Introducing The New Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2

In the early 2000s, Ulysse Nardin launched the Freak, an icon of modern horology that did not attempt to reinterpret traditional watch design, but instead removed it altogether, placing the movement itself at the center of the experience. Over time, this radical concept matured into a family of watches that upholds technical audacity.

Following the release of the Gumball 3000 edition two years ago, Ulysse Nardin now introduces the Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2, continuing this line through updated material choices and heightened visual contrast.

For this edition, the Gumball 3000 rally starts in Miami and finishes in Mexico City, passing through a series of key cities along the way, including Amelia Island, New Orleans, Austin, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende. The journey spans roughly 3,000 miles, with each stop functioning as a cultural and social checkpoint.

The case measures 43 mm in diameter and is crafted from titanium treated with a black DLC coating. Overall thickness reaches 13.78 mm, though the open construction and curved profile reduce its perceived thickness to approximately 11 mm on the wrist. Satin finishing dominates the surface, while the use of titanium helps maintain comfort despite the substantial dimensions. On the reverse, the watch features an open sapphire caseback framed in black DLC-coated titanium. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters.

In keeping with the Freak philosophy, there is no traditional dial. The visual display is entirely mechanical. The composition is defined by a restrained palette of black, white, and orange, applied with functional intent rather than ornamentation. Time is not indicated by hands, but by the movement itself. Hours are displayed via a rotating hour disc that completes one full rotation every 12 hours, while minutes are shown by a flying carrousel that rotates once per hour. For this second edition, the minute wheel is outlined by an orange Super-LumiNova ring, a first for the series, while the indices and bridges are treated with white Super-LumiNova to improve legibility in low-light conditions.

Powering the watch is the manufacture Calibre UN-230, an automatic movement developed specifically for the Freak X. Its architecture features a flying carrousel without an upper bridge, paired with an oversized silicon balance wheel, silicon escapement wheel, and silicon balance spring. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours.

The watch is paired with a black rubber strap featuring orange inserts and orange stitching, visually echoing the accents found within the movement. It is secured by a black DLC-coated titanium folding buckle that mirrors the case finish. The watch is produced as a limited edition of 150 pieces. Pricing is set at CHF 37,700, approximately AED 179,300.

For more information, visit Ulysse Nardin’s official website.