Ultrahuman has unveiled a significant collaboration with fashion giant Diesel, introducing the Diesel Ultrahuman Ring—a stylish reimagining of its popular Ring Air. Despite the buzz, the launch notably excludes the U.S. market due to ongoing legal challenges.
Under the creative direction of Glenn Martens, Diesel’s acclaimed designer, the new smart ring is available in two distinct styles: a sleek shiny silver and a rugged distressed black, both prominently featuring Diesel’s iconic ‘Double D’ logo. This partnership aims to elevate the smart ring from a mere health tracker to a fashionable statement piece.
Design Meets Functionality
While the Diesel Ultrahuman Ring sports a fresh design, it retains the core functionalities of the standard Ring Air. Users can expect the same lightweight build, impressive 4-6 days of battery life, and comprehensive health metrics, including sleep tracking, recovery scores, and heart rate monitoring. The collaboration extends to accessories, with the ring packaged alongside a custom Diesel-branded base charger in the brand’s signature red, complete with a matching USB-C cable.
A standout feature that continues to set Ultrahuman apart is its subscription-free model, a critical selling point in a market where ongoing costs can deter potential buyers.
Global Reach, U.S. Exclusion
Despite its global availability, the Diesel Ultrahuman Ring is conspicuously absent from the U.S. market. This exclusion stems from an import ban linked to a patent dispute with Oura, a rival in the smart ring industry. As a result, Ultrahuman is focusing its efforts on other international markets, including the UK, EU, Japan, Australia, the UAE, and India.
The ring is priced at £469 in the UK and €559 in the EU, with other markets seeing similar premium pricing.
This pricing reflects a significant markup over the standard Ring Air, which retails for £329/€325. The strategic pricing positions the Diesel Ultrahuman Ring as a luxury item, appealing to fashion-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for style.
Fashion and Technology: A Growing Trend
The collaboration between Ultrahuman and Diesel is part of a broader trend where technology meets fashion. Similar partnerships have been seen with Oura and Gucci, as well as Apple’s Hermés editions of its smartwatch bands. These collaborations aim to blend functionality with high fashion, creating products that appeal to both tech enthusiasts and style aficionados.
For Diesel, this partnership marks a return to the wearable tech space, following the Diesel On Griffed Gen 6 smartwatch in 2023. The smart ring offers a more natural fit for the brand, aligning with its edgy, distinctive style.
Market Implications and Future Prospects
Ultrahuman’s strategic move to partner with Diesel highlights its efforts to maintain brand visibility and cultural relevance amidst legal challenges. By focusing on non-U.S. markets, Ultrahuman is leveraging Diesel’s fashion influence to capture a broader audience.
However, the premium pricing could be a double-edged sword. While it positions the ring as a luxury item, it may deter some consumers, especially with rumors of Ultrahuman’s next iteration, the Ring Pro, on the horizon. The impending release of a new model could influence consumer decisions, as potential buyers weigh the benefits of immediate style against future technological advancements.
Ultimately, the Diesel Ultrahuman Ring offers a unique proposition for those looking to combine fashion with functionality. As the smart ring market continues to evolve, collaborations like this one could become increasingly common, blurring the lines between technology and fashion.
