In a bold move, Ulysse Nardin takes its knowledge and experience with striking and chiming watches to new heights with the Blast Hourstriker, whose chiming mechanism is visible on the dial side of the watch. With a goal of optimum sound quality and volume, the master watchmakers at the brand spent several years developing the new 330-part UN-621 mechanical caliber — its first in-house automatic striking movement to be powered by a flying tourbillon. The concept began when Ulysse Nardin teamed with French audio technology company Devialet two years ago on next-level sound. The result was the Classico Hourstriker Phantom watch.
The Blast Hourstriker takes sound to a new magnitude. Essentially, the striking mechanism is powered by the automatic flying tourbillon with a silicon hairspring, anchor and escape wheel, but there is also a manual winding source for the chiming. The watch’s chiming action and sound jump into motion every hour and half-hour, or on demand. There is also an ‘off’ position to stop the striker. The movement also features a titanium membrane developed with Devialet that connects to the heel of the gong to increase audibility. A double ‘X’ is cut into the case back to act as a speaker for the sound. The 45mm case is crafted in black DLC titanium with 18-karat rose gold accents.
$104,400, available at Watches of Switzerland in New York, +1 646 973 3363, ulysse-nardin.com
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