Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort UN-176

amanico · 2025-07-18T15:48:54Z

Explore the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort, a 2025 novelty with a 45mm white gold case, Maillechort dial, and UN-176 flying tourbillon. Limited to 50 pieces.

amanico

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

21 replies4606 views5 photos

Amanico introduces the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort, a 2025 novelty that continues the brand's tradition of avant-garde horology. His post delves into the watch's technical specifications and unique aesthetic, particularly highlighting the Maillechort dial and the UN-176 caliber. This piece invites collectors to consider the balance between innovative design and wearability.

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Ulysse Nardin just unveiled an interesting watch, the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort. Well, new, not totally as there was the Free Wheel Marquetry, but this one offers a different show.

Here we have a 45 mm case which mixes a glass box and white gold, 12, 4 mm high. The weight is quite impressive: 150 grams!

But the most interesting part is the dial, Made of Maillechort, which is german silver, an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. It welcomes the movement, the Cal UN 176, which is a flying tourbillon with a constant silicon escapement, a Ulysse Nardin speciality.

This Calibre beats at the pace of 18, 000 vibrations per hour and offers an autonomy of... 170 Hours ( 7 Days ). One word on the hands, which are filled with superluminova, which I don't find very convincing nor necessary, here.

The back is not very interesting, as you can see:

The strap is rubber.

It is a limited edition of 50 pieces.

I have mixed feelings about this watch. The dial is very much my taste: Technical, conceptual, original, ultra modern, this design is very " Ulysse Nardin ", as well as the Cal UN-176.

The case is much less to my taste. Some will argue that the angular shape of the lugs matches with the character of the dial and movement, and they will probably be right. But some others will find them very ( too? ) complex, and the part between the lugs will not allow an easy change of straps...

One last word: I love the choice of Maillechort for the dial!

Now, I don't know the price for this watch, which may be an important factor at the moment of the purchase decision...

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is considered stunning, with its unique dial, case shape, and finishing making it special, despite potential strap interchangeability issues.
The angular and 'risque' case designs have been a long-standing characteristic of Ulysse Nardin, appealing to an acquired taste, and while strap changes might be difficult, the overall case design is acceptable to some.
This model is seen as a return to the spirit of the 'real' Ulysse Nardin, despite concerns about its price point and size.
The Maillechort dial and its texture are highly appreciated, but the lug design is considered a bit distracting.
The watch's price of $126,000 is a significant factor, with one contributor expressing a desire to try it on before making a final judgment.
The watch embodies a touch of Ulysse Nardin's characteristic 'madness,' suggesting the brand should incorporate more of this uniqueness into other models.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Jul 18, 2025

Definitely super cool....

Doesn't Ed have this one, or is it the Free Wheel version??....

amanico

Jul 19, 2025

Feel wheel version, mon ami.

Marc Obermann

Jul 19, 2025

I think this Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort is stunning.

i think the dial just looks very different to most dials I have seen and the case shape and finishing really makes this watch special, whilst i agree it does look like anything but UN straps may be an issue and even then they may be too. Luckily it's not an issue I will have to face as there are just 50 examples being made and at a price of $126,000 it's not for me. Marc

jlux

Jul 19, 2025

Not bad!

Since quite a long time this is a UN that I find to be in the spirit of the "real"UN. The price point and the size may not be for me but I still like the result !!

amanico

Jul 19, 2025

The price is very ambitious, indeed.

pkonos

Jul 19, 2025

I love the Maillechort and its texture here, but I have to say that I find the lug design a bit distracting....

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Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort UN-176

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