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Ulysse Nardin Unveils The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort]

The Ulysse Nardin Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] with 'mystery' dial architecture Ulysse Nardin unveiled the limited-edition Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] boasting a series of flying mechanisms such as a floating double-barrel system and the award-winning Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. The watch dial reveals a 'mystery' layout where each of the components and movements appear to both float and operate independent of one another. The dial is crafted from Maillechort, also known as nickel silver, or German silver. It's an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel (no silver). It is known for its silvery tones and grained texture, the watch brand said. The company further said that the alloy is more difficult to manufacture than brass due to its hardness and complex composition. It's historically used in musical instruments for its resonant acoustic properties. Maillechort is further described as a 'living metal' that develops a unique patina over time. The material was invented in the early 19th century by French engineers Maillet and Chorier, whose combined names became Maillechort. The sapphire, Maillechort and white gold caseback of the Ulysse Nardin Blast [Free Wheel ... More Maillechort] The mystery dial configuration consists of no fewer than eight complications and mechanical components that appear to float independently on the Maillechort dial. The watch is powered by the caliber UN-176, a manual wound movement consisting of 246 components and 23 jewels with a seven-day power reserve. The configuration of the movement allows for the floating 'mystery' display of its complications and mechanics. At 12 o'clock is the floating double barrel system. One barrel is exposed while the second barrel is unseen. Precision ball bearings keep the barrels in alignment. The energy it accumulates provides the timepiece with the exceptional seven-day power reserve. Ulysse Nardin's award-winning flying tourbillon with the Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement At 3 o'clock is the exposed decorated winding wheel. The power reserve indicator is at 4 o'clock. The indicator is static. Three bands opposite the indicator means the watch is fully wound, while a single band means the power reserve is almost empty. At 6 o'clock is the Ulysse Nardin award-winning flying tourbillon with the Ulysse Nardin Anchor Constant Escapement. It consists of a circular fame with a pallet fork fixed in the center, supported on two blade rings. Mounted perpendicular to each other, these are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them. Because of Ulysse Nardin's silicon technology also incorporated in the hairspring and the escapement-wheel, the anchor pivot and the jewels of the usual escapement are unnecessary. At eight o'clock is the reduction gear and just above it is the power reserve differential and the immediate wheel. The dial is completed with gray hour and minute hands topped with Superluminova. This floating architecture on the dial is contained in an 'ultra-glass box,' carved from a single block of sapphire crystal, hollowed out to form the box. A side view of the Ulysse Nardin Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] with the 'ultra-glass box' The dial is housed in a 45mm white gold satin finished and polished case. The white gold open sapphire caseback is topped with a Maillechort plate. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters (98 feet). The watch is fitted with a waterproof blue velvet rubber strap with white gold deployant buckle that is compatible with other Blast Tourbillon straps. The Ulysse Nardin Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] is limited to 50 pieces and retails for $126,600.