Ulysse Nardin - Freak Vision

The Freak has always been one of the most distinctive collections of Ulysse Nardin, a lab where the brand can pursue its quest for innovation by introducing cutting-edge technologies or new materials.

This year, Ulysse Nardin is introducing the first automatic watch in the collection, the Freak Vision.

This model incorporates several innovations including a super-light silicium balance wheel with nickel mass elements and stabilizing micro-blades and a new case design made even thinner by a box-domed crystal.

The time is still indicated in the "Freak" manner that sets the collection apart: by the baguette movement itself, a “flying carrousel” rotating around its own axis. Nonetheless, the new model has many differences. The new 3D carved upper bridge is inspired by a boat’s hull.

The box-domed sapphire allows for a thinner middle and bezel. Finally, the entire case itself is new — horns, bezel, the rubber on the side — for a unique look.

Ulysse Nardin introduced silicium to Haute Horlogerie in the first Freak timepiece, in 2001. With the Freak Vision, the brand pushes the technology further by welding it with solid nickel elements, to create an exceptionally light balance wheel. It then adds silicium micro-blades to stabilize amplitudes and increase accuracy.

Visible on the back side, the Grinder Automatic Winding System takes advantage of even the slightest movement of the wrist. The oscillating rotor is linked to a frame containing four arms, which gives the automatic system twice the torque – like having four pedals on a bike instead of two – while a flexible guidance mechanism drastically limits friction.

The Ulysse Nardin Anchor Escapement is based on the principle of flexible mechanisms, exploiting the elasticity of flat springs. It presents a constant force escapement made entirely of silicium, and features a circular frame with a pallet fork that moves without friction. The pallet fork is fixed in the centre and supported in space on two minuscule blade springs. Mounted perpendicular to each other, they are subjected to a bending force that curves and keeps them stable. The result is a positive energy balance that maintains the oscillations of the balance wheel at a constant rate without influence of torque variation from the main-spring.

Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the manufacture Calibre UN-250 guarantees 50 hours of power reserve at constant amplitude.

Water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet, the 45 mm case is crafted from platinum with lateral brancard side bars coated with blue rubber and a titanium case back with a sapphire crystal to display the Grinder system.

The Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision (ref. 2505-250) has a price of Swiss Francs 95,000. ulysse-nardin.com