The story of Ulysse Nardin’s Freak is as unusual as its name, although it may sound out of place, upon closer inspection it fits perfectly. This watch has a casual personality as a watch that omits the traditional dial, crown, and hands. The latest iteration of the watch, the Freak One , works to recall the line’s earliest directional roots, while also being a modern introspection of the brand’s 20-plus year journey. This watch is poised to be the highlight of Ulysse Nardin at this year’s WatchTime New York collectors event , taking place this weekend from October 20-22 at Gotham Hall in Manhattan.
When it was first launched in 2001 under the direction of then-owner Rolf Schnyder and watchmaker Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, it broke with nearly every convention of fine watchmaking. At the same time, it sets standards with advanced technology and innovative design. Since it was developed without the basic elements of a wristwatch, it was named “Freak” but with a very positive connotation.
Time is set by the bezel, winding is done by turning the case back, and the time is displayed by a one-hour slow-rotating tourbillon. Additionally, this pioneering statement introduced the first silicon escapement into the world of watchmaking. The eight monumental executions carried out since then boast as many as 20 patents.
The latest Freak One launched at this year’s Watches and Wonders intentionally goes back to its roots and boasts a number of technical highlights from the Freak’s 20-plus year pedigree. Featuring the knurled bezel of the first Freak, the open-face gear train of the 2013 Freak Cruiser, and the constant downforce of the 2018 version, the Freak One is the best of its predecessors. In addition, the watch’s speed is determined by the silicon hairspring introduced in 2008 and the escapement coated with DiamonSil, a pioneering plasma coating of silicone and synthetic diamonds first used in 2007. .It protects the escapement from wear and impact.
The Freak One arrives with a black DLC-coated titanium case with a diameter of 44mm and a rose gold bezel. In terms of movement, the Freak One is driven by the UN-240 self-winding movement with an outstanding power reserve of 90 hours.
