Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Freak [X Crystalium], a new version of the iconic Freak. It combines the Freak’s revolutionary flying carrousel movement with a crystalium “dial” or rotating hour disc. It joins the lineup of the Freak collection in the brand’s catalogue.
“The Freak [X Crystalium] is a watch that embodies everything Ulysse Nardin stands for: mechanical daring, material innovation, and the bold spirit to explore what is next. It is about redefining the future of watchmaking, one revolution at a time.”
The Freak [X Crystalium] is a Geneva Watch Days 2025 launch.
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Image: The rose gold coloured crystalium hour disc contrasts well with the black elements – such as the hour-markers and minute bridge coated with black varnish, and black DLC-coated titanium case. Notice the brand’s logo embossed on the crown.
Hours and minutes. “It’s one-hour orbital carousel tourbillon acts as the minute hand, while the hour hand is indicated by a pointer on a rotating disc that sits under the movement.”
Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time setting.
Dial
Image: Crystalium evokes a futuristic look. No two hour discs are alike.
The “dial” or rotating hour disc is made from crystalium – “a revolutionary material that fuses scientific precision with raw aesthetic expression.”
“Here is how it is made. At the core is ruthenium, a platinum-group metal known for its strength and shine —10 times rarer than platinum. Over several days, it undergoes a slow, controlled vapour-deposition crystallisation process — the same way frost forms on glass. This process, which took years to perfect, results in natural, fractal-like crystal structures, impossible to duplicate, full of shimmering texture and microscopic complexity.”
Image: “Each disc is a one-off, a singular piece of material art. To heighten its effect, it is treated with a warm rose gold PVD finish and subtle black shading, hand-applied with fine varnish to deepen the contrast and accentuate the light play. This is not decoration. This is next-generation craftsmanship.”
Movement
Image: The Freak’s flying carrousel movement and the crystalium hour disc represents a “fusion of advanced mechanics and high-tech decorative arts.”
Powered by Calibre UN-230, a manufacture automatic movement designed and developed by Ulysse Nardin. It is a “flying carrousel movement rotating around its own axis.”
Diameter: 34.50 mm. Parts 214. Jewels 21. Frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 72 hours. The escapement, hairspring, and balance wheel are made from silicon at SIGATEC, the brand’s dedicated silicon lab.
Case
Case, case side-parts, bezel, and caseback are made from black DLC-coated titanium. Diameter: 43 mm. Thickness: 13.92 mm. Dial side and caseback features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 50 metres.
Watch is available with either a black rubber “ballistic” textured strap featuring gold stitches or a black alligator leather strap featuring gold stitches. They are fitted to a black ceramic and black DLC-coated titanium folding buckle.
Our Thoughts
Image: Looks great on both strap versions, though I prefer the black rubber strap (left).
Ulysse Nardin’s Freak – with its revolutionary flying carrousel movement and silicon components – is among the most significant horological creations of our times. First launched in 2001, it challenged traditional mindsets. It proved that a watch does not have to follow the conventional model of individual hands for hours and minutes placed on a dial and set via a crown (models with the Calibre UN-240 do not have a conventional crown, and are pricier). The Freak was the first watch to incorporate silicon components. Silicon is widely used across the watch industry, with Patek Philippe being a prime example.
The Freak is a fantastic platform for the brand to display its métiers d’art craftsmanship. The brand owns Donzé Cadrans, an enamelling atelier renowned for traditional techniques such as grand feu, cloisonné, champlevé, and guilloché-flinqué. The hour discs of the Freak [X Enamel Seddiqi] and Freak [X Gold Enamel] are creations of Donzé Cadrans.
The Freak [X Crystalium] highlights the brands avant-garde nature – to constantly experiment and innovate with new materials, techniques, and advancements in horology.
The Diver [Air], Blast [Sparkling Rainbow], and Blast [Free Wheel Maillechort] are examples of the brand’s forward-thinking mindset.
Additional Details
Name: Freak [X Crystalium]
Reference: 2303-270-4A/3A – version with textured strap.
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 40,000 (includes 8.1% VAT)
Reference: 2303-270-4A/1A – version with alligator leather strap.
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 40,000 (includes 8.1% VAT)
Limited to 50 pieces. (Not sure how the brand will divide this number against the two strap versions.)
Warranty: 5 years
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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