Ulysse Nardin Partners With Gumball 3000 Rally, Races Ahead With Bold Freak X

Swiss watch brand Ulysse Nardin, considered a definite maverick in the watch world, announces a milestone partnership with the iconic Gumball 3000 rally. The famed Gumball 3000 Rally is celebrating 25 years of driving adventure and is the perfect collaboration for Ulysse Nardin. Marking this collaboration is the release of the Freak X Gumball 3000 Limited Edition, a timepiece crafted for risk-takers, innovators, and boundary-pushers. With only 150 pieces produced, this exclusive watch encapsulates the thrill of the rally and the groundbreaking spirit of Ulysse Nardin’s famed Freak collection.

Founded in 1999 by Maximillion Cooper, the Gumball 3000 rally has grown into a cultural phenomenon that blends high-octane driving with art, music, and global exploration. The rally isn’t simply about reaching a finish line—it’s about the daring and exciting experiences collected along the way. Over the years, the event has attracted an eclectic group of participants, including rock stars, entrepreneurs, and royalty, who all share a passion for pushing the boundaries of possibility.

Ulysse Nardin, a trailblazer in the world of haute horology, is known for pushing the limits of watch design and mechanics. Its Freak line (released in 2001) is an icon for daring innovation — breaking all conventional norms with its hands-free design, no crown, and its use of the movement itself to indicate time.

Now, to celebrate this meeting of the minds, Ulysse Nardin unveils the The Freak X Gumball 3000 Limited Edition watch — crafted to capture the rebellious energy of Gumball 3000. Its design is bold, striking, and unique—with a bright orange color scheme that is perfect for individuals who aren’t afraid to stand out.

The 43mm watch, with Its flying carrousel movement, silicon escapement, and oversized oscillator,  features a case made from Carbonium, a lightweight and durable material that complements its rugged yet refined aesthetic. The case back is engraved with the Gumball 3000 logo, making it a distinctive tribute to the rally.

The vivid orange Super-LumiNova applied to the hour markers and bridges echoes the colors of Gumball 3000, while the Delugs® orange rubber strap completes the look with a burst of vibrant energy. Combined with a black DLC titanium folding buckle, the watch balances high-performance functionality with avant-garde style.

Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Watch Movement

At the heart of the Freak X Gumball 3000 is the 206-part Caliber UN-230, an automatic movement that showcases Ulysse Nardin’s expertise in advanced watchmaking. The watch features a flying carrousel movement that rotates around its own axis, the signature of the Freak collection. With a power reserve of 72 hours, it offers reliability for those who push themselves to the limits. Its silicon balance wheel and escapement represent the cutting-edge technology that has defined the Freak’s legacy.

Gumball 3000 Rally 2024

In 2024, Gumball 3000 celebrates its 25th anniversary with a spectacular route through Southeast Asia. Starting in Vietnam, the rally takes participants through Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, concluding with a breathtaking finale at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. This adventurous route mirrors the event’s core philosophy: an unrelenting pursuit of adrenaline and uniqueness, much like Ulysse Nardin’s ethos in horology.

Maximillion Cooper, reflecting on the rally’s quarter-century milestone, said, “Celebrating 25 years of Gumball 3000 is a huge milestone, and partnering with Ulysse Nardin to create something truly special felt like the perfect way to mark it. Each driver will have the opportunity to customize their Freak X watch to match their team number, making it a tribute to the spirit of individuality and adventure that defines our rally.”

The Freak X Gumball 3000 will be available exclusively to Gumball 3000 drivers before a broader release is made.