Ulysse Hits Home Run With New Tourbillon

Designing and developing new watches is not always as easy as it looks. They need to stay true to the DNA of the brand, yet at the same time also tantalize the senses of existing clients, and preferably some new ones as well. The DNA of Ulysse Nardin has always been very expressive, which has resulted in an instantly recognizable style. Their watches often take us in the uncharted territory of design, presenting us with models beyond our imagination, yet that feels like such an organic expansion of the existing collection. This is also the case with the Blast, the brands’ latest creation that they just launched during the Geneva Watch Days.

It is Ulysse Nardin’s very first skeletonized flying tourbillon, which is powered by a platinum micro-rotor. They placed this on the dial side at six o’clock, offering a beautiful balance on the dial, as the tourbillon occupies the six o’clock position. While the shape of the bridges is very expressive, they are not there only for cosmetic reasons, as they all play a vital part in the construction of the movement. As one of the pioneers in the field of silicium are the escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring of the movement made from this material. Ulysse Nardin houses it all in a 45mm large case, with an angular design similar to that of a stealth bomber. On the wrist, the watch sits very well and comfortably, thanks to the lugs’ clever design.

Ulysse Nardin launches the Blast in four different versions. The Blue Blast is made entirely out of titanium, of which the bezel had been given a blue coating. The White Blast and Black Blast might both have ceramic in their cases, the different color schemes provide them with a character of their own. The same can be said of the Blast made from rose gold, yet because of this precious metal, it is notably more heavy than its siblings. Additionally, there is also a Blast available completely set with diamonds, in a special way that resemblance broken glass, costing over $400.000,-.