The New Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort

With its continuing pursuit of offering aesthetic variations of unconventional mechanical design, Ulysse Nardin expands its Blast Free Wheel series with the new Blast Free Wheel Maillechort. The concept was introduced in 2018 with the Executive Tourbillon Skeleton Free Wheel and UN added spectacular limited editions with exotic dials a year later, and a Blast Free Wheel Marquetry in 2023. The Free Wheel design places key components, barrel, gear train, and regulating organ, above the dial, appearing to float. The latest edition expands on that formula with a dial and caseback plate crafted from Maillechort, a traditional copper-zinc-nickel alloy invented in the early 19th century by French engineers Maillet and Chorier. Valued for its warm tone and delicate texture, Maillechort brings an added layer of visual excitement to this limited run.

The 45?mm white gold case features sharply defined facets with a mix of satin and polished finishes, produced using precision laser techniques. Its multi-angled Blast architecture integrates a single-block sapphire “glass box” crystal that allows unobstructed views of the exposed mechanics. An open sapphire caseback reveals the Maillechort (or German Silver) plate that anchors the dial side.

The UN-176 calibre at the core continues the Free Wheel’s visual engineering theme. The double-barrel system at 12 o’clock generates a 7-day power reserve. Then, we see a decorated winding wheel at 2 o’clock, and a distinctive power reserve display at 4 o’clock, featuring a static pointer and a rotating disc to provide a reading of the energy status. The Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock utilises ultra-thin silicon blade springs; this innovative escapement provides consistent impulses to the balance wheel, ensuring stable amplitude regardless of the power reserve. Its design, free of traditional anchor pivots and jewels, reduces energy loss and friction.

Additional visible mechanisms, including the reduction gear, intermediate wheel, and power reserve differential, reinforce the watch’s open, kinetic architecture. Easily compared to earlier Free Wheel variants, such as the 2019 Executive Free Wheel Osmium with its blue sparkle, this Maillechort version offers a slightly different visual signature.

The watch is offered on a blue velvet-effect rubber strap closed by a white gold folding clasp. It is limited to just 50 pieces, and the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is priced at CHF120,000 or EUR 128,100.

For more information, please visit Ulysse-Nardin.com.