Ulysse Nardin ventures somewhere over the [Sparkling Rainbow]

Ulysse Nardin upheld its reputation as an avant-garde icon in 2020 when it first released the unapologetic Blast collection, inspired by the form of stealth aircraft to marry high function with an unconventional aesthetic.

Now, the brand returns to the model in spectacular form courtesy of the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow] – a high-jewelry limited edition of just eight pieces that fuses haute horlogerie with gem-setting artistry.

The watch is powered by the brand’s in-house UN-172 skeletonized movement, featuring a flying tourbillon, silicon escapement, and a platinum micro-rotor visible at 12 o’clock.

Beating at 18,000 vph and offering a 72-hour power reserve, the caliber showcases the brand’s technical expertise and history of silicon innovation since 2001’s legendary Freak.

Housed in a 45mm white gold case, the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow] is invisibly set with 211 sapphires totalling 13.33 carats across the case, bezel, dial, crown, and clasp.

These rainbow-colored stones, cut into 85 unique shapes, are individually selected and placed to create a seamless gradient effect that encircles the entire watch.

The model spotlights the “mystery setting” technique which allows light to effortlessly pass through, creating the illusion of floating gems with no visible metal.

Water-resistant to 50 meters, it fastens with an integrated white rubber strap and deployant clasp, also set with sapphires to complete the piece’s bold aesthetic.

CHF 451,700, ulysse-nardin.com