Latest news with #UlysseAnchorConstantEscapement
![Ulysse Nardin Unveils The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageio.forbes.com%2Fspecials-images%2Fimageserve%2F688235e80259a47cd4b56e21%2F0x0.jpg%3Fformat%3Djpg%26crop%3D2024%2C1139%2Cx0%2Cy1168%2Csafe%26height%3D900%26width%3D1600%26fit%3Dbounds&w=3840&q=100)
![Ulysse Nardin Unveils The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fforbes.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
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.
![The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] is Ulysse Nardin's boldest creation yet](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stuff.tv%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2025%2F07%2FBlast-Freewheel.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] is Ulysse Nardin's boldest creation yet](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic-mobile-files.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com%2Fstuff.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Stuff.tv
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] is Ulysse Nardin's boldest creation yet
Ulysse Nardin has just revealed one of its most spectacular horological feats to date: the BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort]. A limited edition of just 50 pieces, this technical marvel blends visual wizardry with mechanical mastery, featuring a gravity-defying dial that seems to suspend time itself. At first glance, the BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] looks like a concept watch (nothing like any of the entries in our best watch list). Under a sculpted sapphire glass box – cut from a single block – its dial floats in three-dimensional space, revealing a cluster of flying components that appear to hover without support. There's no dial clutter, no traditional bridges, just pure watchmaking innovation. Powering it all is the UN-176 calibre – a fully in-house movement anchored by the groundbreaking Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. First introduced in 2015 and still one of the few of its kind, this silicon-based system delivers a consistent force to the balance wheel, ensuring accuracy throughout its seven-day power reserve. That's fuelled by a double-barrel system at 12 o'clock, one of which spins in full view, while its twin works behind the scenes. The tourbillon at 6 o'clock is the real showstopper. Suspended on hair-thin silicon blade springs, it looks like it's levitating. It's a real feat of micro-engineering that took two years to perfect and earned Ulysse Nardin the coveted Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. The Maillechort dial – an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel – brings a warm metallic sheen and will age beautifully over time, adding personal character to each of the 50 watches. Even the case, a bold 45mm slab of white gold with sharp, sculpted angles, has been laser-etched for a futuristic aesthetic that contrasts with the heritage of its materials. The BLAST is finished with a blue velvet rubber strap and a white gold deployant buckle. The BLAST [Free Wheel Maillechort] is priced at US$126,600 / £111,380. You can register your interest now on Ulysse Nardin's website. Liked this? The Seiko Speedtimer has gone purple for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships
