Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck

Press release

August 2026

The Blast Moonstruck presents astronomical information through a geocentric display architecture, placing the Earth at the centre of the watch and reproducing celestial mechanics as they are observed from our perspective on Earth. At the heart of the display is a three-dimensional representation of the Northern Hemisphere, viewed from the North Pole and engraved on the underside of a domed sapphire structure. Surrounding it, dedicated indications continuously track the apparent positions of the Sun and Moon around the globe.

Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck

Press release

August 2026

he Sun indication is mounted on a rotating 24-hour worldtimer disc displaying the 24 principal time zones. Positioned at 12 o’clock, the Sun serves as a natural reference point, allowing time to be read across the world’s 24 time zones. A two-tone day/night indication further enhances legibility by instantly distinguishing daytime from nighttime around the globe. Working in conjunction with the fixed city ring, the display simultaneously visualises global time and the apparent movement of the Sun around the Earth over the course of a day.

The Moon indication follows its own orbital path around the globe, displaying both the moonphase and the progression of the lunar month. Engineered to reproduce the lunar cycle with exceptional precision, the moonphase indication deviates by only one day after 40.3 years.

In keeping with Ludwig Oechslin’s relentless pursuit of astronomical accuracy, the Blast Moonstruck reproduces one of his most distinctive innovations: the illuminated portion of the Moon continuously faces the Sun, exactly as it does in nature. Rather than relying on a conventional moonphase display, the watch faithfully recreates the true geometry of the Earth-Moon-Sun system, ensuring that the moonphase remains correctly oriented at all times.

The relationship between the Sun and Moon also drives the tidal coefficient indication, visualising the effects of celestial mechanics on the Earth’s oceans. Through the relative positions of the Sun and Moon, the wearer can identify periods associated with spring and neap tides and anticipate the strength of tidal activity around the globe. This indication reflects the Manufacture’s long-standing connection to marine navigation.

Powering the Blast Moonstruck is the manufacture calibre UN-106, an automatic movement developed and produced by Ulysse Nardin. Composed of 338 components and 42 jewels, the calibre integrates world time and astronomical indications within a single mechanical architecture.

The movement incorporates both a silicon escapement and a silicon hairspring, technologies pioneered by Ulysse Nardin and first introduced to modern watchmaking with the Freak in 2001. Lightweight, anti-magnetic and highly resistant to wear, silicon eliminates the need for lubrication on critical components while enhancing precision, durability and long-term reliability. These silicon components are produced in-house by SIGATEC, Ulysse Nardin’s silicon manufacture. More than two decades after its introduction, silicon remains a cornerstone of Ulysse Nardin’s approach to innovative watchmaking.

The calibre also incorporates Ulysse Nardin’s patented time setting mechanism, allowing local time to be adjusted forwards or backwards in one-hour increments via dedicated pushers integrated into the side of the case. These corrections can be performed independently without affecting the astronomical indications, the underlying celestial calculations or the position of the minute hand.

Astronomical settings can be adjusted directly via the crown, allowing the wearer to synchronise the watch with ease. To further simplify ownership, Ulysse Nardin provides dedicated digital instructions guiding the wearer through each step of the setting procedure.

Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and delivering a power reserve of 50 hours, the UN-106 combines advanced astronomical functionality with everyday practicality.

Introduced as the expression of Ulysse Nardin’s most innovative watchmaking, the Blast collection provides a contemporary stage for the Moonstruck’s sophisticated astronomical display. Its bold architecture, layered construction and geometric lines enhance both the technical character of the watch and the three-dimensional nature of its indications.

Housed in a 45 mm case, this limited edition combines a rose gold upper case with a black DLC-treated titanium case middle and bezel. The upper case features a combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces, accentuated by laser-finished facets that catch the light from every angle. This interplay of finishes enhances the architectural character of the watch while reinforcing the contrast between precious metal and technical materials. At the centre of the design is a sapphire glass box developed to accommodate the Moonstruck’s unique geocentric architecture. Engraved on the underside of the domed sapphire structure, the Northern Hemisphere appears suspended above the dial, creating a striking three-dimensional representation of the Earth.

Beneath the suspended representation of the Earth lies an aventurine dial, whose naturally shimmering surface recalls a star-filled sky. The material provides a striking backdrop for the Moonstruck’s astronomical indications, enhancing both the depth and visual impact of the display. Encircling the dial, a rose gold ring engraved with the days of the month introduces an additional layer of information while reinforcing the watch’s architectural construction. The interplay of materials, colours and relief contributes to the uniquely three-dimensional character of the Moonstruck.

Produced in a limited edition of 20 pieces, the Blast Moonstruck in rose gold combines one of Ulysse Nardin’s most intricate astronomical creations with a bold contemporary architecture, bringing together celestial timekeeping, technical innovation and modern watchmaking.