ETERNAL SNOW
After unveiling its novel explosive collection, the watchmaker from Le Locle invites us to discover an ultra-limited and, what’s more, ultra-dazzling edition with its cloak of diamonds strewn like an… ultra-precious mosaic!
With its amazingly-architectured style, its crisp lines and impressive personality, Ulysse Nardin’s new Blast collection takes its inspiration from the highly-particular design of stealth jets, these well-known angular-shaped military planes frequently used by the US Army. Following on from the four models showcased a few months ago, the watchmaker from Le Locle now proposes a glittering version called Sparkling Blast.
This limited edition, or rather ultra-limited as only three are available, adorns its 45 mm-diameter white gold case, lugs and bezel included, with a cloak of diamonds. Or more-so an irregular patchwork as the 211 precious stones which cover the watch boast 85 different sizes. Thanks to unprecedented sizing and the invisible setting technique where a discreet or even invisible structure is crafted to host the gems, these diamonds interlock flawlessly and harmoniously embrace Blast’s ever-so sharp lines. They also feature on the skeletonized dial where they center stage the hour indexes, the rectangular central frame and the X silhouette with their brilliance.
Two silvered, luminescent baton-type hour and minute hands come to life in this absolutely magical scenescape. Our gaze, instantly mesmerized by the model’s 13 carats, is then caught by the tourbillon set at 6 o’clock which beats like a tiny heart. These time details are driven by the UN-172 caliber, an automatic movement which delivers a power reserve of three days.
Price: CHF410,000 www.ulysse-nardin.com
By Sharmila Bertin