Since 1846, Ulysse Nardin has stood at the frontier of horological innovation, embracing disruption as a form of artistry. Its latest collaboration, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre], is no exception. Born from a creative partnership with the visionary designer Amoureuxpeintre, this special collaboration represents a synthesis of minimalist design and profound introspection—a dialogue between the mechanics of time and the emotional resonance embedded within its fleeting moments.

Ulysse Nardin has long challenged traditional perceptions of watchmaking. From the audacious Freak in 2001 to its continuous exploration of material science, the Maison embodies a spirit of curiosity and innovation. It is this same ethos that finds a natural counterpart in Vsevolod Sever Cherepanov—known in the creative world as Amoureuxpeintre.

Hailing from Kyrgyzstan, Amoureuxpeintre’s multidisciplinary career spans fashion, interiors, and now horology. His work reflects an Eastern European sensibility, underscored by a fascination with unorthodox forms and an unwavering belief in the power of simplicity. "Hidden meanings are all around us—you just need to look closer," he asserts, a philosophy that seamlessly aligns with Ulysse Nardin’s own pursuit of depth beneath the surface.

At first glance, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] appears deceptively simple. Yet its stark geometry and monochromatic palette belie the intricate thought process behind its creation. The 42 mm anthracite PVD titanium case, sandblasted to achieve a muted texture, forms the architectural foundation for the frosted sapphire skeleton dial—a window both literal and metaphorical.

Amoureuxpeintre drew inspiration from frosted glass panes commonly found in modern working environments, where silhouettes become distorted, suggestive rather than explicit. This design choice invites contemplation, challenging the wearer to find clarity within obscurity. The blurred sapphire dial, achieved through advanced laser techniques and subtle metallisation, transforms the concept of time-reading from a mechanical act to an intimate experience.

Beneath this veiled surface lies the Manufacture Calibre UN-371, a skeletonised manual-winding movement with a 96-hour power reserve. Incorporating the groundbreaking silicon balance wheel from the FREAK VISION, the movement is both technically formidable and visually understated. The absence of superfluous detail focuses attention on the essentials: the interplay of light, shadow, and the gentle rhythm of time itself.

For Amoureuxpeintre, boundaries are constructs that are meant to be transcended. His career defies conventional trajectories, from collaborations with global fashion houses to the founding of SEVER and GENESIS 2.0, where he explored upcycling as both an artistic and environmental statement. This ethos of reinvention permeates his work with Ulysse Nardin.

The Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] eschews traditional ornamentation in favour of raw textures and nuanced contrasts. The anthracite hands, coated with grey Superluminova, maintain legibility without disrupting the watch’s minimalist aesthetic. Even the crown has been refined—stripped of its typical ribbed texture to preserve the clean, uninterrupted lines of the case.

Completing the design is a grey Alcantara strap, chosen for its modern, tactile quality, secured by an anthracite PVD titanium tang buckle. Each detail, while seemingly understated, contributes to an overall coherence that speaks to both form and function.

In a landscape where complication often equates to prestige, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] offers a counterpoint. It is a watch that challenges its wearer not with intricate calendars or astronomical displays but with the simplicity of its own existence. What is the role of a watch beyond telling time? Can a watch be a canvas for emotion, a mirror reflecting our own search for meaning?

Jean-Christophe Sabatier, Chief Product Officer at Ulysse Nardin, encapsulates the essence of this collaboration: “Amoureuxpeintre’s energy reflects the boundless curiosity of a generation unafraid to question conventions. This partnership pushes the limits of design and redefines how we engage with time.”

As Ulysse Nardin continues to explore the intersection of technology, art, and horology, the Blast [Amoureuxpeintre] stands as a testament to the Maison’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship without compromise. It invites us to look beyond the dial, beyond the mechanics, and to find meaning not in the display of time, but in its contemplation.

Want to discover more about Ulysse Nardin and the latest Blast [Amoureuxpeintre]? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the independent Swiss watch Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.