Ulysse Nardin raises the bar in Haute Horlogerie with its latest revelation, the all-new Blast Free Wheel Marquetry. As a tribute to its iconic Freak model, which was the first to incorporate silicon back in 2001, this groundbreaking timepiece shows off an innovative UN-176 Manufacture caliber. Its wheels, flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement, and seven-day power reserve display float over a stunning silicon mosaic with no visible attachments. The Blast Free Wheel Marquetry is housed in a white gold 45-mm Blast case and is intricately designed. The geometric lines of the case complement an ultra-glass box, revealing the timepiece’s mysterious movement from multiple angles.
The flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock is a signature of Ulysse Nardin, boasting a revolutionary constant escapement that challenges traditional watchmaking principles. This remarkable accomplishment required two years of R&D and culminated in a perfectly even impulse on the balance wheel, regardless of the watch’s power reserve. The use of silicon technology eliminates the need for jewels and the anchor pivot, setting a new standard in watchmaking innovation. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the 103 radiant blue silicon marquetry slivers that decorate the dial. These meticulously assembled plates require multiple hours of work and contribute to the watch’s three-dimensional visuals. The case back also features a blue silicon plate, ensuring Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to silicon as a high-end material. Fit on a comfortable blue rubber strap, the all-new Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Marquetry is currently available through an authorized dealer for $137,200.
Justin Barcia has always been an exciting rider to watch on a 2-Stroke motorcycle. His riding style perfectly complements the characteristics of this type of engine. In his latest video “Still Here,” we get a chance to see Barcia in action. To celebrate this release, let’s take a look at some of our favorite videos featuring the Bam Bam rider on a two-stroke. One of our top picks is the Cr125 edit, which takes us back in time.
“STILL HERE. Wow, there is nothing better than ripping wide open on a 300 2-stroke. We had an awesome day at the Berg’s backyard track. No stopwatch, no pressure; just fun. We shot this video on our own time FOR FUN because we love dirt bikes and want to share how we ride them. Go ride your bike!!”
Prior to Chuck Sun’s epic Motocross des Nations heroics in 1981 while racing for Factory Honda, he was a Husqvarna star out of Oregon. This shot is from the 1976 Saddleback Trans Am and Chuck’s Husqvarna machine is Fox Air Shock equipped, which the Husky team ran on all of their machines. In 1978 he won the 250 class at the Trans-AMA and then got signed by Honda and went on to win the 1980 500cc National Championship, along with a GP win at Carlsbad in 1981.
NEWS
SOCIAL DISTORTION
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VIDEO JUKEBOX
THESE ENDURO GP GUYS ARE FLAT ON IT!
AND FROM OUR SIDE OF THE POND: ANGUS, BARNES AND GIRROIR HAULING THE MAIL
GLEN HELEN USGP 2016- EPIC TOMAC CAIROLI BATTLE
SHOT OF THE WEEK
Bummer.
GEAR BAG
Billet Kickstand for ’23 YAMAHA YZ450F
No need to lay down your new YZ! The Fastway Billet Kickstand is machined in-house with the same features you’ve come to trust in a Fastway stand! Internal Spring never gets lost, and keeps tension in the Up or Down position. Simple bolt-on installation!
This is Sunrise Cycle Park in Adelanto in 1981. It was my first big test with Yamaha and Ed Scheidler, who I worked with for years until he retired. Ed was the first person I worked with who shot video of the testing, and then we’d review it in his box van. He was a stickler, always asking us what the bike was doing. He’d make suspension changes, and then would again cross examine our explanation. Half the time he wouldn’t change anything and if you claimed you felt a difference he’d crucify you…all in a good way. He taught us how to test, evaluate and think about what the motorcycle was doing. This is the 1981 Yamaha YZ465.
