Ulysse Nardin: Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort]

WHERE MYSTERY MEETS MASTERY: A HIGH HOROLOGY COMPLICATION THAT DEFIES PERCEPTION AND REDEFINES ENGINEERING.

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Le Locle, July 16, 2025 — The independent Swiss watchmaking Maison Ulysse Nardin unveils the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT], an exclusive timepiece limited to just 50 pieces. This unconventional horological creation pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, offering a bold fusion of mysterious design and groundbreaking mechanism.

At the heart of this horological masterpiece lies a series of unprecedented flying mechanisms. From the floating double-barrel system to the award-winning Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement, the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] challenges the conventional and elevates precision engineering to new heights. Beneath the ultra-glass box, a dial crafted from Maillechort adds depth, evolving over time into a unique expression of character and craftsmanship.

Photo Courtesy: Ulysse Nardin

TECHNOLOGY FREE FLOATING MECHANISM

At the heart of this edgy Haute Horlogerie complication, the unique and innovative UN-176 calibre seems to defy not only the laws of physics, but also the very principles of watchmaking construction. Perfecting this flying movement, entirely designed by the integrated Manufacture, required two years of research and development to Ulysse Nardin’s technical department.

The BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] presents Ulysse Nardin’s award-winning flying tourbillon with the Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. Composed of 45 components, the tourbillon is located at 6 o’clock and boasts a revolutionary constant escapement. Challenging the principle of the traditional anchor escapement, the Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed in the center, supported in space on two blade springs less than a quarter of the thickness of a hair in diameter. Mounted perpendicular to each other, these are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them. This major technical achievement directed by Ulysse Nardin guarantees a perfectly even impulse on the balance wheel, irrespective of the watch’s power reserve. Thanks to silicon technology also incorporated in the hairspring and the escapement, the jewels of the usual escapement-wheel become superfluous, as does the anchor pivot. This exceptional tourbillon, which reflects Ulysse Nardin’s triumphs in terms of innovation, proudly won the Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2015.

At 12 o’clock, a floating double-barrel system is positioned, flying without any visible attachment on the surface. One barrel is fully exposed, while the other operates unseen. Precision ball bearings hold everything in perfect alignment. The energy it accumulates provides the timepiece with an exceptional autonomy of seven days, outlined by a highly original power reserve display at 4 o’clock. The indicator remains static, unlike the display disc: three bands opposing the indicator mean that the watch is fully wound, while a single band indicates that the power reserve is almost empty.

In addition, several additional flying mechanisms are displayed on either side of the barrel: on its left, an intermediate wheel, a power reserve differential, and a reduction gear; on its right, the winding mechanism that connects it to the crown’s winding stem, allowing the selection of the winding system train or the time setting.

DESIGN

A 360° VIEW INTO MECHANICAL MASTERY

The BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] is a spectacular show. Its bold 45mm case, crafted in white gold, features negative angle facets designed using a complex laser method. Renowned for its disruptive aesthetic and ergonomic properties, this satin-finished and polished BLAST case once again proves the cutting-edge know-how of the independent Manufacture.

The geometric lines feature a unique ultra-glass box in sapphire crystal that offers a wide-open view of the mysterious movement, which is also visible through the sides. The distinctive characteristic of this glass box lies in its construction: it was carved from a single block of sapphire crystal, meticulously hollowed out to form the box and achieve this unparalleled shape.

Beneath the dome glass and the flying mechanism lies a dial crafted from Maillechort, a traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. Known for its warm, silvery tones and distinctive grained texture, it is prized for its durability and unique aesthetic. More difficult to manufacture than brass due to its hardness and complex composition, it requires craftsmanship and precision. Historically used in musical instruments for its resonant acoustic properties, Maillechort is a “living metal” that develops a one-of-a-kind patina over time, adding character and depth. This material was invented in the early 19th century by French engineers Maillet and Chorier, whose combined names became «Maillechort».

Underscoring the meticulous attention to detail in its design, the case back of the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] is open, featuring a sapphire glass and a Maillechort plate. This exclusive limited edition of 50 pieces features a blue velvet effect and waterproof rubber strap, with a white gold folding buckle.

1) DOUBLE BARREL SYSTEM

Floating double-barrel system flying without any visible attachment on the surface. One barrel is fully exposed, while the other operates unseen. Precision ball bearings hold everything in perfect alignment. The energy it accumulates provides the timepiece with an exceptional autonomy of seven days – indicated by a highly original power reserve display at 4 o’clock.

2) DECORATED WINDING WHEEL

3) POWER RESERVE INDICATOR

The indicator remains static, unlike the display disc: three bands opposite the indicator mean that the watch is fully wound, while a single band means that the power reserve is almost empty.

4) FLYING TOURBILLON WITH ULYSSE ANCHOR CONSTANT ESCAPEMENT

It features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed in the center, supported in ace on two blade springs. Mounted perpendicular to each other, these are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them. Thanks to silicon technology also incorporated in the hair ring and the escapement-wheel, the anchor pivot and the jewels of the usual escapement become superfluous.

Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2015.

5) REDUCTION GEAR PLANETARY

6) POWER RESERVE DIFFERENTIAL

7) INTERMEDIATE WHEEL

8) BACK OF THE WATCH

Open sapphire case back decorated with a Maillechort plate

OVERVIEW

• One of the most complex and visually stunning timepieces ever created.

• Mysterious Complication: Leaving you wondering how the mechanics truly work.

• A flying double barrel with 7-day power reserve.

• Groundbreaking Flying Tourbillon With Constant Force Escapement: First introduced in 2018, winning the GPHG Tourbillon award. One of the world’s first in silicon, delivering constant power, minimising energy loss, and ensuring flawless precision.

• Ultraglass Box: A sapphire crystal glass box providing a wideopen view of the floating architecture.

• The Dial Is Crafted From Maillechort: A traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, prized for its warm tones and unique texture.

• Limited edition of just 50 pieces.

For further information visit ulysse-nardin.com