Ulysse Nardin develops the R-Strap, the first strap made from recycled fishing nets

In response to the growing concern over plastic pollution in the oceans, Ulysse Nardin is strengthening its commitment to the circular economy by upcycling fishing nets and reusing them to create new straps for its diver and marine collections. The first strap made from recycled fishing nets has been named the "R Strap."

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　In response to Ben's message, Ulysse Nardin has crafted a new wriststrap using an innovative polyamide thread made entirely from recycled fishing nets. It is compatible with the Marine Troupille, Diver 44mm, Diver 42mm, Diver Chronograph, and Freak X models. This strap is the first from Ulysse Nardin to be made from 100% waterproof canvas, for which Ben Lecomte is a proud ambassador. The braided edges provide a durable construction, preventing fraying and resistant to wear (Martindale abrasion test). Dyeing before extrusion by JTTi, the company that supplies the YTT+ thread (made from 100% fishing net), ensures a uniform black color and eliminates the use of water during production, a significant environmental benefit.

Ben Lecomte's activities

　"I was overwhelmed by this magnificent yet unforgiving sight. It became clear to me that the sporting challenge was no longer my goal. My mission to raise awareness about pollution became much more important."

　In 2019, he embarked on another epic swim into the plastic-filled Pacific vortex. Discovered in 1997 by yachtsman Charles Moore, the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is a region where ocean currents swirl and accumulate trash. While swimming through the center of the vortex, Ben found three pieces of plastic in one minute, including items we use in our daily lives. Most were bottle caps, but some were fishing equipment. "The nets were often tangled in balls, held together by rope that had apparently been thrown overboard." Discarded nets kill approximately 100,000 whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and turtles every year.

　Plastic never completely decomposes. It shrinks until it becomes tiny particles, but the potential for harm increases. "I found this endless mass of confetti. Swimming through a collection of microplastics is like wading through a snowstorm. These flakes are actually millions of plastic particles. I was shocked and thought this was a big problem."

　"My mind and body are separate. My body swims on autopilot. When I swim, I compress time. Hours become minutes, and minutes become seconds. I focus on my breath, my heart, and its beat. Every time I come back to myself while swimming for several hours, I visualize the time. Then, if I feel the need, I look at the clock and use that time to guide me through the swim."

　Ulysse Nardin began its journey with a deep connection to the maritime world when it created its first marine chronometer in 1846. With that history still strong today, it is only natural that the brand would focus on sustainability initiatives to protect the oceans and marine life.

Surprising facts

900 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year (Science)
350 million tons of plastic are produced annually (UNO)
Most of the plastic that has been released since the 1990s has not yet begun to decompose (Scientific Report)
- 64 tonnes of fishing nets are lost or discarded every year (UNO)
46% of the plastic found in the Pacific gyres comes from fishing nets (UNO)
Discarded nets kill approximately 10 whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and turtles every year (World Animal Protection Association)
By the time you read this, 80 tonnes of plastic will have ended up in the ocean.