The Ulysse Nardin Blast is an explosive ode to the hottest jet ever created

James Robinson

Since time immemorial, Ulysse Nardin has been renowned in the maritime world for their marine chronometers and nautically themed, complicated wristwatches. In fact, for the latter part of the 19^th century and the first half of the 20^th century, the Le Locle watchmaker created bespoke timekeeping devices for the navies of over 50 different countries.

Now though, UN has set its sights slightly higher than sea level, trading aquatic inspiration for the aeronautical, and in doing so, creating an all-new timepiece with an explosive new design language. Introducing the Ulysse Nardin Blast.

Taking visual cues from what is surely the most awe-inspiring aircraft ever created – the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk – the Blast is an angular symphony of wrist-worn menace.

Its extroverted 45mm case, which measures a mere 11mm thick, features a multifaceted case construction that utilises both an upper middle and middle case layer hewn from grade-5 titanium. The Blast is available in four different iterations –one in 18k rose gold, two in ceramic (black or white) and one made wholly of grade 5 Ti.

The modish cases offer and arresting blend of laser etched satin finishing that’s strikingly juxtaposed with mirrored polishing, which can be seen on the angular chamfered lugs and innermost edges of the case. The end result is an unapologetically contemporary dichotomy that is easier on the eyes than you may think, and the addition of thin, brushed bezels in either ceramic or titanium (depending on the model) ties the whole ensemble together nicely.

If the next-gen looks of the case weren’t enough, the manufacture Caliber UN-172 is sure to leave you in no doubt that this is a watch for the mavericks of tomorrow’s boardrooms. The self-winding, skeletonised tourbillon movement features no less than five different finishings, and looks seriously cool with its exposed micro rotor located at 12 o’clock, and flying tourbillon, which located at six o’clock. Caliber UN-172 also offers up a silicon escapement and 72-hours of power reserve.

Attached to the Blast is a structured rubber strap that can be had in a number of different finishings and colours, depending on which model you go for, and the trick self-deploying buckle that they utilise is just as wild as the rest of the watch.

The Ulysse Nardin Blast has a recommended retail price in Australia ranging from between $71,050 and $87,150 for the Blast Gold depending on the model and will be available from authorised UN dealers across the country.