Ulysse Nardin celebrates its exclusive partnership with The Hour Glass by unveiling two unique, limited editions: the Blast Free Wheel Malachite and the Blast Free Wheel Turquoise are true works of art, created with Swiss watchmakers’ legendary technical and aesthetic prowess.
Ulysse Nardin gives a new shine to its Blast Free Wheel by using two daring materials on its dial and barrel cover, making it a visual feast for the amateur and watch connoisseur alike Manufactured in limited editions of only 8 timepieces for each design, each watch is as unique as its wearer.
Malachite dial: for protection
Malachite owes its deep green hue to its chemical composition. A copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, the deep green of this opaque stone is reminiscent not only of the shimmering spots on a peacock’s feathers but also of shades of green found in lush, natural environments. It has long been associated with fertility, the afterlife and resurrection Its name comes from either the Greek mallache simply meaning “green” or molōchē the mallow plant known for its dark leaves. The ancient Egyptians carved it into amulets in the belief that what they called the “God Stone” would protect them from death and other negative forces. The spiritual belief is that this extremely durable stone encourages the wearer to take risks while boosting the immune system. To this day, it is worn by many as a protective amulet.
Turquoise dial: for joy
Turquoise has been imbued with the power of protection ever since ancient times when the Egyptians and Persians carved it into ornate jewellery, weapons and even the domed ceilings of palaces as its light blue colour represented heaven, The oldest turquoise mines are in the Sinai Peninsula where Egyptians first called the intense, blue stone mefkat which meant “delight and joy”. Shamans in pre-Colombian America used it to communicate with the great spirits in the sky, and Apache Indians fixed it onto their bows and arrows to improve accuracy. When Turkey introduced the stone to Europe in the 13th century, it acquired its modern name, which is derived from the French words for “Turkish stone”. Its “forget me not” colour, reflecting that of the flower representing love and reminiscence, has lent itself to widespread use by contemporary, European jewellers.
About Blast Free Wheel
The Blast Free Wheel’s most astonishing features are the dial’s tourbillon bridge and the 7-day power reserve indicator at four o’clock. These are shaped like boomerangs and designed to appear as if they are miraculously floating on air. The hour and minute indicators along with the gorgeous gear trains are equally oneiric.
The sapphire glass box housing these ‘ elements is another standout achievement. The structure’s complexity and finish especially the polished box angles were extremely difficult to achieve, requiring lengthy and painstaking experimentation. The case back is also sapphire, however, there is little to see inside in a complete reversal of watchmaking convention, all the exquisite components are visible on the dial side.
The mechanical movement powering all this beauty is the UN-176. Entirely developed in-house at the Ulysse Nardin manufacture in La Chaux de Fonds, it took years to perfect. Its flying tourbillon is the “Ulysse Anchor Escapement”, a pioneering technology that replaces the traditional Swiss lever escapement system and is crafted from Ulysse Nardin’s signature low-friction silicium instead of from metal or synthetic rubies.
The Blast Free Wheel Malachite and Turquoise limited editions of 8 pieces each are presented in a 44 mm case and are available for 104’000 CHF each.
Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Turquoise Technical Specifications
Reference: 1760-176LE-9A-TUR/1A – 104’000 CHF / 104’000 CHF – 8 timepieces limited edition
Movement
- Manufacture Movement Caliber UN 176
- Manual winding movement
- 2.5 Hz Frequency with constant escapement
- Ulysse Anchor
- Flying Tourbillon
- Power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock
- Silicium technology
- Power reserve: 7 days
Dial
- Flying components
- Turquoise stone dial
Case
- Diameter: 44 mm
- White Gold Case
- Case back: Sapphire crystal
- Crystal: Ultra box domed sapphire glass
- Water resistance: 30m
Strap & Buckle
- Wrist strap: Alligator leather strap
- White gold deployant buckle
Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Malachite Technical Specifications
Reference: 1766-176LE-9A-MAL/1A – 104’000 CHF / 104’000 CHF – 8 timepieces limited edition
Movement
- Manufacture Movement Caliber UN 176
- Manual winding movement
- 2.5 Hz Frequency with constant escapement
- Ulysse Anchor
- Flying Tourbillon
- Power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock
- Silicium technology
- Power reserve: 7 days
Dial
- Flying components
- Turquoise stone dial
Case
- Diameter: 44 mm
- White Gold Case
- Case back: Sapphire crystal
- Crystal: Ultra box domed sapphire glass
- Water resistance: 30m
Strap & Buckle
- Wrist strap: Alligator leather strap
- White gold deployant buckle
About Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin is the Manufacture inspired by the Ocean, producing advanced timepieces for explorers in pursuit of freedom.
Founded by Mr. Ulysse Nardin in 1846, the company owes its reputation to its links with the sea: its onboard marine chronometers are among the most award-winning and reliable ever designed.
A pioneer in innovative technologies and the use of high-tech materials such as silicium, Ulysse Nardin is one of the few integrated manufactures with the in-house expertise to produce its own high-precision components and movements. In 2001, the Maison changed the face of contemporary watchmaking by launching the first Freak.
To underscore its commitment to its favourite environment, Ulysse Nardin is active in supporting the preservation of the Ocean, focusing on two major areas: encouraging upcycling to reduce marine plastic pollution and developing scientific knowledge concerning the preservation of the sharks, its emblem.
Today, in the Swiss towns of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds, Ulysse Nardin remains devoted to its quest for watchmaking perfection in four collections: Marine, Diver, Blast and Freak.
As of 2022, Ulysse Nardin and sister Maison Girard-Perregaux have formed an independent collective of high horology Manufactures.