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Ulysse Nardin Blast Dual Time 42mm Stainless Steel Case
Ref. 243-20/43
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Stepping up in the same colour and case shape
The Blast collection arrived as Ulysse Nardin's answer to the Executive Dual Time — sharper in geometry, more contemporary in finishing, but kept to the same practical brief: a traveller's watch that does not announce itself as one. The UN-24 at its heart begins life as an ETA 2892, then gains a proprietary dual-time module with dedicated pushers on the case flank that shuttle the local hour forward or back without interrupting the movement. Home time runs continuously in a window at nine o'clock, readable at a glance without mode-switching or crown manipulation. At 10.05mm thick, the case is genuinely flat for a watch carrying this complication — most dual-time movements push the case well past that, and the difference is felt the moment it goes under a cuff. The blue dial works in mixed textures rather than a single finish, so it shifts character depending on the light; the large date sits at two o'clock and reads immediately without needing to be hunted for. Paired with a dark blue alligator strap and a plain pin buckle, the whole thing is quieter than the Blast name might suggest.
- Reference
- 243-20/43
- Brand
- Ulysse Nardin
- Collection
- BlastCase Size: 42 mmCase Thickness: 10
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case thickness
- 10.05mm
- Lug width
- 18mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Blue
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- ETA 2892
- Functions
- GMT, Date, Small seconds
- Water resistance
- 50m
- Bracelet / strap
- Leather strap
- Strap colour
- Blue
- Clasp
- Buckle
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Power reserve
- 42 hours
Learn more about Ulysse Nardin
Leonard Ulysse Nardin founded his workshop in Le Locle in 1846 and specialised in marine chronometers — the instruments ships used to determine longitude, where an error of seconds meant an error of miles.
The house became one of the two or three most important chronometer makers in the world. More than fifty navies used Ulysse Nardin instruments, and the company holds an extraordinary record at observatory trials: over four thousand certificates and dozens of gold medals, more precision awards than any other manufacturer.
Its modern era began in 1983 when Rolf Schnyder bought the failing company and partnered with Ludwig Oechslin, a scientist and horological historian. The results were the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei of 1985, which displays the positions of sun, moon, and stars and entered the Guinness records as the most functional wristwatch, followed by the Planetarium and Tellurium — together the Trilogy of Time.
Oechslin also designed the Freak of 2001, arguably the most radical wristwatch of the modern era: no dial, no hands, no crown. The entire movement rotates to indicate the time, and it was the first watch to use silicon components in the escapement, a material now standard across the industry.
The Marine collection continues the chronometer heritage. Kering acquired the brand in 2014.
- 1846
- Leonard Ulysse Nardin founds the workshop in Le Locle.
- 1985
- The Astrolabium Galileo Galilei is released.
- 2001
- The Freak pioneers silicon escapement components.
- 2014
- Acquired by Kering.
Manufacturer’s guarantee
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Showering yes, swimming no. 50m covers splashes and brief immersion, but a swimming stroke generates well above the pressure that figure describes.
Will the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Does it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
How long does it run for when it's not worn?
About 42 hours fully wound — enough to survive a night off the wrist, but not a full weekend.
What size strap does it take?
18mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Is it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
Goldsmiths is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
Who are Goldsmiths?
Goldsmiths has been selling watches in Britain since 1778 and is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. They are an authorised dealer, so a watch comes with the manufacturer’s own warranty.
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