The Ulysse Nardin BLAST 'Free Wheel Maillechort' is not merely a watch; it is a declaration of independence from conventional watchmaking principles. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, this horological masterpiece represents the culmination of Swiss ingenuity and two years of relentless research and development.
The Mystery of Suspension
At first glance, the Ulysse Nardin BLAST 'Free Wheel Maillechort' appears to defy the laws of physics. Beneath its ultra-glass sapphire crystal box—carved from a single block of crystal—mechanical elements seem to float in mid-air, suspended without visible means of support. This mysterious complication leaves even seasoned watch enthusiasts questioning how such engineering is possible.
The floating double-barrel system at 12 o'clock serves as the beating heart of this seven-day power reserve marvel. One barrel proudly displays its mechanics while its companion operates in secret, both held in perfect alignment by precision ball bearings that remain virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Award-Winning Innovation
The centerpiece of this mechanical symphony is the flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement—a groundbreaking achievement that earned Ulysse Nardin the prestigious Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2015. This isn't merely an aesthetic choice; it represents a fundamental reimagining of the escapement system.
The revolutionary constant escapement features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed at its center, supported by two blade springs thinner than a quarter of a human hair. These springs, mounted perpendicular to each other and subjected to precise bending forces, deliver perfectly even impulses to the balance wheel regardless of the watch's power reserve level.
The 45 mm white gold case, with its distinctive negative angle facets created through complex laser methodology, houses an architectural marvel. The ultra-glass box construction offers an unprecedented 360-degree view of the floating mechanisms, while the open sapphire caseback reveals additional technical artistry through its Maillechort plate decoration.
The dial, crafted from Maillechort—a traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel—pays homage to 19th-century French engineers Maillet and Chorier, whose combined names gave birth to this "living metal." More challenging to work with than brass due to its hardness and complex composition, Maillechort develops a unique patina over time, ensuring that each timepiece becomes increasingly individual with age. This material choice reflects Ulysse Nardin's commitment to both heritage and innovation. Historically prized for its acoustic properties in musical instruments, Maillechort brings warmth and character to the watch's geometric precision.
An extraordinary double-barrel configuration appears to float freely at 12 o'clock with no visible surface attachments. One barrel remains fully exposed while its companion operates beneath, both held in precise alignment by precision ball bearings. This system delivers a remarkable seven-day power reserve, displayed through an innovative indicator at 4 o'clock. The timepiece's seven-day power reserve is displayed through an ingenious indicator at 4 o'clock. Unlike traditional power reserve displays, the indicator remains static while the display disc moves—three bands opposite the indicator signal full power, while a single band warns of depletion.
Complementing the main barrel are several suspended mechanisms positioned on either side. The left side houses an intermediate wheel, power reserve differential, and reduction gear assembly. The right side features the winding mechanism that connects to the crown's winding stem, enabling seamless switching between winding and time-setting functions.
The Revolutionary Calibre UN-176
The revolutionary in-house Ulysse Nardin UN-176 calibre powers this extraordinary haute horlogerie timepiece, challenging conventional watchmaking principles through its groundbreaking suspended architecture. This entirely in-house movement represents two years of intensive research and development by Ulysse Nardin's technical team.
The centerpiece showcases Ulysse Nardin's award-winning flying tourbillon, featuring the pioneering Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. This 45-component mechanism revolutionizes traditional escapement design through its innovative circular frame construction. The pallet fork sits fixed at the center, suspended in space by two blade springs measuring less than one-quarter the thickness of a human hair. These perpendicular springs flex under controlled bending forces, maintaining perfect positioning while delivering consistent impulses to the balance wheel regardless of power reserve levels.
Silicon technology enhances both the hairspring and escapement components, eliminating the need for traditional escapement-wheel jewels and anchor pivots. This technical marvel demonstrates Ulysse Nardin's mastery of suspended movement architecture, where traditional support structures give way to precisely engineered floating components.
Each of the 50 pieces of the Ulysse Nardin BLAST 'Free Wheel Maillechort' comes with a five-year warranty and compatibility with the full range of BLAST Tourbillon straps, ensuring both exclusivity and versatility. The watch is delivered on a waterproof blue velvet-effect rubber strap with a white gold deployant buckle.
Sticker Price USD 126,600. More info on Ulysse Nardin here
