A Timepiece that Transcends Boundaries: The Ulysse Nardin Blast [Amoureuxpeintre]

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In a remarkable collision of creative universes, Ulysse Nardin, the avant-garde Swiss watchmaker, and Kyrgyz-born designer Vsevolod Sever Cherepanov, better known as Amoureuxpeintre, have brought forth a masterwork that redefines the artistry of timekeeping. This meticulously crafted timepiece is not merely an object of utility but an evocative exploration of time and its hidden meanings. Born from a three-year partnership rooted in shared audacity and a passion for reconfiguring tradition, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] is a compelling testament to the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

The Case: A Frame of Geometry and Restraint

The watch’s 42mm case is a striking composition of anthracite PVD titanium, rendered in a sandblasted finish that exudes both modernity and modesty. Its lightweight structure belies its robust construction, offering a perfect balance between form and function. A frosted sapphire crystal case back, adorned with Amoureuxpeintre’s signature, invites the wearer to peer into the watch’s soul, while the removal of ribbed textures on the crown enhances the minimalist aesthetic. This carefully considered design transforms the case into a canvas for contemplation, echoing the artist’s philosophy of uncovering simplicity’s profound essence.

The Dial: A Dance of Transparency and Blur

The Ulysse Nardin Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] dial is where the designer’s vision comes to life. Employing frosted sapphire with a blurred, skeletonized structure, the design evokes the ethereal quality of frosted glass panes, where clarity and distortion coexist in perfect harmony. The anthracite hands, accented with grey Superluminova, subtly navigate this enigmatic landscape, bridging the realms of functionality and abstraction.

Achieved through advanced laser techniques and metallization processes, the frosted-ice effect reflects over two years of developmental precision. This interplay of light and texture invites the observer to delve deeper, seeking meaning beyond the visible.

The Movement: Innovation Meets Legacy

At the heart of this horological marvel lies the Manufacture Calibre UN-371, a manual-winding skeleton movement that speaks to Ulysse Nardin’s rich tradition of mechanical ingenuity. Boasting a 96-hour power reserve, the movement incorporates a silicon balance wheel with nickel flyweights, a groundbreaking innovation derived from the legendary Freak Vision. With its 173 meticulously assembled components, this mechanism is a testament to the Maison’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship.

A Collaboration Rooted in Vision

Amoureuxpeintre, a polymath whose artistic journey spans fashion, graphic design, and interiors, infuses his unique sensibilities into this creation. Known for challenging conventions, his minimalist yet evocative style shines through every element of the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre]. Inspired by the overlooked details of daily life, his work transcends form to evoke deeper emotional resonance. This partnership with Ulysse Nardin is not his first foray into groundbreaking design but stands as a pinnacle achievement in uniting art and horology.

An Invitation to Introspection

Limited to just 29 pieces, this watch is more than a timepiece; it is a narrative of discovery. Presented on a grey Alcantara strap with an anthracite PVD titanium tang buckle, it is delivered in a custom-designed box that mirrors its understated elegance. Together, Ulysse Nardin and Amoureuxpeintre have created a watch that challenges perceptions, urging its wearer to see time not as a fleeting measurement but as an exploration of layers, textures, and hidden truths.

The Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] is a tribute to those who dare to look closer, to uncover meaning in the unseen. It stands as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and the boundless possibilities that emerge when two creative realms collide.

Ulysse Nardin Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] Technical Specifications

Ref. 3713-260LE-9A-SEVER/0A – 31’000 CHF (8.1% VAT included) / 33’100 EUR (21% VAT included) / 32’700 USD (VAT excluded) / 28’210 GBP (20% VAT included) – Limited to 29 pieces,

Movement

• Manufacture skeleton calibre UN-371
• Manual winding movement
• Hours, minutes
• Balance wheel, escapement wheel, anchor & balance spring in silicon
• Oversized oscillator
• 173 Components / 21 jewels
• Frequency: 3 Hz / oscillations 21’600 V/H
• Power reserve: 96 hours

Case

• Anthracite PVD titanium sandblasted case and bezel
• Anthracite PVD titanium open case back with frosted sapphire glass
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Water resistance: 50 m

Dial

• Frosted sapphire skeleton dial
• Anthracite hands with grey Superluminova

Strap & Buckle

• Grey Alcantara strap
• Anthracite PVD titanium sandblasted tang buckle

Ulysse Nardin is a Swiss Maison of watchmakers and artisans disrupting Haute Horlogerie since 1846
with wild and unconventional design, pioneering technology and unmatched craftsmanship.
A maverick, a visionary, a pioneer. Ulysse Nardin, the founder of the Manufacture, was all three.
From the mountains of Le Locle, where the Manufacture stays anchored today, Ulysse Nardin combined his passion for ocean exploration and horological excellence to create the world’s most awarded and precise marine chronometers.
But this was just the beginning.
« If it’s possible, it’s done. If it’s impossible, it will be done ». These words from Paul-David Nardin, also a pioneer in his own right, are no rhetoric and echo his father’s enduring legacy.
Twisting the boundaries of watchmaking with innovative technologies and disruptive materials, challenging horology conventions, combining creative and mechanical experimentation… : exploring beyond what’s possible has always been at the core of Ulysse Nardin.
This singular expression in Haute Horlogerie was epitomized in 2001 with the launch of the first and only watch with no dial, no crown and no hands, aptly named the Freak. A revolutionary icon which also ushered silicon into watchmaking, paving the way for incredible precision and reliability, across the industry.
This creative freedom is fueled by the artisans of Ulysse Nardin. Combining almost 180 years of in-house mechanical and artistic savoir-faire, they stand for the singularity of their craft and defend sustainable values. This strong heritage lives across four collections: Freak, Blast, Marine and Diver.
As part of the first collective of independent watchmaking manufactures, with its sister company Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin opens new horizons for the entire industry through its very own vision of Haute Horlogerie.