In watchmaking, progress is achieved through the fusion of the future and the past. True innovation goes beyond mere advancement; it emerges when cutting-edge technology intersects with timehonoured craftsmanship and tradition.
The new FREAK [X GOLD ENAMEL] embodies Ulysse Nardin’s mastery of this space, pairing the revolutionary mechanisms of the Freak superwatch with the classic finery of a rare métier d’art. Combined, the timepiece is a celebration of unconventional design, pioneering technology, and unmatched Swiss craftsmanship.
Launched in 2001, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak redefined the boundaries of haute horlogerie. Originally a codename coined by then-owner Rolf W. Schnyder, the name “Freak” perfectly captured the watch’s bold spirit through its groundbreaking design and mechanics. With no hands, no dial and no crown, the original Freak replaced the crown with a time setting system integrated into the bezel and wound via a mechanism in the case back. The Freak introduced revolutionary innovations, most notably pioneering the use of silicon in watchmaking, valued for its exceptional durability, lightness, and resistance to magnetism. This material transformed the industry and remains central to the Freak’s technical excellence. Over two decades, and with more than 20 patents, the Freak has become an icon among collectors, representing Ulysse Nardin’s relentless pursuit of innovation. In 2023, the Freak One was awarded the Iconic Watch Prize at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
In 2019, Ulysse Nardin expanded the Freak collection with the introduction of the Freak X, designed as a more accessible iteration. The Freak X features a slimmer profile and a smaller case, making it suitable for everyday wear while preserving the core spirit and innovations that define the collection. A key evolution was the addition of a crown for winding and time adjustments.
The Freak X builds on the same principles as the original Freak. The entire movement rotates to indicate time: hours are shown by a pointer on a rotating disc, while the movement itself completes a full revolution every hour to mark the minutes. This complication, known as a flying carousel, is unique in that the movement is held without an upper bridge, seemingly “flying” above the hour disc, creating a mesmerising visual and mechanical show.
It features a rose gold-colored minute bridge and hour markers treated with white Super-LumiNova® for optimal legibility. The 43 mm case in blue PVD titanium, is enhanced by rose gold side parts, creating a bold and elegant contrast. Offering a 72-hour power reserve, the timepiece is paired with a blue alligator strap detailed with rose gold stitches and a blue titanium and rose gold folding buckle.
The Freak [X Gold Enamel] stands out with a striking Guilloché- Flinqué rotating disc with a sunray pattern, enhanced with multiple layers of blue enamel, amplifying the rotational path of the iconic flying carrousel. This highly exclusive edition is limited to just 120 pieces.
Among the rare decorative techniques preserved by Ulysse Nardin, enamelling holds a very special place. This ancient art— practiced for over 3,000 years by civilizations such as those of Egypt, China, and the Roman Empire—became associated with watchmaking in the 17th century. Renowned for its rich, vibrant palette, enamelling offers colors of unmatched depth that do not fade over time, unlike traditional surface treatments. Today, it remains one of the most intricate métiers d’art in watchmaking, mastered by only a handful of workshops worldwide, including Donzé Cadrans, Ulysse Nardin’s dedicated enamelling atelier
