3D dragon on a dial.

 

There are a number of collections in the brand Ulysse Nardin's line which draw on traditional design, such as the subtle Сlassico watches, or the Marine pieces inspired by marine chronometers.

 

However, the model that was chosen as the basis for the watch dedicated to the beginning of Chinese New Year was the futuristic Blast Tourbillon, which first appeared in 2020. The manufacture took a more cautious approach twelve years ago, when preparations were being made for the last Year of the Dragon.

Back then they presented the Classico Enamel Champlevé Dragon model with a miniature enamel depiction against a deep blue background.

 

Not only has the dragon been given more volume for 2024, it's also been given a multi-layered background in the form of an openworked movement with the now signature X-shaped structure. It took two years to develop the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon model.

 

Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon
Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon
Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon
Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon

Some of this time was spent reworking the case, bezel and glass-box crystal. Extra effort was needed to accommodate the bulky Chinese zodiac sign without upsetting the harmonious proportions in this watch. The dragon itself is a stunning example of masterful finishing: its scaly tail, whiskers, and talons.

 

Each detail has been carefully considered. For instance, the five talons are characteristic of imperial dragons. Dragon robes were first worn by Tang dynasty rulers and senior officials.

 

Depictions of five-clawed dragons on robes were reserved for the emperor and his family, while the emperor's subjects were forbidden from donning such creatures without authorization.

The gold engraving takes the artists three days, and it takes another day to apply the shades from a classic Chinese palette: red, orange, and yellow. Like the famous myth, the dragon on this dial is shown guarding a pearl, which decorates the tourbillon at 6 o'clock.

 

The letter "X" not only decorates the dial, it also criss-crosses the caseback. The watch is equipped with a manufacture skeletonized UN-172 movement, which features a silicon balance spring, and a platinum micro-rotor positioned at 12 o'clock.