Ulysse Nardin’s Blast Free Wheel: A German Silver Dial Meets a Flying Tourbillon, Reshaping the Boundaries of Fine Watchmaking
ULYSSE NARDIN’s latest Blast Free Wheel German Silver Tourbillon is a striking piece that not only showcases Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to mechanical innovation and profound craftsmanship, but also redefines the ultimate in modern haute horlogerie with an almost sci-fi twist.
The creative core of this new creation revolves around a “flying” movement that appears to float in mid-air, fully exposed through a monolithic domed sapphire crystal. From front to side, the wearer enjoys a nearly 360-degree unobstructed view of every movement of the mechanism. The slightly concave edge of the sapphire crystal, combined with its high transparency and light-reflecting effects, creates the illusion of a piece of modern art suspended in mid-air.
This bold design is complemented by a 45mm white gold case, laser-engraved to reveal three-dimensional, dramatic chamfers and lines. The alternating satin and polished finishes echo the Blast collection’s signature geometric, sculptural quality and powerful, dynamic presence, creating a highly recognizable visual impact. buying cheap replica watches
Among all its high-tech features, ULYSSE NARDIN meticulously incorporates a touch of classic elegance. The movement’s main plate and baseplate are crafted from German silver (Maillechort). This traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel boasts a natural silvery-white luster and delicate texture, while also developing a unique oxide layer over time, imparting a personalized color. However, its challenging machining methods have historically limited its use to high-end movements and audio instruments, symbolizing the watchmaker’s unparalleled dedication to material craftsmanship.
The watch is powered by an in-house developed “flying” movement, developed over two years and boasting an astonishing level of technological sophistication. The first thing that catches the eye is the flying twin-barrel system located at 12 o’clock on the dial side. The two barrels are connected by an invisible structure, one visible and one invisible, appearing to float above the movement. This design not only creates a unique visual effect but also provides a power reserve of up to seven days, perfect for extended wear.
The power reserve indicator is particularly noteworthy. Rather than relying on a traditional rotating hand, it uses a rotating disc with three metal stripes. Below the stationary hand, the current status is displayed: three full bars indicate a full chain, while one indicates a nearly empty chain and requires winding. This visual language is both novel and intuitive. best replica watches shop
Another highlight of the movement is the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which also incorporates the Ulysse Nardin anchor constant-force escapement. This system utilizes extremely lightweight, highly resilient silicon and utilizes a dual-spring mechanism to ensure stable energy output, ensuring the balance maintains a constant amplitude regardless of power reserve. This technology earned the brand the “Best Tourbillon Watch” award at the 2015 Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie, demonstrating its importance. Even a decade later, its substantial contribution to enhancing the watch’s precision remains undiminished.
The watch’s back also maintains its open design, revealing a German silver-trimmed baseplate beneath a sapphire crystal caseback, echoing the movement on the front. The strap is crafted from smooth blue velvet rubber and secured with a white gold folding clasp, offering both durability and a premium feel. It is also compatible with other Blast Tourbillon straps, allowing for personalized customization.
Looking back at Ulysse Nardin since its founding in 1846, its accumulated expertise in marine timekeeping, innovative materials, and extraordinary mechanical technology has long established its unshakable position in the market. From the disruptive design of the Freak series to the complex mechanical structure of the Blast Free Wheel, the brand has always adhered to the future as its coordinates, challenging the current limits of watchmaking. In particular, the new work boldly combines traditional German silver with a futuristic “flying” movement structure, presenting the breathtaking beauty of the internal machinery through the ingenious dome-shaped watch mirror. replica Corum Golden Bridge watches
