Entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg spotted wearing a Ulysse Nardin

Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was recently captured wearing the Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR] during a relaxed poolside appearance. The sighting showcases a watch that represents one of modern watchmaking's most audacious engineering exercises: a fully functional mechanical dive watch stripped down to just 51 grams, making it lighter than many smartwatches yet retaining a traditional automatic movement and serious dive credentials.

The Diver [AIR] houses Ulysse Nardin's UN-371 skeletonized calibre, a 42-jewel automatic movement visible through both the dial and caseback. The movement delivers an extraordinary 90-hour power reserve—a figure typically associated with larger, heavier watches—thanks to its optimized gear train and low inertia design. The case measures 44 mm in diameter and is machined from Grade 5 titanium with a black DLC coating, reducing mass while maintaining scratch resistance. The dial is fully skeletonized, revealing the movement's geometry in profile. A unidirectional rotating bezel in black ceramic pairs with the 300-metre water resistance rating, sufficient for recreational diving. The watch rides on an integrated orange rubber strap with a folding titanium clasp, adding to the overall weight economy.

The Diver [AIR] represents the culmination of Ulysse Nardin's decade-long pursuit of lightweight luxury diving instruments, following earlier experiments with titanium and carbon-composite cases. At 51 grams—roughly equivalent to a large cigar—the reference achieves a remarkable balance between structural integrity and minimalism. The skeletonized UN-371 calibre is neither a novelty dial nor an unreliable movement; it has proven its durability in field conditions and maintains the accuracy standards expected of a modern in-house calibre.

Zuckerberg's choice of the Diver [AIR] aligns with a pattern of understated technical acquisitions among Silicon Valley executives. Unlike the statement-making tonneau cases favoured by some tech billionaires, the Ulysse Nardin signals a preference for mechanical innovation over precious-metal prestige. The orange strap and minimalist design philosophy suggest an appreciation for functional design over conventional luxury codes.

Retail pricing for the Diver [AIR] stands at $38,000 USD. The watch remains difficult to source at authorized dealers, with grey-market examples commanding premiums of $42,000–$48,000 depending on condition and availability. Limited production numbers and consistent collector demand have kept the reference relevant in the secondary market since its introduction.