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Discover Ulysse Nardin's New Blast Free Wheel Inlaid Watch

Ulysse Nardin's Blast Free Wheel marquetry is stunning, combining the art of silicon with cutting-edge watchmaking.

Ulysse Nardin has raised the bar in haute horlogerie with its latest launch of the new Blast Free Wheel Marquetry watch. Paying homage to the iconic Freak watch in 2001, which was the first to feature silicon, this groundbreaking timepiece showcases the innovative UN-176 in-house movement. Its wheels, flying tourbillon with Ulysses anchor escapement, and seven-day power reserve display float on stunning silicon mosaics without any visible appendages. The Blast Free Wheel Marquetry is beautifully set in a 45mm white gold Blast case. The geometric lines of the case and the ultra-glass box complement each other, showing the mysterious movement of the watch from multiple angles.

The flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock is the hallmark of Ulysse Nardin Watch, with a revolutionary constant escapement that challenges traditional watchmaking principles. This remarkable feat required two years of development, culminating in a perfectly even pulse across the balance, regardless of the watch's power reserve. The use of silicon technology eliminated the need for jewels and anchor pivots, setting a new standard for watchmaking innovation. But the most important is undoubtedly the 103 radiant blue silicon marquetry slivers that adorn the dial. These carefully assembled plates require many hours of work and contribute to the three-dimensional visual effect of the watch. The case back also features a blue silicon plate, and the new Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Marquetry comes with a comfortable blue rubber strap.

Ulysse Nardin launches Blast Free Wheel marquetry with silicone dial

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to discuss with Ludwig Oechslin topics such as the origins of the use of silicon in watchmaking. He pioneered an innovation when designing the original Ulysse Nardin Freak. One of Ulysse Nardin's follow-up collections, the Blast Free Wheel, aims to pay homage to the materiality of the material with a cutout display that puts technology front and center. Now, Ulysse Nardin has launched a new high-tech version of this watch, called Blast Free Wheel Marquetry.

Marquetry, a technique traditionally used in woodwork, is a form of seamless tile that uses thin strips to create a mosaic-like pattern. You can see traditional marquetry on watches like the Louis Erard Excellence. However, Ulysse Nardin made its own change in craftsmanship, moving away from wood and instead using silicon as their material of choice. It's a style they debuted in Freak X in 2019, and it's great to see it appear in some of their lesser-known collections.

In terms of style, the silicon marquetry is available in various shades of blue color schemes and a combination of contrasting matt and mirror surfaces and two different thicknesses. It gives it an ultra-modern look and reminds me of a high-tech circuit board. The futuristic design of the Blast Free Wheel and its 45mm white gold case with pronounced facets and sapphire crystal sides add to its cool look.

Enter the display part: at 12 o'clock is the decorative barrel, which can provide a 7-day power reserve, at 3 o'clock is the winding wheel, at 4 o'clock is the unique power reserve indicator, and at 6 o'clock is the tourbillon. On the left part of the dial are the various wheels and gears, and finally in the center are the hour and minute hands. An ode to complication in Haute Horlogerie. The movement is known as UN-176 Manufacture Manual.

This is one of the coolest non-Freak Ulysse Nardin versions I've seen in a while. It looks cool, the movement is impressive, and the case design is crazy.

Model: Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Inlay
Reference Number: 1760-401-3A/3A
Case/Dial: Diameter 45 mm, white gold satin-finished and polished case, blue matte and polished silicone Métiers d'art dial, gray Superluminova® hands
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Caliber UN-176, in-house, hand-wound, 23 jewels, 249 components, flying tourbillon with Ulysse anchor constant escapement, escape wheel, silicon anchor and balance spring
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 170 hours (7 days)
Functions: hours, minutes, power reserve, flying tourbillon
Strap: Blue velvet-effect rubber with a bonus blue alligator leather strap, both with white gold buckle