The Case Construction: A Closer Look
Ulysse Nardin has long been celebrated for its artful fusion of tradition and modernity.
On one hand, the brand pays homage to historical marine chronometers with its Marine collection, while the Classico range captivates with its sleek, minimalistic designs.
On the other hand, Ulysse Nardin boldly embraces contemporary watchmaking, particularly showcased in their innovative Freak and dynamic Diver collections.
Among these cutting-edge creations is the Blast series, a testament to extravagant dimensions and striking mechanical ingenuity, incorporating everything from contemporary marquetry to complex astronomical complications and mesmerizing tourbillons.
Here, we will delve into two fascinating models from this collection.
Diving into Dial Design
The Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon comes in eight unique variations, each flaunting a distinct combination of case materials and colors.
For our focus, we’ve selected two models that represent opposing aesthetics: a sporty black DLC titanium watch and an elegant rose gold creation.
The sporty option boasts an all-black DLC titanium case, while the sophisticated variant features a sumptuous 18-carat rose gold casing, harmoniously paired with titanium elements, including a blue DLC titanium bezel.
Despite its bold 45mm size, the Blast Tourbillon remains a comfortable 12.6mm in thickness.
Its curved lugs ensure an ergonomic fit on the wrist, seamlessly transitioning to an integrated rubber strap.
The black DLC model exudes a fierce and commanding aura, while its rose gold counterpart, with its exquisitely brushed surfaces and hints of deep blue, radiates elegance and sophistication.
Unpacking the Movement
When it comes to timepieces showcasing skeletonized movements, it’s essential to consider both the dial and movement as interconnected elements.
The centerpiece of the dial reveals the movement’s architecture, which forms a striking rectangular shape adorned with an X-motif.
This sharp geometry contrasts beautifully with the circular form of the case, creating a dynamic visual appeal.
Both models present subtle yet significant differences in their coloration and finish.
The blue and gold variant is accentuated by blue armatures, a gold rehaut, and golden indices and hands, all of which lend an eye-catching flourish.
In contrast, the black edition incorporates vivid red details, enhancing its dramatic dark aesthetic.
At the heart of each Blast Tourbillon lies the UN-172 movement, displaying a micro-rotor positioned at 12 o’clock and a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
This remarkable movement features a tourbillon that is highly anti-magnetic and employs silicon components for the escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring.
Notably, this marks the first instance of an automatic tourbillon in a Ulysse Nardin skeleton watch.
X-shaped motifs elegantly dominate the design, visible through both the movement’s framework and the tourbillon’s X-shaped cage.
Observing the purple silicon escapement wheel rotate eccentrically within the tourbillon serves as a testament to the caliber’s exceptional engineering.
Additionally, the UN-172 boasts a remarkable 72-hour power reserve, allowing you to set it aside for an entire weekend without losing functionality, although it operates at a leisurely pace of 2.5 Hz.
Strap Choices: Finding the Right Fit
Each variant of the Blast Tourbillon is equipped with an integrated rubber strap and a titanium butterfly clasp that matches the case material.
The blue and gold model features a luxurious velvet inlay for an extra touch of elegance, while the black variant offers the choice of an all-rubber strap or a hybrid strap combining rubber with black alligator leather.
Ulysse Nardin continually impresses with its capacity to create bold, visually captivating timepieces, carving out a unique niche in the competitive landscape of watchmaking.
Prospective buyers might find themselves deliberating over the distinct aesthetics of each model.
The Blast Tourbillon emerges as a more conventional yet legible alternative to the Freak series, presenting a cohesive and impressive design.
Personally, I find the blue rose gold version to be the more striking of the two, yet the enticing allure of the black model is equally hard to resist; it undeniably offers a daring choice with a distinct edge.
The Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon collection is currently available through authorized retailers.
The pricing for the black DLC titanium model with a red dial hovers around US$56,100, CHF 53,200, or A$92,100, while the rose gold model featuring a blue dial is priced at approximately US$67,300, CHF 63,800, or A$110,300.
Source: Timeandtidewatches