Ulysse Nardin Continues Its Freak Evolution With The Freak S Nomad

For Ulysse Nardin, the last several years at Watches & Wonders have been all about the Freak. And this year, Freak still remains the focal point for the brand with the introduction of the new Freak S Nomad. The introduction of the original Freak in 2001 was a pivotal moment, signaling not just a departure from traditional watchmaking norms but a bold leap into the future. With no dial, no hands, and no crown, it was a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, heralding the use of silicon in its movement—a material now ubiquitous in the industry for its resilience and precision.

Fast forward to Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, and Ulysse Nardin has unveiled its latest horological masterpiece, the Freak S Nomad, limited to just 99 pieces, this new iteration of the Freak family encapsulates the spirit of adventure and exploration that has always defined the brand.

At the heart of the Freak S Nomad is the Calibre UN-251 Manufacture movement, a flying carousel that rotates around its own axis, mirroring the semblance of a fantastical spaceship. This cutting-edge movement is enhanced by two oscillators with silicon balance wheels, inclined at 20 degrees, and escapements coated with DIAMonSIL, a high-tech material that ensures added precision and durability. These innovative features are harmoniously linked by a vertical differential system, and the entire mechanism is powered by Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary Grinder® winding system, an automatic system that boasts double the efficiency of traditional systems.

The Freak S Nomad’s case is a fusion of experimental materials: titanium forms the main body, complemented by an anthracite PVD-coated titanium bezel and carbon fiber flanks that also act as the watch’s lugs. This material medley encases a design that defies expectation, where tradition meets modernity in a breathtaking display of artisanal skill.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the Freak S Nomad is its hour disk, featuring a diamond guilloché pattern finished in a sand-colored CVD, reminiscent of undulating sand dunes. This artisanal wonder is produced using a rare 18th-century rose engine, operated entirely by hand. Each disk is the result of a laborious three-hour process, requiring 240 continuous movements and an extraordinary level of skill and concentration. This traditional craft, juxtaposed with the avant-garde design and technology of the watch, encapsulates Ulysse Nardin’s dual identity: a brand deeply rooted in the savoir-faire of Swiss watchmaking, yet unafraid to explore new horizons.

The Freak S Nomad’s no-dial design reveals the Caliber UN-251 in all its glory, while the minute and hour indicators—innovatively integrated into the movement and the hour disk—along with the absence of a crown, underscore Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to redefining the possibilities of mechanical watch design.

Ulysse Nardin’s Freak S Nomad is a symbol of the brand’s journey—a journey characterized by the fearless exploration of the unknown and a profound respect for the traditions of haute horlogerie.