seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from United States
Ulysse Nardin FREAK [X] New Generation - 25 Years Of Radical Timekeeping
We all remember the first Freak landing in 2001 as a shock to the system, a watch that refused hands, a dial, even a crown, yet felt completely coherent once you spent time with it on the wrist. Two and a half decades later, the Freak line defines a distinct branch of modern horology, supported by 35 patents and 17 calibres that chart a continuous exploration of silicon, carousel architecture and…
Introducing the Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium]
The Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium] is a horological marvel that weaves together technological virtuosity and artistic vision in a manner that is, at once, bold and poetic. As I explore this extraordinary timepiece, restricted to just 50 pieces worldwide, I am compelled to recall why the Freak collection has captivated the imagination of connoisseurs and dreamers since its inception. This new…
Ulysse Nardin FREAK [X GOLD ENAMEL]
In watchmaking, progress is achieved through the fusion of the future and the past. True innovation goes beyond mere advancement; it emerges when cutting-edge technology intersects with time honoured craftsmanship and tradition. The new FREAK [X GOLD ENAMEL] embodies Ulysse Nardin’s mastery of this space, pairing the revolutionary mechanisms of the Freak superwatch with the classic finery of a…
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Enamel Seddiqi
The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Enamel Seddiqi is a limited-edition timepiece that seamlessly blends traditional artisanal techniques with cutting-edge horological innovation. This avant-garde watch is a testament to Ulysse Nardin‘s pioneering spirit and commitment to haute horlogerie, featuring a distinct design that sets it apart from more conventional watches. Continue reading Ulysse Nardin Freak X…
Kon’nichiwa to the new Freak X Yagasuri
Kon’nichiwa to the new Freak X Yagasuri
Ulysse Nardin is offering 30 FREAK X watches decorated with Yagasuri arrow fletching, a monochrome, geometrical Japanese pattern said to bring good luck and in Japanese culture is a symbol of determination. It is THE watch this fall, sold exclusively in Japan and China. (more…)
View On WordPress
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Aventurine
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Aventurine
Like a fragment of a celestial vault, a galaxy is infinitely small and brilliant particles adorn the new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Aventurine. (more…)
View On WordPress
Ulysse Nardin FREAK X Marquetry
Ulysse Nardin FREAK X Marquetry
View On WordPress
During SIHH 2019, Ulysse Nardin launched a “simpler” version of the Freak. Received with enthusiasm but also with disappointment, the Ulysse Nardin Freak X is a much affordable version compared with the previous model, the Freak Out. A year after the launch, I intend to refresh your memory of this great piece.
Review Ulysse Nardin Freak X
I find the Freak X a much cleaner presence. While I do love the Freak Out, I find the latest model better oriented for a daily watch. The price makes a good argument for my consideration. But before going into detail lets have a look at the official presentation video:
And the Freak X on the wrist:
Ultra-modern material and contemporary appearance
Ulysse Nardin Freak X is presented in four versions using titanium, gold and carbonium. The 43 mm case is pleasantly conceived and finished.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X
The carbonium case is decorated with black DLC titanium inserts. Note the markings plate that uses screws for fixation.
The naked titanium version presents black PVD inserts. The crown manufactured in titanium follows the case finish and bears the brand logo.
The all-black version is manufactured from titanium with black DLC. The box crystal looks great from any angle. Plus it brings even more depth to the highly mechanised dial.
A fourth version comes in a precious variation of rose gold 5N and titanium with a black DLC finish.
The case is smaller and lighter compared with the Freak Out but it offers a more comfortable wear and a balanced look to a smaller wrist.
A spectacular dial, easier to comprehend
The Ulysse Nardin Freak X offers a much more unpretentious mechanics display. The simplified design offers an unobstructed view of the balance wheel and escapement.
The dial is a delight for the enthusiast with a thing for visible gears. While the dial is not open-worked, the necessary gears to rotate the complex hands are there to see.
The escapement is built on the hands, making them an active part of the show. The minutes’ hand bears the balance wheel on its shoulders like a giant tourbillon cage.
The legibility is quite good. The simpler mechanics does not steal the show as on the case of the bigger, older brother.
A personalised UN-230 to give each watch more character, more personality
Ulysse Nardin Freak X is powered by the Calibre UN-230. The most spectacular detail is, of course, the top carousel. The show is impressive not just visual but also technical. The Calibre Un-230 uses a silicon balance wheel. The hi-tech gimmick uses self-regulating micro-blades. The balance wheel uses the natural air resistance to stabilise its amplitude and increase accuracy.
Calibre UN-230 is an impressive 72 hours power reserve automatic movement. That means you can leave it Friday evening in the drawer over the weekend and Monday it will be good to go. Or excellent if you wear it quite often but you still change it from time to time with other pieces.
The movement presents a qualitative industrial finish. Due to the piece’s style, elaborate hand finishes are not missed. And this “nice to have” will hugely increase the price. I find the overall look and finishes proper, for its idea.
Some personal notes
I have heard people complaining that the Ulysse Nardin Freak X “killed” the Freak idea. The crown addition and the simplified design were considered a no go for some. But I tend to disagree. I find the watch a much proper daily piece. I am not bothered by the crown – it is a normal detail for a watch. Considering the price starting from 21k USD, the Ulysse Nardin Freak X is a redoubtable example of Ulysse Nardin creativity and expertise in playing with materials.
My favourite piece of four is the black DLC version. I consider it the most unpretending piece from the series. While the “coloured” versions are very attractive, the all-black model withdraws the least attention from the surroundings. The Ulysse Nardin Freak X sits well on the wrist and offers good legibility. I think Ulysse Nardin did a really good job with these timepieces offering in only four pieces a good variation in colours and prices.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Technical Specifications and Price
References
2303-270/03 // 2303-270.1/03
2303-270.1/BLACK // 2303-270/BLACK
2305-270/02
2303-270/CARB // 2303-270.1/CARB
Movement
Calibre UN-230,
Self-winding movement
Functions
Flying carrousel movement rotating around its own axis
Exclusive central oscillator with large diameter
3 Hz Silicium balance wheel
Index & bridges with Superluminova
Power reserve
72 hours
Case
Titanium / Titanium with PVD finish
Titanium with black DLC
Rose Gold 5N / Titanium with black DLC finish
Carbonium ® matte-finish / Titanium with black DLC
Diameter
43 mm
Case back
Sapphire crystal
Water-resistance
50 m
Strap
Openwork veal or alligator strap with “point de bride” stitches.
World prices
Freak X Ti Blue: 21’000 USD
Freak X Ti Black: 21’000 USD
Freak X Rose Gold: 30’000 USD
Freak X Carbonium: 24’000 USD
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gallery
Ulysse Nardin Freak X
Review Ulysse Nardin Freak X During SIHH 2019, Ulysse Nardin launched a "simpler" version of the Freak. Received with enthusiasm but also with disappointment, the…
