Two New Ulysee Nardin Freaks For 2022

What We Know

For 2022, Ulysse Nardin is expanding the Freak line with two new models: The Freak S and the Freak X Aventurine. Both watches incorporate elements of the unconventional design ideology that the Freak debuted with in 2001, but the two new models have upgraded what's inside. The Freak X Aventurine uses a caliber developed from two predecessors in the Freak range, the UN-118 and UN-250, and includes a carousel that gives it the familiar Freak look. The Freak S, on the other hand, uses the brand-new caliber UN-251 that boasts a list of technical features, like an inclined double oscillator and a vertical differential, that put it in another league entirely.

The Freak X Aventurine

What both the Freak X Aventurine and Freak S have in common is a massive silicium balance wheel on full display from the dial side. In the case of the Freak S, there are two silicium balance wheels on display. Like the nomenclatures dictates, the Freak X Aventurine sees the balance wheel floating over a deep blue aventurine dial. (The rumored roots of aventurine involve a glassmaker in Venice accidentally spilling copper shavings into molten glass, creating the glittery effect of this specific type of glass.)

In the Freak S, the techno-wizardry of the new caliber is placed front and center, to dramatic effect.

The Freak S

What We Think

While the Freak X Aventurine is a nice addition to the Freak line, it's the Freak S that turns the whole thing on its head. The concept was developed by Carole Forestier-Kasapi, a powerhouse watchmaker who's behind some of the most exciting recent innovations from Cartier and TAG Heuer. Her signature style is all about packing unexpected cutting-edge technology into calibers that retain a bit of traditional elegance.

Beyond the wild aesthetic, the people behind the project add a layer of interest to the watch. Working on the project with Forestier-Kasapi was Ludwig Oechslin, the genius behind ochs und junior. There aren't many people in the industry who can come up with – and execute– something so outrageous as the Freak S. Forestier-Kasapi conceptualized the watch and ensured that it was indeed possible to create and Oechslin executed on the production side.

From the very beginning, the Freak line has been about reimagining traditional caliber engineering, and a little over 20 years later Ulysse Nardin is still finding ways to surprise us all.

The Basics

Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Freak S; Freak X Aventurine
Reference Number: 2513-500LE-2A-BLACK-5N/1A; 2305-270LE-9A-AVE/1A

Diameter: 43mm (Freak S), 45mm (Freak X Aventurine)
Case Material: Black ceramic, titanium with black DLC, 5N rose gold (Freak S). Blue PVD titanium/5N rose gold (Freak X Aventurine)
Dial Color: Black (both models)
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 30m (Freak S); 50m (Freak X Aventurine)
Strap/Bracelet: Bi-material black alligator & golden calf strap or black alligator strap (Freak S). Blue alligator strap with light grey "points de bride" stitches (Freak X Aventurine)

The Movement

Caliber: UN-251 Caliber (Freak S); Caliber UN-230, self-winding (Freak X Aventurine)
Functions: Hours and minutes indicated by the movement's rotation, flying carousel. Baguette movement: one rotation per hour.
Grinder automatic winding with blades, flexible guidance, and shock-absorber, extra-large inclined double balance-wheel in silicium with inertia-blocks, vertical differential (Freak S). Manufacture movement with carousel, extra-large 3 Hz silicium balance-wheel with nickel inertia-blocks, indexes with Superluminova (Freak X Aventurine)
Power Reserve: 72 hours (both models)
Winding: Manual winding via rear bezel (Freak S); Automatic winding (Freak X Aventurine)
Frequency: 2 x 2.5 Hz (2x 18'000vph) (Freak S); 12,600vph (Freak X Aventurine)

Pricing & Availability

Price: $137,200 (Freak S); $38,000 (Freak X Aventurine)
Availability: April 2022
Limited Edition: Yes, 75 examples of the Freak S and 99 of the Freak X Aventurine

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