Introducing Ulysse Nardin Unveils the New Freak X Crystalium Watch

Renowned for redefining the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak collection has been a symbol of radical innovation since its inception in 2001. With no hands, no dial, and no crown, the Freak challenged every convention introducing a rotating movement to indicate time. It wasn’t just a new timepiece; it was a new philosophy of horology. Over the years, the Freak line has seen numerous groundbreaking iterations, each pushing the envelope of creativity and engineering. Among the most notable is the “Freak X Gold Enamel”, a stunning fusion of traditional craftsmanship and avant-garde mechanics that exemplifies the brand’s dual mastery of art and innovation. Today, during the Geneva Watch Days exhibition, Ulysse Nardin unveils the latest chapter in this iconic saga, the "Freak X Crystalium", a bold new creation that continues the legacy of the Freak, blending transparency, cutting-edge materials, and futuristic design in a captivating form.

The 43mm case is made from black DLC-coated titanium, offering a matte black finish across the bezel, sides, and caseback for a unified, modern look. With a thickness of 13.92mm, the case maintains a bold yet balanced presence on the wrist. The use of titanium ensures durability while keeping the weight low for comfortable wear. A sapphire crystal protects the mechanical display of time on the front, while the same material safeguards the movement through the caseback, allowing a clear view of the intricate mechanics within. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters and features a crown engraved with the Ulysse Nardin logo.

The dial features an unconventional and highly technical construction, centered around a rose gold-colored Crystalium hour disc with black shading. Fixed hour indicators in black with black laquer are positioned along the periphery, while a suspended toothed ring is mounted onto these markers, serving as a transmission interface for the main rotating dial.

This central dial, functioning as the hour hand itself, completes a full rotation every 12 hours, driven by a gear mechanism that engages with the peripheral ring. A bridge structure performs the role of the minute hand, making a complete rotation every hour. The result is a visually striking and mechanically sophisticated display that replaces traditional hands with a dynamic interplay of rotating components.

The watch is powered by the Calibre UN-230 Manufacture automatic movement, featuring a self-winding system and a flying carousel mechanism that rotates around its own axis.

Designed and produced in-house, it incorporates a silicon escapement, hairspring, and balance wheel all crafted at Ulysse Nardin’s SIGATEC lab, reflecting the brand’s leadership in silicon technology. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and offers a 72-hour power reserve. It comprises 214 components, including a black minute bridge, showcasing both technical precision and modern aesthetics.

The watch is offered with two strap options, a black rubber strap featuring a “ballistic” texture and rose gold stitching, and a black alligator leather strap, also accented with rose gold stitching. Both are paired with a folding clasp crafted from black ceramic and black DLC-coated titanium. This model is a limited edition of just 50 pieces and is priced at CHF 40,000 approximately equivalent to AED 184,000.

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