A Closer Look:  Ulysse Nardin’s Blast Amoureuxpeintre

Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watch Manufacture synonymous with bold innovation, has unveiled a collaboration that bridges the worlds of horology and contemporary design: the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre]. This avant-garde creation, the result of a partnership with Kyrgyzstan-born designer Vsevolod Sever Cherepanov—known by his artistic moniker Amoureuxpeintre —  is more than just a watch; it’s a statement on how tradition and innovation can converge in minimalist form. Limited to 29 pieces, this timepiece is designed to push the boundaries of what a watch can signify, inviting wearers to see beyond the surface.

Reflecting Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to creative disruption, a hallmark that has defined the brand since its inception in 1846, the watch seems to draw inspiration from the brand’s groundbreaking record of reimagining the rules of watchmaking.

This collaboration with Amoureuxpeintre carries forward a legacy of defiance. Known for his minimalist yet provocative approach, Amoureuxpeintre channels his artistic philosophy of uncovering hidden meanings into the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre], a watch that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the intrigue of what lies beneath.

At first glance, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] is a study in monochromatic restraint. Its 42mm anthracite PVD  titanium case features a sandblasted finish, perfectly complementing the frosted sapphire skeleton dial that reveals—but doesn’t fully expose—the intricate mechanics beneath. The dial’s blurred effect, achieved through a combination of advanced laser techniques and subtle metallization, offers a delicate interplay between clarity and obscurity. It’s an aesthetic choice that mirrors Amoureuxpeintre’s fascination with the partial truths of everyday objects, encouraging a deeper inspection to uncover their full meaning.

Inside the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] beats Ulysse Nardin’s Manufacture Caliber UN-371, a 173-part manual-winding movement that boasts a 96-hour power reserve. The movement’s silicon balance wheel, escapement wheel, anchor and balance spring are a hallmark of Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering use of silicon in horology. While the watch’s aesthetic may prioritize minimalism, its technical specifications are anything but. From the oversized oscillator to the meticulous skeletonization, each element is a testament to the Manufacture’s dedication to engineering excellence.

What sets the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] apart is its narrative. The dial evokes the distorted clarity of frosted glass, a motif inspired by Amoureuxpeintre’s observations of workplace interiors. This design choice transforms the watch into a canvas for contemplation, where each glance offers a reminder of the hidden complexities in everyday life. The anthracite hands, coated with grey Super-LumiNova, ensure that functionality is not sacrificed in this artistic endeavor. In complete honesty, this is not one of my favorite Ulysse Nardin watches. For the $32,700 it retails for, I would prefer something more characteristically UN, like the Diver Net at almost half the price.