Ulysse Nardin’s Blast collection is renowned for its bold, contemporary aesthetic, and the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort takes that distinctive design language several steps further.
The watch features a substantial 45 mm case crafted from 18-karat white gold. In keeping with the architectural character of the Blast collection, the case combines polished and brushed surfaces with sharp lines and striking angular geometry, giving the timepiece a thoroughly modern presence on the wrist.
Both the dial and caseback incorporate Maillechort, also known as nickel silver – an alloy composed primarily of copper, zinc and nickel. The material is distinguished by its unique texture and warm appearance, providing an intriguing contrast to the cool tone of the white-gold case.
The real spectacle, however, unfolds across the dial.
Rather than presenting the movement in a conventional configuration, Ulysse Nardin creates the illusion that several mechanical components are floating above the dial. Among them are the power-reserve barrels, which contribute to an impressive seven-day power reserve, alongside an innovative flying tourbillon.
The minimalist approach extends to the time display itself. There are no conventional hour indexes on the dial, allowing the mechanical architecture to take center stage. Despite their absence, the white hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, provide clear visibility and make reading the time surprisingly intuitive.
The result is a watch that combines traditional haute horlogerie with avant-garde engineering and contemporary design – transforming the movement itself into a three-dimensional mechanical spectacle.
Price: approximately €145,000.
