For 2023, Ulysse Nardin returned with a fresh iteration of its stealthy skeletonized flying tourbillon watch. The new Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold combines warm rose gold with cool blue PVD titanium, along with an open-worked dial featuring the double-X shapes that define the collection. Let’s find out more.
What’s New for the Blast Tourbillon?
Ulysse Nardin introduced the Blast Tourbillon collection in 2020, combining elements from its famed Skeleton X and Skeleton Tourbillon models. According to the brand, the sharper cases of the Blast Tourbillon watches were inspired by stealth fighter jets while the double-X theme stands for “exploration.” Esoteric design inspirations aside, what made the then-new Blast Tourbillon particularly notable was the automatic tourbillon movement — a first for Ulysse Nardin Skeleton watches. Since then, Ulysse has expanded the Blast Tourbillon lineup to include a wide range of materials and colors.
Back to basics: What is a Tourbillon Watch?
Now for 2023, a new variant joins the collection in the form of the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold (ref. 1725-400-3A/3A). With this new version, Ulysse Nardin brought together components fashioned from 18k rose gold and blue PVD titanium. For instance, the central case and bezel are crafted from sand-blasted blue PVD titanium while the upper case and crown are in satin-finished and polished rose gold. This two-tone color scheme is one we’ve often seen on Ulysse Nardin watches, including Diver, Marine, and Freak models.
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The Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold is paired with a blue rubber strap (with a velvet effect), which is furnished with a rose gold and blue titanium clasp. The strap is integrated into the case, seamlessly joining with the three lugs on each side.
The blue and rose gold palette continues on the skeletonized dial. Under the large rectangular blue window sits the signature oversized double-X detail motif, all of which play background to the rose gold hands at the center and dozen lume-filled rose gold hour markers around the periphery.
As an open-worked dial, we’re treated to a view of the mechanical movement inside the case. Highlights include the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock and the movement’s platinum micro-rotor positioned on top of the barrel at 12 o’clock.
What’s the Same?
Besides the new colorway and material combination, everything else remains the same as other Blast Tourbillon watches. The case, with all its sharp angles and “three lug” design, measures the same 45mm in diameter. Furthermore, it encases the same in-house Caliber UN-172 automatic movement with a platinum micro-rotor.
Caliber UN-172 features a silicium flying tourbillon that oscillates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 beats per hour) and offers a power reserve of 72 hours. While the Blast Tourbillon is perhaps not the best watch to bring to the pool, the case is water-resistant to 50 meters.
Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold Technical Specifications
| Reference | 1725-400-3A/3A |
| Case | 45mm |
| Case Material | 18k rose gold and blue PVD titanium |
| Dial | Skeleton dial Rectangle and double X in blue Gold indices and hands with SuperLuminova |
| Strap | Blue rubber strap with velvet effect Rose gold and blue PVD titanium folding clasp |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon |
| Movement | Manufacture Caliber UN-172 Skeletonized automatic movement with platinum micro-rotor |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| MSRP | $67,000 |
Our Thoughts
Ulysse Nardin has always followed a distinct set of design codes that set it apart from other high-end Swiss watches. While its design language may not be mainstream, we certainly appreciate the brand’s commitment to making watches that are instantly recognizable as Ulysse Nardin creations. The oversized cases, aggressive architecture, and maximalist attitude are the reasons that Ulysse Nardin has garnered a fierce following.
Plus, we cannot overlook Ulysse Nardin’s groundbreaking technical achievements along the way that have (without exaggeration) changed the luxury watch landscape. Think Freak, Perpetual Ludwig, Sonata, and striking automatons like the Genghis Khan. The company’s CEO, Patrick Pruniaux, has often referred to Ulysse Nardin as haute horology’s best-kept secret.
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The new Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold fits perfectly into Ulysse Nardin’s current catalog, blending familiar UN style with plenty of technical prowess. Although the watch is unlikely to achieve hype status, for those in the know, it’s a clear illustration of what the brand does best.
Other 2023 Watch Releases:
New IWC Portofino Complete Calendar
Six New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Watches Now In Steel
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph “Panda” for 2023
