Swiss high-end watchmaking brand ULYSSE NARDIN continues to write the legend of silicon technology. It launches the new BLAST Liberty Wheel Tourbillon silicon fine inlay watch, giving this iconic material a highly subversive aesthetic presentation. The watch movement components are mysteriously “suspended” above the blue silicon marquetry dial, performing a graceful and light mechanical dance, showing “born to be different” in the sharp light.
Ulysse Nardin again splashed with its pioneering vision, launching the new BLAST Liberty Wheel Tourbillon silicon marquetry watch that combines extraordinary technological innovation and avant-garde design. It vividly demonstrates the outstanding technical performance of silicon material while also interpreting its exceptional artistic beauty.
In 2001, FREAK pioneered the introduction of silicon material into movement design. To pay tribute to the pioneering movement design of this legendary work, the new BLAST watch also boldly reveals the structure of the UN-176 self-made movement, including the transmission wheel train and the tourbillon equipped with the Ulysse Nardin constant-oscillation escapement. , barrel, and 7-day power reserve indicator. These components are cleverly connected to the disk below in a hidden way as if suspended above the beautiful mosaic pattern.
This magnificent breakthrough also condenses another exquisite technical achievement. The 45 mm diameter white gold case uses complex laser technology to carve out distinctive chamfered facets. Ulysse Nardin BLAST cases have always been known for their provocative aesthetic design and ergonomic features. This new watch demonstrates Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering watchmaking expertise as an independent brand. The geometric lines of the case cleverly echo the silicon marquetry pattern on the dial, and paired with a box-type Ultra-Glass glass mirror, the inner “core” of the watch can be seen at a glance. Through the transparent case side, you can also appreciate the exquisite structure of the movement.
A provocative interpretation of fine watchmaking
Inside this avant-garde design watch masterpiece, the UN-176 movement once again breaks the conventional aesthetics, subverts the established principles of watchmaking structure, and reinterprets the complex functions of advanced watchmaking. Ulysse Nardin designed This flying tourbillon movement completely independently and was developed by the technical department over two years.
The flying tourbillon device is eye-catching in the new watch at 6 o’clock. It comprises 45 parts and is equipped with the innovative Ulysse Nardin anchor constant swing escapement. Unlike traditional escapements, this device uses a circular frame, and the escapement fork is fixed in the middle by two spring leaves less than a quarter of the diameter of a hair. The leaf springs are set at right angles, and the two bend when pressed but simultaneously oscillate. This essential technical achievement allows the balance wheel to swing at a constant speed, regardless of the state of the watch’s power reserve. Thanks to the hairspring and escape wheel made of silicon, the pin eye and ruby parts in conventional escape wheels have no place. This exquisite tourbillon device represents the innovation of Ulysse Nardin and won the “Best Tourbillon Watch Award” for the brand at the Grand Prix d Horlogerie de Genève in 2015.
The flying spring barrel and other parts at the noon position on the silicon dial are suspended mid-air, seemingly disconnected from the dial. The power reserve of the barrel allows the fake watch to run autonomously for seven days. The power reserve status is displayed at 4 o’clock, and the indicator design is highly original: the pointer remains stationary, and the display disc continues to rotate. When one end of the three metal bands turns below the information, the watch’s power reserve is complete; when only one end of the metal band rotates below the pointer, the power is about to be exhausted.
In addition, other “flying” devices are carefully arranged on both sides of the barrel. On the left are the intermediate wheels, power storage differentials, and reduction gears; on the right are the winding devices that connect the barrel and the crown winding lever. In a way that subverts imagination, the watch displays the precision mechanical dance of the flying tourbillon, escapement, and complex gear train before your eyes, giving you a glimpse of the harmonious dance between the various mechanical components. This bold and ingenious idea demonstrates Ulysse Nardin’s profound knowledge and innovative spirit in silicon technology.
Master craftsmanship
Since 2019, Ulysse Nardin has launched several limited edition fantasy series FREAKX watches with colorful silicon marquetry dials. This is the first time this exquisite technology has been applied to the BLAST series. The dial of the new BLAST Liberty Wheel Tourbillon Silicon Marquetry replica watch is decorated with 103 sparkling blue silicon wafers, cleverly assembled into a charming artistic masterpiece. The surfaces of these micron-precision silicon wafers are treated with two processes: matte and polished. The thicknesses are divided into two types: 0.30 and 0.35 mm. The combination creates a changing light and shadow effect and subtle visual contrast, highlighting the watch’s three-dimensionality—a sense of depth.
Each dial is hand-assembled by master artisans after hours of work. The process must be done carefully to prevent the precious and fragile tiny silicon wafers from being accidentally damaged or scratched. The back of the new BLAST Liberty Wheel Tourbillon silicon marquetry watch is also decorated with blue silicon wafers for the first time, reflecting Ulysse Nardin’s sophisticated application of silicon, a cutting-edge material, in all aspects of the watch.