Ulysse Nardin Freak WILL

From content partner JustLuxe iW Magazine

Ulysse Nardin updates its legendary hands-free, dial-free and crown-free feature Weird with a dual oscillator, a technical development that deepens its three-dimensional effect while enhancing its efficiency and accuracy.

As Ulysse Nardin’s standout debut at Watches & Wonders 2022, the new Freak S marks the debut of the new Manufacture UN-251 movement. Substantial new caliber hosts a new blued “DiamonSIL” (diamond-coated silicon) double oscillation with each balance wheel tilted at an angle of 20 degrees and linked by a differential.

Ulysse Nardin explains that the multi-wheel differential, clearly visible between the balance wheels, evenly distributes the barrel’s energy to the two harmonics, so the Freak S’ amplitude remains stable.

The visual effect, centered on a pair of rose gold bridges holding two blue oscillators, is reminiscent of a rocket wing.

Remember, like a carousel Freak’s The whole movement makes one complete rotation in one hour. A broad arrow on the watch’s aventurine movement plate shows the hours while the longer nose cone of the rocket with balance wheels and minute escapement. Freak S’ time is set by turning the bezel clockwise or counter-clockwise.

The new Freak S also marks an update on the efficiency of Ulysse Nardin’s already efficient Grinder automatic winding system. Using a light wrist movement, the Grinder works using four blades connected to an oscillating weight, which provides the self-winding system with twice the angular travel and limits friction. (See additional specs below.) And with the Grinder, the movement is (as far as we know) the first automatic dual oscillator available.

Ulysse Nardin will produce the Freak S as a limited edition of seventy-five pieces, of which forty will be produced this year. Each watch is fitted on an alligator strap decorated with a rose gold Sport cut. The watch is equipped with a titanium self-folding clasp system with black DLC.

Price: $137,200

Specifications: Ulysse Nardin Freak

(Limited edition 75 pieces)

Movement: UN-251 Caliber with hours and minutes indicated by the revolution of the movement. ? Flying circle bread movement: one revolution per hour. – Automatic coil grinder with blades, flexible guide and damper. Extra large tilting silicone balance wheel with inertia block, vertical differential. Power reserve is 72 hours? (2 x 2.5 Hz) (2x 18,000 vph).

Case: 45mm black ceramic, titanium with black DLC and rose gold. ? The time is set with the front bezel and lever lock. – Can be wound manually with the rear bezel.

Decorative movement plate in black aventurine. – Water resistant to 30 meters, the case has a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Back: Titanium with black DLC, 6 screws, “Grinder” visible through an open sapphire caseback on the back.

Strap: Black alligator billiards & gold calf strap or black alligator strap.

Price: $137,200