Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle Ref. 3203-950/63 Review

Subexplorer · 2017-09-01T20:03:00Z

Subexplorer reviews his Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle, comparing it to its 1964 predecessor and discussing its vintage appeal, wearability, and unique case back.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

51 replies10341 views12 photos

Subexplorer shares his acquisition of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle, his first watch from the brand, offering a personal review of this vintage-inspired timepiece. He details its design elements, compares it to its 1964 predecessor, and provides insights into its wearability and unique features, inviting fellow enthusiasts to appreciate its charm.

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... the model Diver Le Locle is my introduction to this prestigious brand.

This vintage looking timepiece was launched early this year.

It is based in a diving watch of same brand of 1964.

It follows the original design except for a few differences: case diameter was 38 mm in the original and 42 mm in the new version.

The vintage piece had an alpha central seconds hand while the new version got a sub dial seconds with alpha hand too.

Both watches had date window.

Thick hand set and bold circular lume markers give this watch a charming old fashioned look.

Only critics: well we purists would have preferred non date, the maintenance of central seconds hand and the non inclusion of automatic word on dial of course.

Nonetheless all these critics were not important enough for me to avoid falling in love with this watch.

My only concern was size, which I thought too big for a vintage inspired watch but trying it on my 7 1/4 " wrist showed it wears smaller than its true size.

This watch got an automatic movement UN 320 inside with silicon scape and Hairspring. Power reserve is 48 hours.

The watch features a slightly domed sapphire glass and is rated for only 100 meters depth. I would expect at least 200 meters from a moder diving watch though.

An special mention is deserved by its case back which I find a little masterpiece: it features an Scuba diver with spear on hand which reminds me that of the JLC DSA in a bass relief and surrounded by hammer sharks. Very Nice!

The watch comes equipped with a very nice sail cloth straps with contrasting white stitching which were so short that they seemed to be fit for a child!

To put my watch in use I replaced them with some green canvas straps I found in my parts box of a smaller (20 mm) width than the original ones (21 mm). This I will use till the new original straps of normal size arrive.

I like this watch very much and love its 60's look. Accuracy is superb and it is a low profile timepiece to wear.

I hope you'll like it!

Cheers! Abel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle is considered an 'armchair diver' or 'De Luxe diver' suitable for casual swimming, contrasting it with the Tudor Pelagos, which is a more serious diving tool with greater depth rating and features.
Comparison shots reveal that case thickness numbers can be deceptive; the Pelagos, despite similar thickness, wears chunkier than the UN Diver Le Locle due to uniform case thickness from lug to lug, whereas the Omega SM300 MC tapers.
Watch wearability is influenced not only by case size but also by lug and case design, lug angle and width, and case back shape, which collectively determine how a watch sits on the wrist.
The creamy lume on the Diver Le Locle, similar to the Tudor Pelagos LHD, can appear white or golden/orangish depending on lighting, showcasing a curious color-changing effect.
The 100-meter depth rating is a common criticism for a modern diving watch, though it's deemed sufficient for casual sea bathing and pool activities.
The internal cyclops for the date, while a subtle detail, is not universally loved but offers a streamlined look compared to external cyclops designs.

The Discussion

Bounce781

Sep 1, 2017

Congrats!

A great piece from UN. Love the low serial number. Wear in good health. Cheers

Subexplorer

Sep 2, 2017

Thanks a lot for your kind comments and good wishes Bounce781!

Glad you like it! Cheers! Abel

remarque

Sep 1, 2017

I tried to see it at my local UN AD, but they choose not to stock any pieces from the classico collection, sadly...

It seems nice, congratulations. I find two things worth comment: 1) Your pictures are a nice demonstration of how lighting can make the creamy lume appear white at times. I just purchased a Tudor Pelagos LHD, also with creamy lume that can seem very golden orangish at times, but then with certain lighting appears white. It is curious how it can change. At 42mm but 14.2 mm thick, it wears chunkier than the UN must at 12+mm thick. 2) What is your thought about the bezel skipping the 30 minute mark

Subexplorer

Sep 2, 2017

Hello Marc! Regret your AD don't carry this model series...

... but may be they bring one on special order for another customer and can phone you to take a look before the owner takes delivery. Regarding your comments I see you have a very keen eye for little big details! 1) The Pelagos is a very different watch. It is a great watch and a serious diving tool with greater depth rating Helim valve, a superb bracelet clasp, etc and I view the UN as an armchair diver. A De Luxe diver which can be used for swimming in pool or sea or snorkeling. Regarding lume

Subexplorer

Sep 2, 2017

And Yes Marc : crown screws down. [nt]

remarque

Sep 2, 2017

Abel, thanks for the fantastic comparison shots...

Amazing to see them side by side, especially the profile shot. I noticed when comparing the pelagos to my Omega SM300 MC (41mm/14.65mm thick by the numbers), the pelagos despite supposedly being a tad thinner in case thickness wears bigger, because the case thickness from lug to lug is quite uniform whereas the omega tapers up and down from lug end to case middle to other lug end, and the thickness measurement number is deceptive because it includes the domed crystal, whereas the pelage crystal

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Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle Ref. 3203-950/63 Review

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