Ulysse Nardin Goes Full Avant-Garde with the New Blast Free Wheel Maillechort

Ulysse Nardin has never been one to play it safe. From freakish tourbillons to complex movements with gravity-defying displays, they’ve spent the past two decades carving out a reputation as watchmaking’s modern-day mad scientist. And their latest creation - the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort - fits that mould to a T. It’s wild, expensive, unorthodox… and very, very Ulysse.

Source: Monochrome Watches

A Watch That Floats

The most immediately striking thing about this new Free Wheel isn't its price or even its materials (we’ll get there), but its layout. The movement parts seem to float across the dial, each operating independently in their own space like celestial bodies caught in orbit. There's no dial in the traditional sense - just a clean, almost industrial plate made of Maillechort, an old-school alloy made from copper, nickel, and zinc that has a warm, silvery tone. This gives the watch a subtle frosted finish that pairs well with its high-tech layout.

Sitting above it all are the wheels, the power reserve indicator (located around 4:30), the barrel, and the constant force escapement, all set in seemingly weightless harmony. If that sounds like a lot to take in visually, it is. But that’s kind of the point.

Source: Monochrome Watches

Silicon That Sparked a Revolution

The real mechanical flex here is Ulysse Nardin’s anchor escapement, a design they’ve been refining since 2015. Unlike your average Swiss lever escapement, this one uses blade-like silicon springs that flex and maintain consistent energy delivery. Silicon was still niche when UN began experimenting with it in the early 2000s - but since then, even big players like Patek Philippe and Omega have jumped on board.

The use of silicon also allows for fewer jewels in the escapement, which cuts down on friction and wear. In theory, this should mean better long-term reliability - although let’s be honest, very few people are buying this to be their daily beater.

Source: Monochrome Watches

On the Wrist? Big. But Not Brutish.

Size-wise, the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort isn’t shy. It’s 45mm wide and 12.4mm thick, housed in an 18k white gold case with sharply faceted edges and a domed sapphire crystal that extends partway into the case flanks. This makes it look even more sculptural in profile.

Despite its size, the lack of dial clutter and airy movement layout helps it wear a bit lighter visually. It’s paired with a blue velvet-effect rubber strap and a white gold folding clasp - just enough flair to remind you that this isn’t some sterile piece of tech, but an artistic one.

Source: Monochrome Watches

Pure Hand-Wound Power

Inside is the UN-176 manual-wind movement, which offers a full 7-day power reserve. That’s a solid performance for such a visually exposed and complicated piece. You’re not getting things like a chronograph or a date here. This watch is about time and tension - just hours, minutes, and a reminder of how much energy you’ve got left before needing to wind.

It beats at a low 2.5Hz, further emphasising the theatrical vibe of the movement - every motion of the escapement is more visible, more deliberate. You’re supposed to stare at this watch, not just check the time and move on.

Price Tag & Exclusivity

Well, this one’s going for about €117,000 (converted from $126,600), and production is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide. So yeah, not something you’ll see at your average watch meetup. But for someone who wants mechanical art with technical credibility, Ulysse Nardin is making a strong case.

Source: Monochrome Watches

Final Thoughts

There are brands that innovate in small steps, and then there’s Ulysse Nardin, building machines that look like they came from a future where humans live on Mars and timekeeping is an art form. The Blast Free Wheel Maillechort isn’t for everyone. But it’s not trying to be. It’s an expressive piece that blends old-school metallurgy (Maillechort), cutting-edge materials (silicon), and visually theatrical engineering.