First launched in 2020, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon is the flagship model from the brand’s popular open-worked Blast collection, which offers much of the same core aesthetic as the time-only Blast Skeleton X models, but with a flying tourbillon located at 6 o’clock. Over the years, this popular timepiece has been produced in a wide variety of different variations, and the latest iteration to join the lineup is the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold, which represents the first time that the Blast collection has embraced a rose gold and blue color profile.

With its angular shape inspired by the lines of a stealth aircraft, the case of the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold (ref. 1725-400-3A/3A) offers an identical profile to the other Blast Tourbillon models, and it measures 45mm in diameter by 13mm-thick. However, unlike its siblings, the central section of the case is made from sand-blasted titanium with a blue PVD finish, while the upper section is crafted from 5N rose gold. At the 3 o’clock location is a signed rose gold winding crown that is flanked by two crown guards extending from the upper section of the case, while water resistance comes in at 50 meters to sufficiently protect against daily moisture contact. A blue PVD titanium bezel sits on top of the case, and both the dial side of the watch and its screw-on caseback are fitted with large sapphire display windows to offer an unobstructed view of the skeletonized movement. Fitted to the angular three-section lugs is a blue rubber strap with a velvet texture effect that is fitted with a matching rose gold and blue PVD titanium folding clasp.

Like most skeletonized watches, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold doesn’t really have a dial in the traditional sense of the word, although the visible elements that make up the face of the watch all further play into its blue and rose gold color profile. The outer chapter ring, along with the rectangular and X-shaped structures running through the center of the dial are given a matching blue PVD finish, while the small applied markers extending from the chapter ring and the pair of centrally mounted hands appear in rose gold with luminous Super-LumiNova inlays. The Ulysse Nardin name and logo extend from the top section of the rectangular center structure, with the movement’s blue-finished platinum micro-rotor displayed directly above it. Meanwhile, the lower section of the rectangular structure opposite the logo is cut away to fully expose the flying tourbillon and silicium escapement.

Realistically speaking, as the watch offers a highly open-worked design, it is the internal mechanical caliber that occupies the majority of the display, and powering the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold is the brand’s manufacture Caliber UN-172 automatic flying tourbillon movement. Running at a rate of 18,000vph (2.5 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, the movement itself is structurally identical to what can be found in its siblings, although the version fitted to this particular model further plays into its color profile, with a rose gold colored balance wheel and a blue X-shaped tourbillon cage. Since the majority of the movement’s components are supported by the large X-shaped bridge running through the center, the vast majority of the rest of the movement remains highly open-worked to showcase its gears and allow a maximum amount of light into the case.

Iterating upon skeletonized watches can sometimes be difficult, because simply swapping out a dial for a new one in a different color isn’t always a viable option when it comes to switching things up and adding a different flavor to the mix. While the new Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold is essentially just a new colorway of an existing model, it’s important to highlight that in order to make a new version of this particular watch, Ulysse Nardin had to also change the materials and finishing for various components of both the case and movement. With an official retail price of $67,000 USD, the new Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold costs the exact same as the current black and rose gold version of the watch, although the pairing of dark blue accents with its rose gold dial and case components results in a noticeably more relaxed and sporty overall aesthetic. For more information on the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold, please visit the brand’s website.