Baselworld 2015: Ulysse Nardin FreakLab. Ulysse Nardin's Freak is back with the FreakLab, a new interpretation of this iconic watch which introduces three main novelties.
Differently from the Freak Cruiser (2013) and the Blue cruiser (2014), the new FreakLab brings the balance wheel back to the centre of the dial so lightening the dial and making it easier to read the hours. The price of the Ulysse Nardin FreakLab is Euro 95,000.
Ulysse Nardin's Freak is back with the FreakLab, a new interpretation of this iconic watch which introduces three main novelties.
Differently from the Freak Cruiser (2013) and the Blue Cruiser (2014), the new FreakLab brings the balance wheel back to the centre of the dial so lightening the dial and making it easier to read the hours.
With neither dial nor hands, the movement turns about its own axis with the the lower deck displaying the hours and the upper deck – which carries the gear train, the balance-wheel and balance-spring unit and the exclusive Dual Ulysse silicium escapement – showing the minutes.
Instead of the traditional pallet fork and escape wheel, the Dual Ulysse escapement adopts two silicium impulse wheels, each with eighteen active, meshing teeth, which alternately activates a stopper which transmits its energy directly to the balance staff, first in one direction, then in the other. Thus this mechanism, which requires no lubrication, always delivers its force in the direction of the rotation of the balance wheel, minimising friction.
The FreakLab is also equipped, for the first time, with a date function at 4 o'clock marked by a red arrow.
The third novelty is the UlyChoc safety system, a new generation of shock absorbers, entirely designed, developed and produced in-house.
While a classical anti-shock system comprises five micro-elements (the block, the setting, the jewel, the counterpivot and the spring), Ulysse Nardin replaced three of these functions with a single one-piece component made of silicium. This solution - for which a patent has been applied - avoids forces of play and friction, enabling the balance staff to be perfectly recentered in the event of an impact.
The 45 mm case in white gold is characterised by the rotating bezel sculpted in the shape of waves and its safety clip positioned at 6 o'clock between the horns. When the clip is release, the bezel sets the hours and minutes when rotated clockwise, and the date when rotated anticlockwise.
On the back, another bezel winds the mainspring barrel.
The two bezels, front and back, are integral parts parts of the Calibre UN-210 movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of 7 days.
The price of the Ulysse Nardin FreakLab is Euro 95,000.
Differently from the Freak Cruiser (2013) and the Blue Cruiser (2014), the new FreakLab brings the balance wheel back to the centre of the dial so lightening the dial and making it easier to read the hours.
With neither dial nor hands, the movement turns about its own axis with the the lower deck displaying the hours and the upper deck – which carries the gear train, the balance-wheel and balance-spring unit and the exclusive Dual Ulysse silicium escapement – showing the minutes.
Instead of the traditional pallet fork and escape wheel, the Dual Ulysse escapement adopts two silicium impulse wheels, each with eighteen active, meshing teeth, which alternately activates a stopper which transmits its energy directly to the balance staff, first in one direction, then in the other. Thus this mechanism, which requires no lubrication, always delivers its force in the direction of the rotation of the balance wheel, minimising friction.
The FreakLab is also equipped, for the first time, with a date function at 4 o'clock marked by a red arrow.
The third novelty is the UlyChoc safety system, a new generation of shock absorbers, entirely designed, developed and produced in-house.
While a classical anti-shock system comprises five micro-elements (the block, the setting, the jewel, the counterpivot and the spring), Ulysse Nardin replaced three of these functions with a single one-piece component made of silicium. This solution - for which a patent has been applied - avoids forces of play and friction, enabling the balance staff to be perfectly recentered in the event of an impact.
The 45 mm case in white gold is characterised by the rotating bezel sculpted in the shape of waves and its safety clip positioned at 6 o'clock between the horns. When the clip is release, the bezel sets the hours and minutes when rotated clockwise, and the date when rotated anticlockwise.
On the back, another bezel winds the mainspring barrel.
The two bezels, front and back, are integral parts parts of the Calibre UN-210 movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of 7 days.
The price of the Ulysse Nardin FreakLab is Euro 95,000.
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