First launched in 2001, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak has been a timepiece steeped in mechanical history and modern complexity – and with an equally steep price tag to match. Recently, however, SIHH 2019 saw the exciting introduction of the Freak X, a contemporary revamp of the modern wonder that’s easier to use and priced with the younger watch aficionado square in its sights.
The Freak X doesn’t have a dial or hands. Its bold look is unhindered despite being smaller than its predecessors – 43 mm as opposed to a previous 45 mm – and the minutes are indicated by the central bridge itself and the shorter hour anchored to a wheel in the centre of the dial.
Powered by the new UN-230, the Freak X features a mix and match of the UN-118 and the Freak Vision’s UN-250 movement. The titanium version you see here starts at US$21,000, followed by a rose gold variant (US$30,000) and a third, intriguing material dubbed by UN as ‘Carbonium’ ($US24,000).
Essentially an aeronautical material the aviation industry is using to manufacture the wings on aeroplanes, Carbonium is robust yet incredibly light, and, thanks to the way the fibres create their marbling effect, the pattern on each case comes out as unique. See more details on the Freak X over on Ulysse Nardin’s website.
- Diameter: 43mm Case
- Material: Titanium, titanium with PVD finish, rose gold, or matte-finished Carbonium
- Dial Color: Black
- Lume: None
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Strap/Bracelet: Calfskin or alligator strap available
- Reference Number: 2303-270/03 (Blue); 2305-270/02 (Gold); 2303-270.1/BLACK; 2303-270/CARB 43mm Titanium, titanium with PVD finish, rose gold, or matte- Carbonium
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