Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Blast Moonstruck Rose Gold, a limited-edition watch built around an elaborate display of the Earth, Sun and Moon. According to Ulysse Nardin, only 20 examples will be made.
The watch comes in a 45mm case that combines an 18-carat rose gold upper section with black DLC-treated titanium. That contrast gives the case a more modern look than a traditional gold astronomical watch.
Most of the detail is concentrated on the dial, where a three-dimensional view of the Northern Hemisphere sits at the centre, suspended above black aventurine that resembles a night sky.
Five connected astronomical displays surround that central globe. The watch tracks the moonphase, lunar month and tidal coefficients, while also showing world time and the positions of the Sun and Moon around the Earth.
The moonphase is accurate for 40.3 years, so it should need very little correction over time. Its geocentric layout shows the movement of the Sun and Moon from the perspective of someone standing on Earth.
Power comes from Ulysse Nardin’s automatic Calibre UN-106, which uses 338 components and 42 jewels. A silicon escapement and hairspring help reduce wear and remove the need for lubrication.
A patented setting system adds some everyday practicality to the complicated display. Dedicated pushers allow local time to move forwards or backwards in one-hour steps without disturbing the astronomical functions.
The movement provides a 50-hour power reserve, while the watch is finished with a black alligator strap. A folding clasp combines rose gold with black DLC-treated titanium to match the case.
Priced at $116,000, the Blast Moonstruck Rose Gold is aimed at a very small group of collectors. Its cost is extreme, but so is the amount of information packed into a dial that looks like a miniature view of the solar system.