Introducing Ulysse Nardin Unveils the Blast Sparkling Rainbow

Ulysse Nardin launched the Blast collection in 2020, distinguished by its sharp design inspired by the structure of stealth aircraft, along with its bold openworked movement architecture. It became an experimental platform for Ulysse Nardin, used to showcase technical and decorative innovations and daring designs.

Today, the brand presents a new version that elevates this futuristic design to an even higher level of luxury: the “Blast Sparkling Rainbow” edition, set with natural sapphires in rainbow colors. The brand showcases its craftsmanship through the use of the “invisible setting” technique, which is characterized by the absence of any visible metal or prongs securing the stones, creating a seamless and dazzling gemstone surface with no visual obstructions. The case, bezel, crown, dial, and clasp are all set with 211 colored sapphires using this invisible setting technique, with a total weight of 13.33 carats.

The case of the “Blast Sparkling Rainbow” is made of white gold, with a diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 13.35 mm. The 18-carat white gold provides a neutral background that highlights the vibrant colors of the sapphires. The case is set with 77 colored sapphires, totaling 5.82 carats. The sharp lugs, a signature of the Blast design inspired by stealth fighter jets, are meticulously paved with these stones. The watch offers water resistance up to 50 meters.

The bezel is another prominent feature of this radiant design, set with 64 baguette-cut sapphires arranged using the invisible setting technique, blending seamlessly into the case structure, with a total weight of 3.92 carats. These stones form a continuous circle of flowing color around the dial, drawing the eye toward the mechanical heart of the watch. Even the crown receives a luxurious touch, set with 8 sapphires totaling 0.2 carats. The total weight of the watch, 177.19 grams, gives it a substantial presence that matches its precious materials and intricate construction. Speaking of weight, a few months ago Ulysse Nardin unveiled the world’s lightest diving watch, the Diver [AIR], weighing just 52 grams.

The dial reveals a mechanical structure as complex as it is colorful. The watch features an openworked design, and this three-dimensional structure is a hallmark of the Blast collection, characterized by an “X”-shaped architecture that supports the various components. In the Sparkling Rainbow edition, this structure becomes a stage for additional gem-setting. The bridges of the movement are adorned with 48 colored sapphires using the invisible setting technique, totaling 2.46 carats, extending the rainbow effect into the hour markers. The hands are coated with white luminous material for easy readability.

The dial also showcases some of the main components of the movement, such as the platinum micro-rotor located at 12 o’clock, along with the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which reinforces the geometric balance of the design, and the winding and setting mechanism at 3 o’clock.

This exceptional timepiece is powered by the UN-172 caliber, a skeletonized self-winding movement developed in-house. It consists of 137 components and operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour). This steady rhythm allows for a clear view of the escapement’s motion and offers an impressive power reserve of 72 hours.

The “Blast Sparkling Rainbow” is completed by an integrated white rubber strap with a white gold deployant clasp, set with 14 colored sapphires totaling 0.93 carats. This watch is available in a limited edition of only 8 pieces and is priced at 451,700 Swiss francs, equivalent to 2,067,500 UAE dirhams.

For more information visit Ulysse Nardin official website.