensional polished steel indexes filled with dark SuperLuminova. The baton hands are manufactured in polished steel, are longitudinally skeletonized and filled with the same luminescent found on the markers. The central seconds is varnished in lemon green and gives a cute touch to the look of the dial, respectively the watch.

The lower side of the dial bears the name of the watch printed in thematic yellow. Beneath, we can find the founding year of the brand. In the lowest position, just above the time register, a round aperture reveals the date printed with white on a black background. The lemon yellow can be also found as printing for the minutes/seconds’ register.

An expert in silicium technologies

For those familiar with Ulysse Nardin, the use of silicium comes as no surprise. The brand is a pioneer and an expert in the use of silicium. The Diver Lemon Shark uses the calibre UN 816. But what might come as a surprise is that this movement is a heavily modified version of the Sellita SW300 – which will also explain the relatively low price of the watch.

This movement with 42 hours of power reserve benefits from all the advantages of the silicum components. Besides the clear antimagnetic properties, the silicium escapement is not affected by temperature variations. Considering the extreme temperatures that a diving watch is exposed to, this innovative material is more than welcome.

Due to the close caseback, the movement’s finishes are not visible. But from the experience with Ulysse Nardin, we can say, with certitude, that the UN 816 is pleasantly decorated.

A watch as sweet as its name and as the ectotherm that it represents

Some find sharks scary. But fear is just unjustified since the sharks, especially the lemon sharks (they are a vulnerable species, by the way) is no real threat for humans. The shark’s yellow colouring serves as an excellent camouflage when swimming over the sandy seafloor in its coastal habitat (source: Wikipedia) – hence the name. Since it does not represent a danger for humans it is a target for commercial and recreational fishermen.

Like any creature, it has its fans, lovers but also haters. The same applies to the Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark watch – some will consider it sweet, even adorable, others might not. Beyond the matter of taste, the watch is a solid diving tool, with a bold presence and comfortable wear. It serves a noble purpose and brings into attention the danger in which the lemon shark is and what has to face – the human’s dark side – killing for pleasure or profit.

I find the Diver Lemon Shark an agreeable daily companion for a sporty and adventurous collector (regardless of a daring woman, a sportsman or a desk diver).

It might not be the cheapest out there, but I find the price justified. Ulysse Nardin heavily modifies a movement, brings a nice case (a signature of the brand’s diving collection) and serves a noble cause. I can only say: well done Ulysse Nardin. #weareulysse