Where precision, craftsmanship, and innovation reign supreme, few brands have managed to captivate watch enthusiasts quite like Ulysse Nardin. With a rich history dating back to 1846,
Ulysse Nardin has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge technology to create timepieces that are nothing short of extraordinary. Among their impressive collection, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon stands out as a true masterpiece that pays homage to Chinese folklore and the Year of the Dragon.
Ulysse Nardin has a longstanding tradition of commemorating the Lunar New Year with limited edition timepieces that capture the essence of the
Zodiac animal representing that particular year. In 2024, the Year of the Dragon, Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Blast Tourbillon Dragon, a watch that embodies the mystical allure of this revered creature. This horological marvel is not just a timekeeping instrument; it's a work of art that seamlessly melds tradition, innovation, and cultural symbolism.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The Blast Tourbillon Dragon is a stunning example of Ulysse Nardin's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. This extraordinary timepiece boasts a 45mm case crafted from 18ct Rose Gold and Titanium, which not only adds to its robustness but also exudes a sense of opulence and sophistication. The combination of rose gold and titanium creates a captivating contrast that enhances the watch's visual appeal. Moreover, the case features a black hard coating that adds durability and a touch of edginess to its overall design.
One of the most striking aspects of the Blast Tourbillon Dragon is its mesmerizing dial. This timepiece features a skeletonized dial, which allows you to peer into the intricate mechanical movement beneath. However, what truly sets this watch apart is the hand-sculpted 3D dragon that seems to slither its way through the watch's components. The dragon, meticulously crafted from 5N rose gold, adds a mythical and captivating dimension to the watch. It's as if the dragon has come to life, coiling around the skeletonized X structure with an air of majestic grace.
To achieve this remarkable design, Ulysse Nardin embarked on a two-year development journey, involving the creation of a bespoke dial and adjustments to the Blast Tourbillon case, bezel, and glass-box crystal. The result is a watch that not only tells the time but also narrates a story – a story of artistry, craftsmanship, and the mystique of the dragon.
Beneath the captivating dragon lies the heart of the Blast Tourbillon Dragon – the in-house Calibre UN-172 movement. This mechanical marvel, with its 24 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, boasts a flying tourbillon. The escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring are crafted from silicon, ensuring precision and durability. The tourbillon mechanism serves not only as a horological complication but also as a visual spectacle, further enhancing the watch's allure.
The dragon-themed design of the Blast Tourbillon Dragon pays tribute to the rich symbolism of the Year of the Dragon in Chinese culture. Dragons are revered for their strength, power, and association with good fortune. To complement this symbolism, the dragon on the watch is often paired with pearls, representing purity, wisdom, and wealth. This combination signifies a harmonious blend of power and prosperity, making it an ideal motif for a timepiece.
Intricately integrated into the design, a mother-of-pearl sits atop the cage of the flying tourbillon, protected between the dragon's five-clawed hands. This addition not only enhances the watch's aesthetics but also aligns with the symbolism of pearls as a representation of wisdom and purity.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The Blast Tourbillon Dragon is a testament to Ulysse Nardin's commitment to fusing ancient mythology with cutting-edge horology. This watch invites you to celebrate the power and prosperity of the dragon, as it coils its way into the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
At the heart of the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon lies the Calibre UN-172, a manufacture movement designed and crafted in-house by Ulysse Nardin. This movement is the powerhouse behind the watch's precision timekeeping and the mesmerizing flying tourbillon display.
The Calibre UN-172 boasts a total of 137 meticulously engineered components. What sets it apart from conventional movements is its automatic winding mechanism, which means that the watch is self-winding. This innovation eliminates the need for manual winding and ensures that the watch remains powered even when not worn. The convenience of not needing to wind the watch daily is a testament to Ulysse Nardin's commitment to horological excellence.
With a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, the Calibre UN-172 ensures that the watch keeps accurate time over an extended period, even if it's not worn for a day or two. This feature adds practicality to the timepiece, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz), which contributes to its exceptional precision. Each component of the movement is carefully crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and precision, reflecting Ulysse Nardin's commitment to horological excellence.
The Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon is a masterclass in material selection, combining metals and sapphire crystal to create a watch that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly durable.
The case of the watch is constructed from 18ct Rose Gold and Titanium, which results in a harmonious blend of strength and elegance. The 18ct Rose Gold adds a touch of opulence and warmth to the case, while Titanium ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear. The case's black hard coating enhances both its aesthetics and robustness, creating a watch that can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
One of the standout features of the watch is its sapphire crystal with a magnifier. Sapphire crystal is known for its exceptional scratch resistance and clarity. The addition of a magnifier enhances the visibility of the day-date display, making it easier to read.
The black DLC titanium middle case and bezel add an edgy and contemporary touch to the watch's design. This combination of materials creates a visually captivating timepiece that draws the eye and sparks intrigue.
The defining feature of the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon is, without a doubt, the hand-sculpted 3D dragon that graces the watch's dial. Crafted from 5N rose gold, the dragon appears to come to life as it weaves its way through the skeletonized X structure. This artistic masterpiece is a testament to Ulysse Nardin's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watch design and craftsmanship.
Creating the dragon involved a meticulous and labor-intensive process, requiring four days of craftsmanship to achieve the desired level of detail and intricacy. The dragon's presence elevates the watch to the realm of fine art, making it a collector's dream.
The skeletonized dial allows a clear view of the movement beneath, providing a captivating visual experience. The design choice to leave certain components exposed adds an element of transparency and depth to the watch's aesthetics, further enhancing its allure.
The mother-of-pearl that adorns the cage of the flying tourbillon adds a touch of elegance and symbolism to the watch. Pearls are often associated with purity and wisdom, making them a fitting complement to the dragon's strength and power. This combination of elements tells a story of harmonious balance, which is central to Chinese culture and symbolism.
The Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon is a watch that transcends mere timekeeping. It is a work of art that pays tribute to Chinese culture, mythology, and the Year of the Dragon. From its meticulously crafted dragon to its innovative movement and exceptional materials, every aspect of this timepiece reflects Ulysse Nardin's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
The dragon, with its 3D presence, adds an element of enchantment to the watch, making it a conversation starter and a collector's dream. This watch is not just a statement piece; it's a masterpiece that invites you to celebrate the power and prosperity symbolized by the dragon.
As Ulysse Nardin continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, the Blast Tourbillon Dragon stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the art of horology. It's a watch that captures the imagination and reminds us of the magic that can be achieved when tradition and innovation come together in perfect harmony.