Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort

Ulysse Nardin has consistently charted its own course in the vast ocean of Swiss watchmaking, often navigating towards the unconventional and the mechanically audacious. The manufacture from Le Locle, Switzerland, has a deep-rooted history in producing marine chronometers, instruments where precision was paramount. However, in the modern era, Ulysse Nardin has become equally known for shattering conventions and presenting timekeeping in a radically new light. The new Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is a powerful testament to this identity, a watch that deconstructs the very notion of a movement and presents it as a floating, kinetic sculpture for the wrist.

Limited to a highly exclusive run of just 50 pieces, this timepiece is not for the faint of heart. It is a statement of mechanical artistry, designed for those who appreciate the inner workings of a watch as much, if not more, than the simple act of telling time. It continues the legacy of the "Free Wheel" concept, which aims to liberate the essential components of a movement from their hidden confines beneath a dial, arranging them in a seemingly gravity-defying display on the watch's face. This new iteration elevates the concept further through its specific choice of materials and refined execution.



At first glance, the watch is an intricate landscape of gears, springs, and bridges, all seemingly suspended in mid-air. The entire composition is housed within a substantial 45 mm case crafted from 18-carat white gold. This isn't a simple, rounded case; it's a piece of modern architecture. Part of the brand's "Blast" collection, it features sharp, aggressive lines and facets that are achieved through a complex laser-cutting process. The interplay between satin-finished surfaces and polished bevels catches the light in a dynamic way, emphasizing its geometric structure and disruptive aesthetic. The design is bold and unapologetically modern, yet its precious metal construction grounds it in the traditions of high-end watchmaking.

One of the most defining features of the case is its crystal. Instead of a standard flat or slightly domed sapphire crystal, the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort employs what Ulysse Nardin calls an "ultra-glass box." This is not an assembly of multiple pieces but a single, solid block of sapphire crystal that has been meticulously carved and hollowed out to create a deep, protective dome that extends down the sides of the case. This construction provides an unparalleled, panoramic view of the floating mechanism within, not just from the top but from multiple angles, truly giving the components a three-dimensional, museum-exhibit quality.

The true spectacle, of course, lies beneath this sapphire dome. There is no traditional dial to speak of. Instead, the base for this mechanical theater is a plate made from Maillechort. This specific alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel is a departure from the more common brass used for movement plates. Maillechort is known for its warm, silvery appearance and a distinctively grained texture, which provides a beautifully subtle yet industrial-looking backdrop for the polished and decorated components floating above it.

The choice of Maillechort is significant for several reasons. It is considerably harder and more difficult to machine than brass, demanding a higher level of skill and precision from the watchmakers. Historically, its acoustic properties made it a favored material for musical instruments. In watchmaking, it offers superior durability and a unique visual character. Perhaps most compellingly, Maillechort is a "living metal." Over time, it will develop a unique patina, a subtle shift in its hue and character based on its environment. This means that each of the 50 examples will age differently, becoming a truly personal and one-of-a-kind piece for its owner.



Floating above this unique metallic canvas are the stars of the show: the primary components of the Caliber UN-176. Positioned around the 1 o’clock mark is the impressive double-barrel system. These twin barrels work in series to store an immense 170 hours of power reserve, which translates to nearly seven days of autonomous operation on a full wind. Their open-worked design allows a glimpse of the mainsprings within, providing a visual cue to the stored energy that drives the entire watch.

Directly opposite, at the 6 o'clock position, is the flying tourbillon. A flying tourbillon is supported only from its underside, removing the upper bridge that would typically obstruct the view of the rotating cage. This allows for a completely unimpeded spectacle as the entire assembly, containing the balance wheel and escapement, makes a full rotation every 60 seconds to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch's precision. The cage itself is a marvel of micro-engineering, with its form reflecting the angular design language of the Blast case.

Within this flying tourbillon beats one of Ulysse Nardin’s most significant technical achievements: the Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. Developed in-house and crafted from low-friction, anti-magnetic silicon, this is no ordinary escapement. Its purpose is to deliver a perfectly consistent impulse of energy to the balance wheel with every beat, regardless of how much power is left in the mainsprings. In a standard watch, the force from the mainspring wanes as it unwinds, which can affect timekeeping accuracy. The constant force escapement acts as a regulator within the regulator, ensuring a stable rate of precision from the first hour of the power reserve to the last.

