Model Spotlight: Ulysse Nardin Freak
The dictionary definition of freak includes such words as unusual, unexpected, atypical, and extreme. When it comes to the extraordinary Ulysse Nardin Freak, you could easily add words like innovative, historic, avant-garde, and breathtaking. As Freak redefines how watches work, it’s important to note that the watch is iconic not just for what it has, but for what it doesn’t have.
No Dial, No Hands, No Crown
You read that right. Freak has no dial and no hands, and most of the Freak models (Freak X is the exception) have no crown. Instead, an innovative caseback rotates to allow time-setting. The first watch in history to incorporate silicium escapement components, Freak features a flying carousel-tourbillon complication that rotates around its own axis and works in combination with the in-house manual-wind caliber UN-205. As the movement rotates, the movement itself doubles as Freak’s minutes hand, while the hour hand is a pointer set on a rotating disc that is set under the movement. In the words of Ulysse Nardin, “Movement is king as it rotates to tell the time.”
Premium Materials
Freak is a celebration of watchmaking innovation, and that extends to the materials used in its construction. The available case materials include PVD titanium, DLC titanium, 18K rose gold, platinum, and carbonium. When one adds sapphire crystal case backs to the mix, the result is the very definition of premium luxury.
More to Love
Freak has other features that make it truly one-of-a-kind, such as an escapement that is treated with DIAMonSIL for added precision and durability. The dials—in black, blue, gold thread bonding, or red and white acrylic micro painting—make a bold statement. Even the strap is special—from exotic alligator leather to a black rubber ballistic textured strap made of 30% recycled rubber.
Introducing the Newest Freak
The newest addition to the Ulysse Nardin Freak collection is the stunning Freak X OPS 43mm (2303-270-2A-KAKI/0B). Created with an automatic movement, this timepiece has a case crafted of black DLC titanium, with sapphire crystal case back, 18K rose gold bezel, and sapphire crystal. The rich black dial features Super-LumiNova coated hands and hour markers. 72 hour power reserve, and water resistance to 30 meters. The watch is finished with a handsome khaki green fabric strap that perfectly complements it.
Discover the Ulysse Nardin Freak and other luxury watches from Feldmar. Browse our online store or stop into our flagship location.
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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