He’s an award-winning photographer, a filmmaker, adventurer and a biologist who specializes in going to the extremes. Carsten Peter is known for his journeys around the world, scuba diving in a glacier on Mont Blanc, caving in Borneo and crossing the desert on a camel – all the while snapping pictures of nature around him. He is dedicated to finding new angles and never-before-seen images from rough and scary environs. He even received an Emmy for his video shot inside an active volcano. With such daredevil extremes under his belt, he is the perfect brand person to align with for Ulysse Nardin – a watch brand built to be on the edge of excitement.

In fact, Ulysse Nardin lives by the X creed, with a philosophy of dedicating itself to Xploring the Xtremes. It has even partnered with  Vendée Globe –Everest of the Seas — around-the-world race held just once every four years. Vendée Globe is about facing one’s fears as single sailors sail alone and unassisted  through massive waves, impossible storms and a host of harsh conditions for months at a time to make it to the end alive.  Vendée Globe may be the single most challenging event on Earth, and for the next edition, Ulysse Nardin is the Official Timekeeper.

Ulysse Nardin Unveils Freak X Magma and Ice

That event is just one way that Ulysse Nardin is embracing its Xploration passion. It is also joining scientists, arctic explorers and Carsten Peter in their endeavors. Naturally, all the while creating watches that can go the distance with them.  In the case of Carsten Peter and his live volcano adventures, Ulysse Nardin unveils two new Freak X watches, including  the fiery lava red carbon fiber Freak X Magma. As the polar opposite of that watch, it also unveils the  Frosted White Freak X Ice.

The brand’s first-ever Freak watch was released to the world almost two decades ago in 2001. It’s unusual display of time has captured hearts ever since. Now, with the newer, sportier versions, it takes on all new meaning.

The 43mm Freak X Magma watch – built in red  carbon fiber and black DLC titanium (diamond like carbon) – is a blend of high-tech, high-mech. The case material, with a marbled epoxy resin finish, is not only unique, but also incredibly light in weight and scratch resistant. It features a sandblasted and high-polished bezel and Super-LumiNova on the hands for easy reading in the  dark. Powered by the brand’s UN-230 self-winding movement, visible via a transparent case back, the watch is designed to recall the heart-stopping images of the volcano taken by Carsten Peter. It retails for about $29,250.

As if fire weren’t enough, Ulysse Nardin brings ice to life, too, with the Freak X Ice. Designed to recall glaciers, this Freak X is built of titanium and features a bright white with color-coordinated metal components on the dial side.  It is finished with a  white leather strap with rubber coating for a comfort feel. This watch retails for about $26,000.

 

Technical Specs of the Ulysse Nardin Freak X Magma and Ice Watches

Movement: Caliber UN-230, self-winding movement

Functions:  Flying carrousel movement rotating around its own axis, Oversize central oscillator with large diameter, 3 Hz Silicium balance wheel
Index & bridges with Superluminova, 72 hours power reserve.

Case: 43mm

Magma:  Titanium / Titanium with black DLC, red carbon fiber

Ice: Titanium with white-finish matte coating

Crystal: sapphire front and sapphire case back

Water resistance:   50 m

Strap: Magma: “Volcanic rock” black leather strap, folding clasp, red point-de-bride

Ice:   Openworked white leather strap with rubber coating, folding clasp,  Dark blue inserts

World prices:    FREAK X MAGMA, Boutique Only:  27’000 EUR

FREAK X ICE:  24’000 EUR