Ulysse Nardin introduces the latest version of its iconic Freak

Ulysse Nardin has introduced the Freak [X Gold Enamel]. It combines the Freak’s revolutionary flying carrousel movement with a gorgeous métiers d’art guilloché-flinqué “dial” or hour disc.

Key Features

Image: The 18K rose gold case elements contrast well with the deep blue enamel hour disc. The case, bezel, and caseback feature blue PVD coated titanium.

Functions and 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.

Movement

Image: A fusion of modern and traditional elements. The revolutionary Freak and a traditional guilloché-flinqué hour disc.

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.

The minute bridge and hour indicator (on the rotating hour disc) are rose gold coloured and coated with Super-LumiNova. The automatic winding rotor is made from rose gold.

Dial

Image: Ulysse Nardin acquired Donzé Cadrans in 2011. They have been collaborating with them since the 1980’s. Notice the sunburst pattern and deep blue enamel on the hour discs.

The guilloché-flinqué “dial” or hour disc features an off-centre sunburst pattern and is coated in deep blue enamel. It is the work of Donzé Cadrans, an enamelling atelier owned by Ulysse Nardin renowned for traditional techniques such as grand feu, cloisonné, champlevé, and guilloché-flinqué.

The hour disc of the Freak [X Enamel Seddiqi] is also the work of Donzé Cadrans.

Case

Case and bezel are made from blue PVD coated titanium. The side parts of the case are made from 18K rose gold.

Diameter: 43 mm. Perceived thickness: 10.70 mm. Overall thickness: 13.38 mm. Dial side features a sapphire crystal. Caseback is made from blue PVD coated titanium and features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 50 metres.

The watch comes with a blue alligator leather strap with rose gold stitches fitted to folding buckle made from blue PVD coated titanium and rose gold.

Our Thoughts

The Freak [X Gold Enamel] highlights Ulysse Nardin’s ability to unite a horological icon – the Freak – with a traditional enamelling technique – guilloché-flinqué. Ulysse Nardin was the first watch brand to pioneer the use of silicon in watch movements. A handful of watch brands have the in-house ability to produce silicon components and master traditional enamelling techniques. Ulysse Nardin has both – SIGATEC for silicon and Donzé Cadrans for enamelling. The Freak [X Gold Enamel] is a worthy addition to the Freak line-up.

Additional Details

Name: Freak [X Gold Enamel]

Reference: 2305-270LE-3AE-BLUE/1A

Limited to 120 pieces

Price: Swiss franc (CHF) 46,000 (includes 8.1% VAT)

Warranty: 5 years

Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.

Ulysse Nardin has been on a roll lately. At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, they unveiled the Diver [AIR], the lightest mechanical dive watch in the world.

0