Podcast Summary: The Real Time Show – DIVEAIR with Matthieu Haverlan, Ulysse Nardin Managing Director

Episode Information:

• Title: DIVEAIR: Matthieu Haverlan, Ulysse Nardin Managing Director
• Release Date: April 4, 2025
• Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
• Description: Real questions. Real Answers. Real talk. The world's most interactive watchmaking podcast, hosted by Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph.

1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph welcoming listeners to "The Real Time Show" from the Plexpo for Watches and Wonders 2025 event. They introduce Matthieu Haverlan, the Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin, highlighting the brand's prominence and the excitement surrounding their latest innovation—the Diver Air watch.

Rob Nudds: "We are very, very exhausted, obviously running back and forth between Time to Watch Us and here. But we would not want to miss this for the world…" [00:05]

2. Introducing the Diver Air Watch

Matthieu Haverlan unveils the Diver Air, positioning it as the lightest mechanical dive watch ever created. He details the project's five-year development aimed at crafting the "ultimate high horology sport watch."

Matthieu Haverlan: "It's called the Diver Air. It's, as a matter of fact, the lightest mechanical dive watch ever made." [00:35]

3. Features and Innovations of Diver Air

a. Lightness

Matthieu emphasizes the watch's exceptional lightness, weighing only 52 grams with the Velcro strap. The head of the watch alone is 46 grams, making it unparalleled in comfort and wearability.

Matthieu Haverlan: "It's 52 grams, including the Velcro strap. The strap weight is 6 grams. So the head of the watch is 46 grams." [00:54]

b. Robustness

Balancing lightness with durability, the Diver Air boasts impressive robustness. It maintains a shock resistance of 5,000 GS, comparable to the renowned 118 caliber movement found in the regular Diver 44 watch.

Matthieu Haverlan: "At 200 meters, you've got a pressure of 170 kilograms on the sapphire glass, so it must be robust. But on top of that, we have the same shock resistance as a regular level 44." [03:07]

c. Horology Excellence

The watch showcases Ulysse Nardin's commitment to high horology through pioneering skeletonization techniques. The Diver Air features an ultra-skeletonized movement, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Matthieu Haverlan: "It's super light, it's 52 grams... but on top of that, it's a proper diving watch." [00:54]

4. Design and Material Innovations

a. Nylofoil Composition

A standout feature of the Diver Air is the integration of Nylofoil, a composite material created by blending carbon fiber with ocean netting. This innovative material not only reduces weight but also supports sustainability by repurposing ocean pollutants.

Matthieu Haverlan: "Nylofoil is a composition of carbon fiber... mixed with fishing nets, with ocean netting... 60% ocean netting, 40% carbon foil." [09:22]

b. Sustainability Efforts

Ulysse Nardin underscores its dedication to environmental responsibility by collaborating with French startups to extract and repurpose ocean netting, thereby addressing marine pollution.

Matthieu Haverlan: "We have a commitment to clean, to help cleaning the oceans and to raise concern about polluting the ocean." [12:26]

5. Brand Mission and Philosophy

Matthieu articulates Ulysse Nardin's enduring mission: to advance the watchmaking industry through relentless innovation. The brand prioritizes quality and technological advancement over profit, adhering to the guiding principle established by Paul-David Nardin.

Matthieu Haverlan: "If it's possible, it's done. If it's impossible, it will be done." [14:41]

He highlights the brand's initiatives, such as pioneering silicon escapements and supporting traditional crafts like enameling, to reinforce their commitment to industry progress.

Matthieu Haverlan: "Our responsibility extends to the industry itself... we co-founded Sigatec... we rescued one of the oldest and best atelier dedicated to enameling called dance cadron." [14:41]

6. Pricing and Market Position

The Diver Air is priced at 36,000 Swiss Francs, including VAT. This pricing strategy is positioned as fair within the context of its advanced features and compared to similar high-end models from brands like Omega and Richard Mille.

Matthieu Haverlan: "We price it at 36,000 Swiss Francs including VAT... it's like 50K [Swiss Francs] but it's 36." [14:41]

Matthieu emphasizes that the pricing reflects the extensive research and development invested over five years, aligning with Ulysse Nardin's mission rather than solely focusing on profit margins.

7. Future Directions and Product Line

Looking ahead, Ulysse Nardin plans to continue innovating across its product lines, maintaining a focus on the Diver, Marine, Freak, and Blast series. The brand intends to enhance water resistance and integrate new technologies while staying true to its mission of innovation.

Matthieu Haverlan: "The red thread is going to be innovation whether it's in the material, whether it's in the mechanism, whether it's in the, you know, keep on improving the escapement of a watch." [19:56]

He also indicates a gradual increase in entry-level pricing to ensure consistency and value across the brand's offerings.

Matthieu Haverlan: "The entry is going to be more around 15k Euro but only through bringing adding value and better product." [19:56]

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with enthusiastic endorsements from the hosts, who express admiration for the Diver Air's blend of lightness, durability, and innovative design. Rob Nudds highlights the watch's impeccable Ulysse Nardin DNA, particularly noting the silicon balance.

Rob Nudds: "You've got all of the great Ulyss Nardin DNA. You can see it in the silicon balance fluttering away at 6:00. I'm in love." [23:15]

Matthieu extends his gratitude towards the hosts and attendees, reinforcing the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Matthieu Haverlan: "Thank you so much to the two of you." [23:36]

Notable Quotes:

• Matthieu Haverlan: "It's the ultimate high horology sport watch." [00:54]
• Matthieu Haverlan: "If it's possible, it's done. If it's impossible, it will be done." [14:41]
• Matthieu Haverlan: "We have a commitment to clean, to help cleaning the oceans." [12:26]
• Rob Nudds: "It's built like a tank and it wears like a dream." [23:06]

Key Takeaways:

• Diver Air is positioned as the lightest mechanical dive watch, weighing only 52 grams.
• Nylofoil, a blend of carbon fiber and ocean netting, exemplifies Ulysse Nardin's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
• The brand maintains financial independence, allowing for sustained innovation without compromising its mission.
• Future product lines will continue to emphasize technological advancements and superior materials, reinforcing Ulysse Nardin's leadership in high horology.

For watch enthusiasts and those intrigued by cutting-edge watchmaking, this episode offers deep insights into Ulysse Nardin's latest masterpiece and the brand's unwavering dedication to advancing the art of watchmaking.