Ulysse Nardin’s recycled fishing net straps

To seal its commitment to sustainable luxury and the conservation of the marine environment, the watchmaker Ulysse Nardin is manufacturing its first strap made from recycled fishing nets to bring awareness to swimmer and adventurer, Ben Lecomte’s warning of ocean pollution. The brand is proud to welcome Ben as the newest ambassador to the family of “Ulysses”. Every year, nine million tons of plastic are discharged into the sea. Ben Lecomte is a witness on the front line of this invasion. “I’ve seen the impact that plastic has on the marine environment which affects the smallest to the largest organisms,” Ben said.

In response to Ben’s message, Ulysse Nardin has selected an innovative polyamide yarn fully recycled from fishing nets to weave its new wrist strap, compatible with Diver 44mm, Diver 42mm, Diver Chronograph, Marine Torpilleur and Freak X watches. This strap, of which Ben Lecomte is the proud ambassador, is the watchmaker’s first 100% waterproof fabric. Sturdy, it is interwoven on the edges to prevent fraying and withstand abrasion (Martindale test). The dying technique used before extrusion by the supplier JTTi for its YTT+ yarn reels (100% recycled from fishing nets) gives a uniform black color and has the non-negligible environmental advantage of not using water during production.

“Reusing sea nets for jewelled watches is unique and a fantastic combination”, enthuses the adventurer. Ulysse Nardin is very close to the marine environment and I’m interested in seeing how the watches people have used for years can evolve. The entire business model is changing and adapting to the new conditions and demands with a more circular model. This circular economy approach is fairly unique for a luxury product. The plastic is not being created for the watch as it has already been used. In the sea, it’s a pollutant. Around my wrist, it becomes powerful.”