Billed as a what-the-Freak watch, Ulysse Nardin has introduced a new piece to its Freak collection. Is this the One? Yup, it certainly is.
Defining its new independence, the Freak One, the Swiss luxury watchmaker says, epitomises its commitment to innovation and excellence. Indeed, it’s the Neuchâtel-based brand’s flagship, the company’s so called centre of gravity.
Paying tribute to the memorable Freak models that went before, the One features three signature characteristcs: it has no dial, no hands and no crown. Continuing with its inspired design, the Freak One synthesises the visual dynamics of previous generations, from the notched bezel of the original, which was introduced more than two decades ago, to the open gear train of the Freak Cruiser of 2013, the legibility codes of the 2018 Freak Vision, and the DLC-coated titanium and rose-gold detailing found on the recent iterations, such as the Freak S.
The Freak One features a black, DLC-coated titanium case, replete with a satin finish, and 5N rose-gold bezel. The 44 mm item houses the firm’s UN-240 calibre, an automatic movement offering a whopping 90-hour power reserve. The flying carrousel unit rotates around its own axis and features a silicon oversized oscillator and hairspring. The escapement is treated with DIAMonSIL for added precision and durability.
“You cannot overstate the impact of the Freak on Swiss watchmaking,” said Jean-Christophe Sabatier, Ulysse Nardin’s Chief Product Officer. “The application of silicon in the escapement was a revolution. And its design was so disruptive: no dial, no hands, no crown. It was the industry’s first hyperwatch. To aficionados, in watchmaking there is only before the Freak — and after.”
The Freak One is presented on a black rubber ‘ballistic’ textured strap, fashioned from 30 per cent recycled rubber. The watch is priced at 65 000 CHF (R1 403 241).