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Ulysse Nardin Diver 39mm Black DLC Stainless Steel Case
Ref. 8165-182B-3/BLACK
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Stepping up in Ulysse Nardin's range
The Lady Diver sits at the point where serious diving capability meets jewellery-grade finishing — a combination Ulysse Nardin has pursued since the line's early days and here takes to its most considered conclusion. The case is individually numbered at the side, so each piece is formally distinct, and the 18ct rose gold bezel is set with 40 diamonds that rotate with the timing function rather than sitting decoratively still. At 39mm and just 11.25mm across the back to the crystal, the proportions are genuinely compact for a watch rated to 300m; it tucks against the wrist rather than sitting away from it, and the all-black treatment of the case keeps the rose gold and diamonds from reading as costume. The 11 diamond hour markers catch light differently from a metal dial, giving the face a depth that changes at an angle, while the silicon hairspring in the UN-816 — replacing the traditional lever escapement — brings better resistance to magnetism and temperature without the servicing demands of a conventional anchor. The black ceramic pin buckle and the numbered case side are the details that land in the second week: small markers that the finish has been thought through rather than arrived at by default.
- Reference
- 8165-182B-3/BLACK
- Brand
- Ulysse Nardin
- Case size
- 39mm
- Case thickness
- 11.25mm
- Case material
- Black PVD
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Bezel
- Unidirectional rotating
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- UN-816
- Functions
- Date
- Water resistance
- 300m
- Bracelet / strap
- Rubber strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Folding clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Power reserve
- 42 hours
- Gem set
- Yes
Learn more about Ulysse Nardin
Leonard Ulysse Nardin founded his workshop in Le Locle in 1846 and specialised in marine chronometers — the instruments ships used to determine longitude, where an error of seconds meant an error of miles.
The house became one of the two or three most important chronometer makers in the world. More than fifty navies used Ulysse Nardin instruments, and the company holds an extraordinary record at observatory trials: over four thousand certificates and dozens of gold medals, more precision awards than any other manufacturer.
Its modern era began in 1983 when Rolf Schnyder bought the failing company and partnered with Ludwig Oechslin, a scientist and horological historian. The results were the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei of 1985, which displays the positions of sun, moon, and stars and entered the Guinness records as the most functional wristwatch, followed by the Planetarium and Tellurium — together the Trilogy of Time.
Oechslin also designed the Freak of 2001, arguably the most radical wristwatch of the modern era: no dial, no hands, no crown. The entire movement rotates to indicate the time, and it was the first watch to use silicon components in the escapement, a material now standard across the industry.
The Marine collection continues the chronometer heritage. Kering acquired the brand in 2014.
- 1846
- Leonard Ulysse Nardin founds the workshop in Le Locle.
- 1985
- The Astrolabium Galileo Galilei is released.
- 2001
- The Freak pioneers silicon escapement components.
- 2014
- Acquired by Kering.
Also in 6 collections
This watch appears in Back in Stock (3,988), Stainless Steel Watches (2,814), Automatic Watches (1,546), Sports Watches (700), Dive Watches (494) and All Black Watches (286).
Manufacturer’s guarantee
What the specifications mean
A mechanical watch built to be worn hard and got wet.
Strengths
- 300m water resistance, rated for actual diving
- 39mm suits most wrists
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Ulysse Nardin Diver alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | 8165-182B-3/BLACK | 5007 1130 B64A | H9541 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £14,920 | £14,200 | £13,700 |
| Case size | 39mm | 38.2mm | 38mm |
| Water resistance | 300m | 300m | 200m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Rubber strap | Rubber strap | Ceramic bracelet |
| Power reserve | 42 hours | 100 hours | 70 hours |
| This watch | Closely matched |
|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 300m it is rated for swimming, snorkelling and recreational diving.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedHow long does it run for when it's not worn?
About 42 hours fully wound — enough to survive a night off the wrist, but not a full weekend.
Cheapest place to buy
Goldsmiths is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
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