Ulysse Nardin Jumps On The Rainbow Bandwagon With The Blast Line
Ulysse Nardin has introduced a new limited edition version of its angular Blast series: the Blast Sparkling Rainbow. Limited to just eight pieces, this gem-set variant brings a trending jewellery-forward expression to the brand's already experimental skeletonised tourbillon platform.
The new release builds on the core identity of the Blast, which first debuted in 2020. Characterised by its sharp, stealth-inspired case and exposed mechanical layout, the watch uses Ulysse Nardin's integrated UN-172 movement. Developed in-house, the calibre features a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock and a visible platinum micro-rotor at 12. Constructed with a silicon escapement and hairspring, the automatic movement offers a 72-hour power reserve and runs at a frequency of 18,000 vph.
Gem setting
This Sparkling Rainbow version retains the original 45mm case size but is crafted from white gold and set with a total of 211 invisibly set sapphires. These stones span the full colour spectrum and appear across the case, bezel, dial, crown and clasp, adding up to 13.33 carats in total. The sapphires are arranged using a traditional 'mystery setting' technique, in which each stone is supported from underneath, allowing for a seamless and luminous surface with no visible prongs or spaces.
Close up
While the watch remains visually tied to the architectural design of the Blast, the addition of coloured stones transforms the appearance entirely. The transition between hues is especially subtle, achieved through meticulous stone selection and over 85 unique cuts to ensure a smooth, continuous gradient.
Functionally, the Sparkling Rainbow version remains consistent with prior models. Timekeeping is straightforward with hours shown on the skeletonised dial in the form of rectangular rainbow markers, and with the tourbillon located near the bottom of the dial. The integrated white rubber strap is secured by a white gold deployant buckle, also gem-set to match the rest of the watch.
The Ulysse Nardin Blast Sparkling Rainbow is priced at CHF 451,700 and is limited to 8 numbered pieces.
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Well, we have a tribute song called 'Brian's Back' that I wrote many, many years ago. So, back when that was released (in 1976 as part of '15 Big Ones'), we did a video tribute to Brian that we play every night at our concerts, which people love and appreciate. He may have passed on, but he's always with us every night in the music. Do you see the Beach Boys continuing to tour in name after you and Bruce are done? I'm not sure. We haven't given that a whole lot of thought because we're very active these days with this configuration. Elton John said that the 'Pet Sounds' album would be the one album that would be played forever, which is an amazing accolade. So those songs are pretty much immortal to some degree. So if somebody is capable of replicating them as closely as possible for the record, then great. But the problem is that mortality is an issue, of course. So, at some point in time, nature will take over and say, 'OK, you're out of here, huh?' But in the meantime, I think we've got a good several years to go. What do people misunderstand about your and Brian's relationship? Well, there's a lot of misinformation given out over this early part of our careers that says I didn't like the 'Pet Sounds' album, which is bull—, because I actually named it and Brian brought it to Capitol Records, who didn't know what to do with it. If you listen to the tracks of 'Pet Sounds,' you say, 'How the heck did he ever do that with the greatest musicians in L.A., the Wrecking Crew?' My cousin Brian did some amazing stuff that'll stand the test of time, if Elton John is right, forever. It's a true blessing to be able to do what started as a family hobby and became a long-lasting profession. Is 'That's Why God Made the Radio' the last Beach Boys album, or do you all have one more left in you? Anything's possible. We don't have immediate plans, but I do think of that kind of thing from time to time.
