The new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Enamel Seddiqi

In 2019, Ulysse Nardin introduced the Freak X, an entry-level to the innovative and convention-breaking Freak series, maintaining the brand’s “no-dial, no-hands” design, showcasing its signature flying carousel construction within the newly developed UN 230 movement. Though simpler than the original Freak and featuring a crown, the Freak X retained the DNA of its iconic predecessor and became popular. Since its debut, Ulysse Nardin has released several variations, experimenting with different case materials and movement plate decorations, as in the Aventurine, Razzle Dazzle, and Silicium Marquetry editions. Now, to celebrate its partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons – a Middle East’s luxury watch retailer – Ulysse Nardin unveils the limited-edition Freak X Enamel with an hour disc adorned with traditional guilloché and enamel, adding another layer to the Freak X collection. 

The new Freak X Enamel features a 50m water-resistant case crafted from grey titanium, measuring 43mm in diameter and 13.78mm in thickness, with sapphire crystals on both the front and back. Unlike the original Freak, which used a bezel for setting adjustments and lacked a crown, the Freak X series incorporates a traditional crown on the side.

Like the rest of the collection, the Freak X Enamel is powered by the UN 230 automatic calibre, offering a 72-hour power reserve. Its distinctive baguette-shaped carousel, equipped with a silicon escapement and a large silicon balance wheel featuring nickel flyweights and stabilizing microblades, completes a full rotation on its axis every hour. The central bridge’s pointer serves as the minutes hand, while a marker attached to the decorated mainplate indicates the hour, rotating fully twice each day.

The mainplate – the hour disc – is crafted from gold and adorned with a wave-like guilloché pattern. It is then coated with four layers of water-based “Yas Blue” enamel – a shade inspired by the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Each enamel layer is kiln-fired at 800 degrees Celsius, then cooled, and finally, the plate is finished with a translucent coating. To ensure visibility in low light, the “floating” hour indices, 5-minute interval markings on the flange, the part of the bridge that functions as the minute hand, and the hour-indicating pointer are all coated in white Super-LumiNova.

The Freak X Enamel Seddiqi has a textured black rubber strap with white stitching secured by a titanium folding buckle. Limited to 30 pieces, this edition will be available only through Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in the United Arab Emirates. The watch is priced at AED 154,000 or CHF 38,500. For more, visit ulysse-nardin.com.