The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Purple Enamel

One of the boldest expressions of the Freak concept, only surpassed by the groundbreaking Super Freak, the Ulysse Nardin Freak S was introduced in 2022 and pushed the collection into a new mechanical dimension with an unprecedented three-dimensional architecture. Following the Nomad edition and two recent versions with red and turquoise enamel plates over a guilloché-flinqué finish, the model is now back in a 50-piece limited edition mixing titanium and purple enamel… And still the same impressive movement with two inclined silicon balance wheels and packed with patented devices.

One of the most compelling iterations since the early days of the Freak, the Freak S embodies all the defining characteristics of its predecessors while introducing impressive new elements. We have explained the watch in detail in this article, but let’s take a step back for a brief reminder. Relying on the silicon technology that the Freak pioneered in 2001, the automatic Calibre UN-251 features two oscillators inclined at 20° and positioned on distinct planes. These are integrated into the Freak signature carousel movement and held in place by gold bridges. A spectacular differential mechanism (on full display) is used to average their respective rates. Thanks to this sophisticated gearing, the regulators compensate for each other’s errors. The Freak S features the world’s smallest vertical differential gear and is equipped with the brand’s patented Grinder automatic winding system. Described at the time of its launch as the “most complicated time-only watch” ever conceived, the Freak S was also the world’s first automatic movement with a double oscillator. Now, there’s the Super Freak, but the Freak S remains spectacular on its own.

Earlier this year, the futuristic, cutting-edge watch returned with métiers d’art enamel hour discs in vibrant turquoise blue and rich ruby red, crafted in-house at Donzé Cadrans, an enamel workshop acquired by the brand in 2011. Using the same base, the brand now releases a 50-piece limited series with a purple colour scheme. The 45mm titanium case, with a thickness of 16.65mm, features a notched and angular bezel used to set the time, while the caseback is used for winding – all classic features of the cutting-edge Freak collection.

For the dial, the Freak S Purple Enamel mixes modernity and tradition, with a dial produced first using guilloché-flinqué, then coated in semi-transparent purple lacquer, revealing the structure of the engine-turning process underneath. As always with the Freak, the discs are an integral part of the movement and are in constant motion. And the watch has no traditional hands, as the rotation of the movement and its central flying carousel indicate the time.

Comprising 373 components, the Manufacture calibre UN-251 rotates around its own axis, completing one full rotation every 60 minutes, indicating the minutes via a pointer positioned at the tip of the baguette-shaped movement. Its three-dimensional architecture incorporates two oversized silicon oscillators, each inclined at 20 degrees and featuring silicon balance wheels, balance springs and DiamonSil escapements. They are connected by Ulysse Nardin’s vertical mechanical differential – the smallest of its kind in the world. To accommodate this complex mechanism, the Freak [S] extends across six distinct gear planes, compared with the two typically found in conventional mechanical movements, creating its spectacular three-dimensional architecture. Faithful to the original concept, the Freak S has no crown. Time is set by unlocking the safety lock positioned at 6 o’clock and rotating the bidirectional bezel. The same principle is used to wind the watch by rotating the caseback.

Worn on a purple calfskin leather strap with white stitching, closed by a titanium folding buckle, the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Purple Enamel is released as a limited edition of 50 pieces. It is priced at CHF 153,000, EUR 171,200 or USD 174,400. For more details, please visit ulysse-nardin.com.