Introducing Ulysse Nardin Unveils the Freak S Nomad in a Blend of Titanium and Carbon

The Ulysse Nardin Freak made its first appearance in 2001, boasting revolutionary features. Eschewing conventional hands, dials, and crowns. Last year, we witnessed the launch of various models from this iconic collection, including the Freak X OPS and the Freak ONE OPS, alongside the Freak One, which earned the Iconic Watch Prize at the GPGH 2023.

During Watches and Wonders 2024, Ulysse Nardin raises its curtains on the Freak S Nomad, a sand-colored rendition of the Freak. The timepiece boasts dimensions of 45mm in diameter and 16.65mm in thickness, featuring a case crafted from an innovative blend of materials. It incorporates titanium for the main body, an anthracite PVD-coated titanium bezel and caseback (sapphire), along with carbon fiber lugs. The foundational design of the Freak eliminates the need for a crown. Instead, the bezel functions as the mechanism for adjusting the watch. Activation occurs when the locker at 6 o'clock is raised, thereby releasing the setting system.

The watch is characterized by its distinctive movement, which at first glance evokes imagery of a spaceship. This appearance is derived from the design of the Caliber UN251 Manufacture movement, resembling a flying carousel rotating around its axis. It  incorporates two oscillators featuring silicon balance wheels inclined at 20 degrees operating at 18,000 (2.5 Hz) each, and the escapement is treated with Ulysse Nardin’s patented DIAMonSIL coating which is a diamond and silicon plasma. 

Winding is facilitated by Ulysse Nardin’s innovative Grinder winding system, an automatic winding system that utilizes entirely silicon components. Its feature lies in its capability to efficiently wind the mainspring with extremely subtle movements of the case. The rotor is connected to a framework with four arms, enhancing the automatic system's torque by a factor of two, akin to having four pedals on a bicycle rather than two. The movement offers 72 hours of power reserve. The movement’s bridges are coated in anthracite PVD, and the hour disk features a diamond-shaped hand guilloché pattern finished in sand-colored CVD. The minute hand, which emits a light blue glow in the dark, is filled with Super-LumiNova.

The watch either comes with an anthracite rubber “ballistic” textured strap or anthracite openworked matte alligator leather strap with sand-colored calfskin leather inserts, and a titanium deployant buckle. The new Freak S Nomad is limited to 99 pieces, and priced at CHF 140,600 which is equivalent to AED 570,000. 

For more information please visit Ulysse Nardin’s official website.