The gear train that transmits power from the barrels to the hands is also displayed openly. A series of wheels and bridges, designed with a distinct boomerang shape, arc across the dial space, creating a visual pathway that the eye can follow to understand the flow of energy. The hands for the hours and minutes are centrally mounted, skeletonized, and tipped with white Superluminova for readability in low light, floating above the mechanical complexity below.



To keep track of the extensive power reserve, a small indicator dial is discreetly placed near the 4 o'clock position. A simple blued hand points to a scale, providing the user with a clear and essential reading of the remaining energy. This is a critical function on a manual-winding watch with such a long running time, allowing the owner to know precisely when the powerful movement requires winding.

The engine driving this display is the Caliber UN-176, a manual-winding movement that is a testament to the brand's independent and innovative spirit. Comprising 246 individual parts and 23 jewels, it is a complex piece of micro-mechanics. The movement operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour. This slightly slower, more traditional beat rate allows for a clearer view of the balance wheel's oscillations and contributes to the longevity of the components and the lengthy power reserve.

The entire aesthetic is one of transparency and mechanical revelation. Even the back of the watch offers a unique view. While many open-worked watches show the back of the movement through a sapphire caseback, the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort presents the solid reverse side of the Maillechort plate. This surface is secured by several prominent screws and features engravings detailing the brand name and the geographical coordinates of the Ulysse Nardin manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland—a subtle nod to its origins.

The total weight of the watch is a solid 149.92 grams, giving it a tangible presence on the wrist that befits its 18-carat white gold construction. The case measures 12.4 mm in thickness, which, while not ultra-thin, is remarkably slender considering the three-dimensional depth of the movement architecture and the boxed sapphire crystal. The water resistance is rated to 30 meters, appropriate for a watch of this complexity and material, protecting it from accidental splashes but not intended for submersion.



Completing the watch is a strap that continues the theme of fusing different textures and ideas. It is made from a Deep Blue velvet rubber. This unusual combination provides the comfort, durability, and water-resistance of rubber with the soft, luxurious texture of velvet on its surface. It’s another example of the unexpected material pairings that characterize the Blast collection, securing to the wrist with a deployant clasp that ensures both security and ease of use.

The Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is a piece of kinetic art. It is a watch that celebrates the ingenuity of horology by putting it on full display. The design challenges the wearer to look deeper, to appreciate not just the passage of time, but the intricate dance of components that makes it possible. The floating barrels, the animated tourbillon, and the visible gear train create a constant sense of motion and life.

It represents a deliberate choice to move beyond traditional watch design. The use of an industrial-toned, patinating metal like Maillechort as the backdrop for a high-complication, precious metal timepiece is a daring move that pays off, creating a visual identity that is entirely its own. It feels both ancient and futuristic, a relic of an advanced civilization.

This is a machine built for enthusiasts who understand and celebrate the art of mechanical engineering. It is a conversation starter, a focal point, and a personal gallery of technical prowess. The feeling of winding the crown and seeing the mainsprings tighten in their open-worked barrels, knowing you are powering this complex ecosystem for a full week, connects the owner to the machine in a very direct way.



The architectural case, the groundbreaking sapphire box, and the seemingly impossible arrangement of floating parts all work in concert. Each element is designed to enhance the visibility and appreciation of the others. It is a holistic design where the case is not merely a container for the movement, but an integral part of the overall mechanical and visual experience.

As a limited edition of only 50 pieces worldwide, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is positioned as a truly exclusive offering for serious collectors. The brand has listed the price as available only on demand, a common practice for timepieces in this upper echelon of horology. Acquiring one will be a quest for the fortunate few who resonate with its bold design and mechanical soul.

Case: 18 ct white gold, Ø 45 mm diameter, 12.4 mm thickness, 149.92 g weight. Sapphire ultra-glass box crystal. Water resistance 30 m.

Movement: Manual-winding Caliber UN-176. Features flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement and power reserve indicator. 170-hour power reserve, 2.5 Hz (18,000 vph) frequency, 23 jewels.

Dial: Nickel silver (Maillechort) plate with a grained texture. Openworked design with floating components. Grey hands with white Superluminova®.

Strap: Blue velvet rubber strap.

Price: Price on demand.

Reference Number: 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A.

Notes: Limited Edition of 50 pieces. The Maillechort dial is a "living metal" that develops a unique patina over time. The sapphire crystal is an "ultra-glass box" carved from a single block for a panoramic view.