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Introducing the extraordinary timepiece that defies conventions and redefines the very essence of watchmaking — the Ulysse Nardin Freak. Born from the visionary collaboration between maverick owner Rolf Schnyder and genius watchmaker Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, the Freak made its groundbreaking debut in 2001, shattering traditional notions of what a watch should be.
At its core, the Freak is a bold proclamation of innovation and audacity. It boldly discards the conventional trappings of a wristwatch – no crown, no dial, no hands. Instead, it proudly showcases its cutting-edge mechanism as the centrepiece of its design. With its revolutionary technical components, the Freak stands as a testament to Ulysse Nardin's relentless pursuit of excellence and eccentricity. Notably, it proudly boasts the distinction of being the first mechanical watch in history to feature silicon escapement wheels, a milestone achievement that underscores the collection’s pioneering spirit. Further, this innovation marked the onset of the silicon age in watchmaking, harnessing the exceptional properties of a material harder than steel, highly elastic, shock-resistant, and anti-magnetic. Silicon ensured unparalleled quality and durability in the precision of timekeeping, solidifying the Freak's place in horological history.
Freak X
The Freak X, perhaps the most conventional of the Freak collection, encapsulates the core elements of its namesake—an orbital oscillator and a silicon escapement. Unlike its predecessors, it embraces a more traditional automatic movement, facilitating hand winding and setting via a crown. With its absence of a dial and hands, the Freak X distinguishes itself for its practicality and everyday wearability. It offers a harmonious blend of materials while remaining faithful to the distinctive essence of the Freak concept, a floating carousel that indicates time.
Freak ONE
Unveiled in 2022 as a testament to Ulysse Nardin's unparalleled mastery, the Freak S builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. It elevates the esteemed Freak collection to unprecedented levels of achievement. At its core, lies the brand's pioneering double oscillator, complemented by a revolutionary differential and automatic winding mechanism. This feat is made possible by the Grinder® system, ingeniously designed to harness energy from even the slightest wrist movements. Furthermore, the escapement's silicon components are enhanced with a diamond coating known as DIAMonSIL, enhancing performance and durability to unparalleled levels.
Freak S
The Freak ONE—launched in 2023—encapsulates the essence of the original Freak while introducing thrilling new elements. At the heart of this remarkable timepiece lies its crowning jewel—an oversized, intricately crafted balance wheel meticulously fashioned from a single piece of silicon. This aerodynamic marvel, coupled with a lever escapement executed in DIAMonSIL, epitomises Ulysse Nardin's unparalleled mastery of silicon technology. The Freak ONE stands out as the first in the series to feature an integrated rubber strap crafted from 30 per cent recycled rubber sourced from production waste by BIWI. With its fusion of cutting-edge technology and sustainable design, the Freak ONE asserts itself as a true masterpiece, worthy of its place at the forefront of contemporary watchmaking.