Ulysse Nardin Launches 20-Piece BLAST Moonstruck Astronomical Watch

Image source: monochrome-watches.com

A Three-Dimensional View of Earth From the North Pole

The centre of the display is built around a three-dimensional representation of the Northern Hemisphere as viewed from the North Pole.

The image of Earth is engraved on the inner surface of the domed sapphire crystal. Around it, dedicated indicators continuously track the apparent positions of the Sun and Moon across the globe.

Beneath the suspended representation of Earth sits an aventurine dial, whose shimmering surface evokes a star-filled night sky.

The display places the relationship between Earth, the Sun and the Moon at the centre of the watch's design.

World Time and Solar Position Share the Same Display

The Sun indicator is mounted on a rotating 24-hour world-time disc representing the 24 principal time zones.

Positioned at 12 o'clock, the Sun acts as a reference point for reading the time across all 24 time zones. The 24-hour disc is divided into two colours, allowing it to serve as a day and night indicator.

The system works together with a fixed city ring. Together, the rotating disc and city ring display world time alongside the apparent daily movement of the Sun around the Earth.

Moon Phase Accuracy and Tidal Information

The BLAST [Moonstruck] also features a highly accurate moon phase indication.

The display deviates from the actual lunar cycle by only one day after 40.3 years of operation. The illuminated side of the Moon remains oriented towards the Sun, reproducing the relationship between the two celestial bodies as it occurs in nature.

The relative positions of the Sun and Moon can also be used to identify periods associated with tides and assess the expected strength of tidal activity around the world.

Calibre UN-106 Uses Silicon Components

The watch is powered by Ulysse Nardin's manufacture calibre UN-106.

The automatic movement consists of 338 components and 42 jewels. It features a silicon escapement and silicon balance spring, with its silicon components produced by SIGATEC.

Operating at 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, the calibre provides a power reserve of up to 50 hours.

The movement also incorporates a patented time-setting mechanism that allows local time to be adjusted forwards or backwards in one-hour increments.

Local Time Can Be Adjusted Independently

Dedicated pushers integrated into the side of the case allow the wearer to adjust local time forwards or backwards by one hour at a time.

These corrections are performed independently and do not affect either the astronomical indications or the position of the minute hand.

The astronomical indications themselves are adjusted using the crown. Local time can therefore be corrected without disturbing the astronomical displays or minute indication.

Rose Gold and DLC-Coated Titanium Case

The UN-106 calibre is housed in a 45 mm case combining rose gold with DLC-coated titanium.

The upper part of the case combines satin-brushed and polished finishing. Its laser-treated sculptural surfaces interact with the light from different angles.

The BLAST [Moonstruck] is paired with a black alligator leather strap and a folding clasp made from rose gold and DLC-coated titanium.

Production is limited to 20 pieces. With its three-dimensional representation of Earth, world-time display, solar and lunar indications, tidal information and manufacture calibre UN-106, the BLAST [Moonstruck] continues Ulysse Nardin's long-running exploration of astronomical watchmaking.