GENEVA WATCH DAYS: Ulysse Nardin expand their spectrum with new Rainbow releases
D.C. HannayAt Geneva Watch Days, Ulysse Nardin is making a multicoloured splash with the introduction of two sporty new models to their Blast and Diver lines. Ulysse Nardin has long been known for their bold, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-them designs (like the avant-garde Freak series), and these new variants are inspired by the iridescent, rainbow-hued appearance of the silicium used in their escapement components. Let’s take a closer look at the full spectrum of these brightly hued new releases.
Ulysse Nardin Blast Rainbow Tourbillon
The big, brash Blast Rainbow Tourbillon simply refuses to be ignored. It’s so visually arresting, it should be X-rated, and in fact sports a stylised “X” as a main feature of its dial. There’s a lot to take in here, starting right off with over five carats of rubies and multihued sapphires that adorn the dial indices and bezel. Rainbow-jewelled luxury timepieces remain one of the hottest categories in the space, and applying the aesthetic to a big, more technical watch such as the Blast Tourbillon is an inspired choice. The baguette gemstones are the stars here, ringing the high-tech dial with the right amount of flash and fun.
With a case constructed of both black DLC titanium and black polished and blasted ceramic, and with a substantive size of 45mm in diameter, the Blast will not go unnoticed. The case’s shape and multi-angled lines will be familiar to fans of the Blast, and the black finishing really lets the jewells pop. Water resistance is stated at 50 metres. The skeletonised dial features the trademark Blast rectangle and “X”, and black was again a prudent decision for the finish, so as not to distract from all that rainbow glory. Sapphire protects the dial and movement both up front and behind.
The skeleton construction of the dial offers a great view of the automatic UN-172 manufacture movement, with plenty of opportunity to see the flying tourbillon in action. The 25-jewel movement features a platinum micro-rotor on plain view at 12, a 72 hour power reserve, and the escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring are fully constructed of silicium, increasing performance and reducing wear. The black hour and minute hands feature a healthy dose of Super-LumiNova, but the absence of a seconds hand is no drawback. With the flying tourbillon furiously churning away, you’ll always be guaranteed visual pyrotechnics. Strap choices are a black “velvet” rubber or black alligator, both featuring a black DLC titanium and ceramic deployant buckle, along with compatibility with any Blast Tourbillon strap.
The Blast Rainbow is a limited edition of 50 pieces, priced at 85,000 CHF
| Brand | Ulysse Nardin |
| Model | Blast Rainbow Tourbillon |
| Case Dimensions | 45mm |
| Case Material | Black DLC titanium and ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Black |
| Straps | Velvet and rubber |
| Movement | UN-172 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | 85,000 CHF |
Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Rainbow
If you’re looking to taste the rainbow in a smaller-sized bite, you’re in luck. The 39mm Lady Diver Rainbow brings a similar aesthetic to a timepiece fitting a wider range of wrists, and it comes in two variants: Bold black or bright white. Again, colour is the star here, with the concave bezel brimming with 40 rainbow-hued gems encircling the dial. Ulysse Nardin is marketing the watch as a ladies’ model, but the dimensions are such that anyone with the appropriate level of swag can wear it comfortably. I personally find the juxtaposition of its glam looks against what’s essentially a functional tool watch a bit cheeky, in the best possible way. And it is a legit dive watch, with its stainless case substantial enough for a depth rating of 300 metres.
The white version has a stainless-steel case, while the black version gains a stealthy DLC finish. The crown is slightly oversized for easy setting, and the solid stainless caseback ensures that the watch remains watertight, no matter how prone you are to jumping into Roman fountains while on holiday. Moving inward from the rainbow bezel, you’ll find 11 diamonds as hour markers, set into a softly-finished sunray dial in either black or silver, depending on which finish you choose. In addition to hours, minutes, and seconds hands, a discreet circular date window appears at six. The hands and 12 o’clock marker are also dabbed with Swiss Super-LumiNova. Driving those hands is the caliber UN-816 automatic movement, with 19 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a silicium escapement wheel and anchor. As far as strap options, you have your choice of sculptured rubber or alligator leather, both available in black or white, depending on finish choice.
The Lady Diver Rainbow is a limited edition of 300 pieces per variant, priced at 12,900 CHF.
| Brand | Ulysse Nardin |
| Model | Lady Diver Rainbow |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | White |
| Straps | Leather |
| Movement | UN-816 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | 12,900 CHF |