Ulysse Nardin has introduced the Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort], a mechanically complex, visually spectacular, and mysterious watch, “leaving you wondering how the mechanics truly work.” It joins this model’s lineup which includes the Blast Tourbillon Free Wheel in both an 18k white gold case and 18K rose gold case, and the Blast Free Wheel Marquetry in an 18K white gold case.
Left: Blast Tourbillon Free Wheel in an 18K white gold case. Middle: Blast Free Wheel Marquetry in an 18K white gold case. Right: Blast Tourbillon Free Wheel in an 18K rose gold case.
Key Features
Functions
Image: Open dial with mechanisms that appear to be flying. Notice the large double-barrel system at 12 o’clock, decorated winding wheel at 3 o’clock, power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock, and flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement at 6 o’clock. The reduction gear (planetary), power reserve differential, and intermediate wheel are (approximately) at 8, 9, and 10 o’clock respectively.
Hours and minutes.
Flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement at 6 o’clock.
Power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock. “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.”
Dial
Dial is made 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.”
The grey hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova.
Movement
Image: The sapphire crystal ultra-glass box enables the movement to be viewed from the sides. It is carved from a single block of sapphire crystal.
Powered by UN-176, a manufacture manual-winding movement that drives the hours, minutes, flying tourbillon, and power reserve indicator. Diameter: 37 mm. Parts: 246. Jewels: 23. Frequency: 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz. Power reserve: 170 hours or 7 days.
The watch features a flying tourbillon with a constant force escapement. “First introduced in 2015, winning the GPHG tourbillon award. One of the world’s first in silicon, delivering constant power, minimising energy loss, and ensuring flawless precision.”
Image: The flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. The escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring are made from silicon. Ulysse Nardin pioneered the use of silicon in watch movements.
“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 centre, 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.”
The 7 days power reserve is provided by a 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.”
Case
Image: The reverse side of the movement also features a Maillechort plate.
Case is made from 18K white gold, satin-finished and polished. Diameter: 45 mm. Perceived thickness: 8.75 mm. Overall thickness: 12.40 mm.
Dial side features a sapphire crystal ultra-glass box. Caseback is made from 18K white gold and screwed to the main case. The Maillechort plate is visible through the sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 30 metres.
Watch comes with a waterproof blue velvet effect rubber strap fitted to a deployant buckle made from 18K white gold. The watch is compatible with straps made for the brand’s BLAST Tourbillon range.
Our Thoughts
Image: The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] is a fine example of avant-garde horology.
The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] is an incredibly impressive watch, both mechanically and visually. It is not another tourbillon for the sake of it. Rather, it a flying tourbillon with a constant force escapement clothed in the brand’s silicon technology. The open dial with the “flying mechanisms” is visually stunning.
The Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] is ideal for collectors of grand complications who are genuinely curious about horology and how it all works. It evokes an “experimental” vibe, and for all that it offers, its price of CHF 120,000 is a relative bargain (at least in this rarified world).
Last month I wrote about the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow], the brand’s interpretation of a gem set rainbow, powered by a flying tourbillon movement with silicon components.
Additional Details
Name: Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort]
Reference: 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A
Limited to 50 pieces
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 120,000 (8.1% VAT included)
Warranty: 5 years
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
Sowind Group – of which Ulysse Nardin is a part of – has been recognised by Deloitte Private for the second consecutive time as one of the Best Managed Companies in Switzerland in 2025.
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