Introducing The Intriguing $66,800 Ulysse Nardin Freak [One Navy Blue]

Almost a quarter century ago, Ulysse Nardin revolutionized mechanical watchmaking with the release of the original Freak in 2001. The watch, devoid of a dial, hands, or crown, redefined the standards of contemporary Haute Horlogerie. It introduced silicon components, which offered groundbreaking advantages in precision, durability, and resistance to external forces. Today an iconic watch, the Freak has, over the years, evolved and inspired continually new Ulysse Nardin Freak versions. Such is the case with the new Freak [One Navy Blue]. This watch exudes a sophisticated yet super-cool appeal.

This new version, part of the core collection, is incredibly striking thanks to its deep indigo hue, which pays homage to Ulysse Nardin’s rich maritime history and its avant-garde contributions to contemporary horology.

The Freak [One Navy Blue]retains the base characteristics that have defined the Freak series for over two decades. Housed in a 44 mm titanium case with a satin-polished black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, the watch combines aesthetic appeal with advanced material engineering.

The bezel is made of Carbonium®, a material Ulysse Nardin first introduced in 2019. Sourced from carbon fiber offcuts from the aerospace industry, Carbonium® not only has an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio but also reduces its environmental impact by 40% compared to conventional carbon composites. This attention to eco-conscious design is just one of the many ways Ulysse Nardin continues to innovate.

The dial boasts an engraved sunray pattern in rich maritime blue and in low-light conditions, the hour and minute indicators, along with the hour markers, glow with Super-LumiNova®, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

 As with all Freak models, the Freak [One Navy Blue] defies traditional watch design. Instead of hands, the watch uses the tip of its flying carousel (a marvel of watchmaking, rotating around its own axis in a stunning display of mechanical precision) to indicate the minutes. The 229-part  Calibre UN-240 Manufacture movement showcases the hours via a rotating blue disk. The movement is powered by Ulysse Nardin’s Grinder® automatic winding system, which is four times more efficient than traditional systems, allowing the watch to reach its maximum power reserve of 90 hours with minimal motion. The setting mechanism is cleverly recessed into the case back, maintaining the watch’s sleek, minimalist design.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Freak [One Navy Blue] is its continued use of advanced materials. The escapement wheel and anchor, coated in DiamonSil®—a patented combination of silicon and synthetic diamond—enhance the movement’s durability and resistance to wear. This innovation, along with the silicon components, provides superior accuracy and performance, continuing the legacy of the Freak as a trailblazer in high-end watchmaking.

The Freak [One Navy Blue] comes with two distinctive strap options: a ballistic-textured rubber strap or a two-tone rubber strap in blue and grey, both made from 30% recycled production waste, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The watch retails for $66,800.