Out of the Blue: The Evolution of the Freak
Nearly 25 years ago, Ulysse Nardin revolutionised mechanical watchmaking with the debut of the Freak. Launched in 2001, this extraordinary timepiece appeared like a bolt from the blue, defying every traditional concept of Swiss haute horlogerie. With no dial, no hands, and no crown, the original Freak was a mechanical marvel, showcasing complexity while adhering to the simplest of forms.
Not only was the Freak a groundbreaking design feat, but it was also the testing ground for silicon—an innovative material that would transform watchmaking. Silicon, known for its anti-magnetic properties, shock resistance, and temperature stability, offers exceptional performance benefits, including precision and reliability. These advantages, along with its frictionless properties, made it a perfect fit for Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering escapements. Since its introduction, silicon has become an industry standard, and the Freak has earned its place as an icon of modern horology.
Over the past two decades, Ulysse Nardin has expanded on the Freak’s concept, creating new iterations that continue to inspire the watchmaking world. The Freak has become a collector’s favourite, a model that has transformed Swiss watchmaking. Following the launch of the Freak ONE in striking black and gold at Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2023, Ulysse Nardin introduced the adventurous Freak ONE OPS in black and khaki at Dubai Watch Week. Later that year, the Freak ONE proudly claimed the ‘Iconic Watch Prize’ at the prestigious Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève, a testament to the lasting impact of this extraordinary timepiece.
And now, Ulysse Nardin presents the latest chapter in this extraordinary story: the Freak ONE Navy Blue.
Freak ONE Navy Blue: A New Standard in Horology
The Freak ONE Navy Blue is a standout piece in Ulysse Nardin’s core collection, celebrating the brand’s legacy as a master of marine chronometers while pushing the boundaries of modern watchmaking. This new edition picks up the defining characteristics of the Freak ONE, including a 44mm titanium case finished with satin-polished black DLC and a bezel made from Carbonium®—a highly durable material introduced by the brand in 2019, notable for its low environmental impact and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The case is water-resistant up to 30 metres.
In true Freak style, the design defies convention. There are no traditional hands; instead, the watch uses the tip of the flying carousel UN-240 Manufacture movement to indicate the minutes, while a deep blue rotating disc engraved with a sunray pattern marks the hours. Adding to the visual drama, the oversized silicon oscillator and balance spring take centre stage, with the escapement wheel and anchor coated in DiamonSil®, a cutting-edge material patented in 2009, combining silicon and synthetic diamond for enhanced resistance and durability.
The watch is powered by Ulysse Nardin’s innovative Grinder® automatic winding system, which efficiently charges the watch, providing up to 90 hours of power reserve. The setting mechanism is discreetly recessed into the case back, while the watch comes fitted with rubber straps made from 30% recycled production waste, adding an eco-conscious touch to this bold timepiece.
Breaking Tradition: The Unique Design of the Freak ONE Navy Blue
- No Dial: While most mechanical watches conceal their movement behind a dial, the Freak ONE Navy Blue has no dial. Instead, the movement itself serves as the minute hand, with the hour indicated by a pointer on the barrel cover below.
- No Hands: True to the unconventional nature of the Freak collection, this watch forgoes both large and small hands. The one-hour orbital carousel tourbillon acts as the minute hand, while the hour is marked by a pointer on the barrel cover.
- Material Mastery: The Freak ONE Navy Blue features a titanium case coated in black DLC, paired with a Carbonium® bezel. This material, made from carbon fibre offcuts from the aviation industry, reduces environmental impact by 40% compared to other carbon composites, and each bezel boasts a unique finish thanks to its organic weave.
- Technical Excellence: The Freak ONE Navy Blue is powered by the UN-240 movement, a self-winding marvel with a 90-hour power reserve. The movement’s flying carousel, complete with its silicon balance wheel and escapement, is suspended on a bridge that functions as the minute hand, while the barrel cover serves as the hour hand.
- Super-LumiNova® Brilliance: For easy readability in low-light conditions, the hour and minute indicators, as well as the hour markers, are coated in blue-glowing Super-LumiNova®.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Freak’s Journey
From the original Freak in 2001 to the Freak ONE Navy Blue of today, Ulysse Nardin’s iconic collection continues to redefine the boundaries of watch design and engineering. The Freak revolutionised the watch industry by pioneering silicon technology and daring design concepts. Today, the Freak remains a benchmark in high-end watchmaking, blending technical mastery with unparalleled creativity.
CAPE TOWN
Address: V & A Waterfront, 6223 Link Mall, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
Tel: +27 21 418 1889
JOHANNESBURG
Address: Shop 28, Upper Level, Hyde Park Corner, Cnr Jan Smuts & William Nicol Dr, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, 2196
Tel: +27 11 325 4119