Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad: a fusion of innovation and tradition

Ulysse Nardin unveiled the Freak S Nomad, the latest chapter in the more than twenty-year story of the Freak. Price CHF 140,600

The latest chapter in the more than twenty-year journey of the Freak, which began in 2001, is the Freak S Nomad, unveiled by Ulysse Nardin at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 (April 9-15).

This new limited edition timepiece, with only 99 pieces being available, boasts a unique appearance and is powered by the Freak S’s Calibre UN-251 Manufacture movement, a flying carousel that rotates around its axis. It features two oscillators with silicon balance wheels beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) and inclined at 20 degrees. The escapements are treated with DIAMonSIL for enhanced accuracy and durability.

Connecting these elements is a vertical differential system mounted on ball bearings. The innovative Grinder winding system by Ulysse Nardin ensures efficient automatic winding, twice as effective as traditional systems, building a 72-hour power reserve. In total, the movement comprises 373 components and 33 jewels.

The Freak S Nomad indicates the minutes via a pointer set into the one-hour orbital flying carousel (part of the movement), and the hours via a pointer set on a rotating hour disc that sits under the movement. Both indications can be read also in low light environments thanks to luminous Super-LumiNova emitting a light blue glow in the dark. 

The rotating disc that displays the hours behind the Freak S Nomad’s flying carousel is hand-finished with an elegant diamond guilloché pattern and enhanced by a sand-coloured CVD coating. This is turned on an 18th-century rose engine operated by the hand of an artisan and requiring three uninterrupted hours of meticulous craftsmanship to complete.

The Freak does away with a crown. Instead, the bezel serves as the mechanism for setting the watch. It is activated when the locking mechanism at 6 o’clock is lifted, releasing the setting system.

This sophisticated architecture is housed in 45 mm x 16.65 mm case combining various materials: titanium for the main body; an anthracite PVD-coated titanium bezel; and carbon fibre flanks that also serve as the watch’s lugs. 

The pairing of an ultra-traditional finishing technique such as guillochage with the modern movement and materials reflects Ulysse Nardin's unique approach: grounded in Swiss craftsmanship yet driven by innovation.

The timepiece is accompanied by two straps: the first crafted from anthracite rubber with a 'ballistic' texture, and the second made of matte anthracite alligator leather, which is open-worked to showcase sand-colored calfskin leather accents.

Water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet, the new Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad has a price of CHF 140,600. ulysse-nardin.com

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