Ulysse Nardin’s BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] Shows How Mystery Meets Mastery To Redefine Watchmaking
4 min read
Ulysse Nardin unleashes the BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort], a radical creation limited to just 50 pieces that tears through the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. This is horology unchained- a provocative fusion of mystery and mechanical genius, where floating components and fearless design defy logic, gravity, and expectation. At the heart of this horological masterpiece lies a captivating series of flying mechanisms. From the floating double-barrel system to the award-winning Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement, the BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] challenges convention and elevates precision engineering to new heights. Beneath the ultra-glass sapphire box, a dial crafted from Maillechort adds depth and evolves over time, developing a unique expression of character and craftsmanship.
Watchmaking at its Finest
Powering this avant-garde Haute Horlogerie complication is the remarkable UN-176 calibre, a movement that seems to defy not only the laws of physics but also the fundamental principles of traditional watchmaking construction. Fully developed in-house by Ulysse Nardin’s integrated Manufacture, this flying movement required two years of research and development by the brand’s technical department.
The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] showcases Ulysse Nardin’s flying tourbillon with the Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement, positioned at 6 o’clock. Comprising 45 components, this tourbillon features a revolutionary constant escapement. Unlike conventional anchor escapements, this innovative mechanism incorporates a circular frame with a centrally fixed pallet fork, supported by two ultra-thin blade springs, each measuring less than a quarter of a human hair in diameter. These springs are mounted perpendicularly and subjected to a bending force that maintains their curved position. This technical breakthrough ensures a perfectly consistent impulse to the balance wheel, regardless of the watch’s remaining power reserve.
Thanks to the use of silicon technology in both the hairspring and escapement, the traditional jewels and anchor pivot become superfluous. This exceptional tourbillon stands as a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s mastery of innovation, having won the Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2015. Positioned at 12 o’clock, the floating double-barrel system operates without any visible attachment to the dial surface. One barrel remains fully exposed, while the second works discreetly beneath. Both are precisely aligned through the use of ball bearings. Together, they supply the watch with an impressive seven-day power reserve, displayed through a highly original power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock. Unlike traditional hands, this indicator remains static while a disc rotates beneath it. Three opposing bands indicate a full wind, whereas a single band signals the reserve is nearly depleted.
Flanking the barrel system are additional flying mechanisms: on the left side, an intermediate wheel, a power reserve differential, and a reduction gear; on the right side, the winding mechanism connects to the crown’s winding stem, enabling the selection between winding the movement or setting the time.
A Bold Aesthetic with Sculptural Transparency
The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] offers a spectacular visual experience. Its assertive 45mm case, crafted in white gold, features negative-angle facets achieved through an advanced laser technique. Revered for its bold and disruptive aesthetics as well as ergonomic refinement, this satin-finished and polished BLAST case once again underscores the cutting-edge expertise of Ulysse Nardin’s Manufacture.
The geometric lines are enhanced by the remarkable ultra-glass sapphire box, offering unobstructed views of the intricate, floating movement from multiple angles. This distinctive glass construction is carved from a single block of sapphire crystal, meticulously hollowed to create the box shape that defines the BLAST Free Wheel Maillechort’s architectural silhouette.
Beneath this dome lies a dial crafted from Maillechort, a traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, prized for its warm, silvery tone and distinctive grained texture. Notoriously harder to work with than brass due to its durability and complex composition, Maillechort demands a high level of craftsmanship and precision. Historically favored in the making of musical instruments for its excellent acoustic resonance, it is considered a “living metal”—gradually developing a unique patina over time that enriches its character. The alloy’s name pays tribute to its 19th-century French inventors, Maillet and Chorier.
Highlighting the meticulous attention to detail, the case back features an open design with sapphire crystal and a Maillechort plate, mirroring the front’s use of this distinctive metal. Completing the timepiece is a blue velvet-effect waterproof rubber strap secured with a white gold folding buckle, adding a final touch of elegance and practicality to this daring horological statement.
Price: CHF 120,000 (Including 8.1% VAT)
