Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck: The Watch That Brings The Universe To Your Wrist

Ever looked down at your wrist and wished you could see the entire cosmos instead of just realizing you’re five minutes late for a meeting? We have found exactly that in the new Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck, an exclusive limited-edition timepiece restricted to just 20 pieces. Any lover of high horology would be able to tell that this isn't just a watch it's a geocentric masterclass that shrinks the Earth, Sun, and Moon down to fit within a 45 mm case. To know more about the difference between the limited edition and the previous model, click here.

A Cosmic Legacy

To truly understand this masterpiece, we have to rewind to 1983 when entrepreneur Rolf Schnyder met the brilliant watchmaker, astronomer, and mathematician Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. Oechslin is the genius who created the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei in 1985, which Guinness World Records recognised as the world's first astronomical wristwatch. That watch, along with the Planetarium Copernicus and the Tellurium Johannes Kepler, formed the legendary Trilogy of Time. Following this, the very first Moonstruck watch was unveiled in 2009 to bring the Earth, Sun, and Moon into a single display. Fast forward to today, and Ulysse Nardin continues this celestial legacy with the new Blast Moonstruck in rose gold. To know more about the history of the Blast collection, click here. 

The Geocentric Experience

What I love most about Oechslin’s philosophy is his belief that complexity should stay inside the movement, leaving the actual reading of the watch beautifully intuitive. The Blast Moonstruck places a three-dimensional representation of the Northern Hemisphere which viewed directly from the North Pole at the center of the display. It’s engraved on the underside of a domed sapphire structure, making the Earth look like it’s literally suspended above the dial! 

Around our little planet, the watch orchestrates five interconnected astronomical indications. The high-precision moonphase is engineered to be so accurate that it only deviates by one day every 40.3 years. In addition, it continuously tracks the progression of the days of the lunar month. I can also visually identify periods of spring and neap tides and anticipate tidal activity based on the relative positions of the Sun and Moon. For checking the time across the globe, a 24-hour rotating worldtimer disc displays the 24 principal time zones with a two-tone day/night indication. Finally, the illuminated portion of the Moon is designed to continuously face the Sun, perfectly mirroring real-life celestial geometry.

Powering the Universe

Underneath the starry dial lies the beating heart of this system: the automatic Manufacture calibre UN-106. The movement is an intricate labyrinth containing 338 individual components and 42 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, which equals 28,800 vibrations per hour, while delivering a reliable 50 hours of power reserve. It also utilizes a silicon escapement and silicon hairspring to eliminate the need for lubrication while boosting precision, durability, and anti-magnetic properties. 

Ulysse Nardin also included its patented time-setting mechanism for ultimate convenience. I can adjust local time forwards or backwards in one-hour increments using pushers integrated into the left side of the case, all without disrupting the intricate astronomical calculations. If I ever need to adjust the celestial settings, I can do it directly via the crown.

A Design That Is Out of This World

Visually, the Blast Moonstruck is a stunning architectural showstopper. The 45 mm case features a combination of satin-finished and polished rose gold on the upper section, alongside a black DLC-treated titanium middle and bezel. The base dial is made from aventurine, presenting a naturally shimmering surface that resembles a star-filled sky. Surrounding this cosmic backdrop is a rose gold ring intricately engraved with the days of the month. To finish the aesthetic, it comes strapped on black alligator leather with a folding clasp crafted from black DLC-treated titanium and rose gold. 

Ultimately, the Blast Moonstruck is a perfect representation of Ulysse Nardin's 180-year history of challenging convention. As an independent, high horology Swiss Maison, they consistently prove that they are unafraid to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking and explore beyond what is possible. Having a piece of this pioneering technology and unmatched craftsmanship on my wrist would truly make me feel like the center of the universe.