Ulysse Nardin unveils the Freak [X] New Generation

What is the Ulysse Nardin Freak [X] New Generation?

Ulysse Nardin’s Freak [X] New Generation is an evolution of the Freak [X]. It has gotten a complete makeover, everything from the dials, case, sapphire crystal, materials, sizes, movement, finishing, straps, and bracelet (to name a few) are all new and incorporate sustainable materials in few instances. It is presented in three references: Freak [X Blue], Freak [X Grey], and Freak [X Gold].

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What are their dial features?

Like the older model, the Freak [X] New Generation does not have a dial in the conventional sense. The hour disc beneath the flying carousel movement is its dial.

Freak [X Blue] features a blue gradient (lighter in the centre, deeper as you move outwards) hour disc with a satin and sunburst finish. The rhodium-plated bridge and applied hour-markers are coated with Super-LumiNova.

Freak [X Grey] features a grey hour disc with a sandblasted finish. The rhodium-plated bridge and applied hour-markers are coated with Super-LumiNova.

Freak [X Gold] features a black hour disc with a sandblasted finish. The rose gold coloured bridge and applied hour-markers are coated with Super-LumiNova.

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What are the features of calibre UN-232?

The new in-house calibre UN-232 is “slimmer, smarter, and mechanically more advanced” than the older model’s calibre UN-230. UN-232 is an automatic movement that drives the hours and minutes. It incorporates a “flying carousel movement rotating around its own axis.” It comprises of 216 parts and 27 jewels, beats at a luxurious frequency of 3 Hz or 21,600 vph and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours.

For the first time in a Freak [X], it features a DIAMonSil® (a silicon material coated with diamond) escapement wheel and anchor and a rose gold micro-rotor. The oversized silicon balance wheel and silicon hairspring are fabricated at SIGATEC, the brand’s silicon laboratory.

“Built on 35 Freak patents, the new UN-232 calibre integrates five patents, including the DIAMonSIL escapement, a thermocompensated silicon hairspring, ovoid hairspring geometry, optimized pivot contact, and axial assembly solution for silicon components. The movement is produced at Ulysse Nardin’s Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and is assembled from start to finish by a single watchmaker. Assembly demands extreme precision, patience, and expertise. Despite its more compact architecture, the calibre delivers a 72-hour power reserve.”

What is their case, strap, and bracelet features?

It features a monobloc case that measures 41 mm (diameter) * 10.35 mm (perceived thickness) / 13.6 mm (overall thickness). Front side and caseback feature sapphire crystals. Water resistant up to 100 metres.

The case and bezel of the Freak [X Blue] and Freak [X Grey] are made from 80% recycled steel from production waste, and is satin-finished, sandblasted, and polished. The Freak [X Blue] comes with a satin-finished integrated steel bracelet made from 80% recycled steel. The Freak [X Grey] comes with a light brown calfskin leather strap with stitches, fitted to a steel deployant buckle. The case and bezel of the Freak [X Gold] is made from 18K rose gold, and is satin-finished, sandblasted and polished. It comes with a black alligator leather strap with rose gold stiches, fitted to a 18K rose gold deployant buckle. The straps and bracelet for the Freak [X] New Generation are interchangeable, with the brand providing multiple options.

“The construction itself has also evolved. Unlike previous generations of the Freak [X], which relied on a modular titanium architecture, the new model is built around a monobloc case crafted from 80% recycled steel or full rose gold. This redesigned architecture improves structural rigidity while optimizing acoustic stability by minimising the propagation of mechanical vibrations through the case. A newly developed glass box sapphire crystal further transforms the visual experience of the watch. More immersive and more architectural, it amplifies the depth of the flying carousel movement, offering a panoramic view of the Freak’s signature baguette mechanism in motion.”

What do we think?

2026 is an important year for Ulysse Nardin as it is the 25^th anniversary of the Freak. The original Freak of 2001 is among the most revolutionary and iconic watches of all time. It proved that watches do not have to adhere to horological convention of individual hands for hours and minutes and set via a crown (though the Freak [X], the “junior” of the two Freak models in the catalogue has always had a crown) and ushered in an era of silicon components in watchmaking.

To celebrate, the brand unveiled the [Super] Freak, a technical tour-de-force, and the most complicated time-only watch ever made (holds true at the time of authoring this article). It was among the most impressive watches launched during Watches and Wonders Geneva, and perhaps all year. While the [Super] Freak, priced at CHF 320K and limited to 50 pieces is the pinnacle of the Freak (and among watches at this level of horological complexity), it is the “simpler” Freak [X] New Generation that makes my heart skip a beat.

It is never easy evolving an icon. Think of A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 that received an updated in 2015, and Patek Philippe’s new Calatrava Ref. 6119 (introduced in 2021) and Ref. 6196 (introduced in 2025). They possess the essence and soul of the models they replace yet feature modern enhancements, more suited to an increasingly demanding, sophisticated, global and often younger customer base. It is the same playbook for the Freak [X] New Generation.

An evolution of the Freak [X], the Freak [X] New Generation is better in every objective measure. It incorporates most of the material and movement innovations and sustainability initiatives for which the brand is renowned, and obtainable at an accessible (relatively speaking off course) price point. In time I am sure the three references will be joined by others, including métiers d’art versions and collaborations.

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Additional Details

Name: Freak [X Blue]

Reference: 2323-500-3A/7A (with integrated steel bracelet)

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 34,500 (8.1% VAT included)

Name: Freak [X Grey]

Reference: 2323-500-1A/0A (with brown leather strap)

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 33,500 (8.1% VAT included)

Name: Freak [X Gold]

Reference: 2322-500-2A/1A (with black alligator leather strap)

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 52,000 (8.1% VAT included)

Please visit ulysse-nardin.com to learn more.