The New Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2

Collaborations between watch brands and lifestyle events are frequent, some have become commonplace, and a few feel naturally coherent. Gumball 3000 is one of them. Since its launch in 1999, the 3,000-mile rally has become a moving (quite literally) platform for performance, individuality and spectacle, rather than a traditional competition; this year, the 100 selected cars would travel from Miami to Amelia Island, New Orleans, Austin, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende before arriving in Mexico City. Watch brands have engaged with the event in the past, and a quick search through our archives reveals Armin Strom in 2015 with a trio of technically ambitious, skeletonised Gumball 3000 editions. More recently, Ulysse Nardin has established a relationship with the rally as an official timing partner, and now, following the Freak X Gumball 3000 editions of 2024, Ulysse Nardin introduces the Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2. This new version revisits the existing Freak X model with updated materials, enhanced legibility and a more assertive visual identity.

The watch is presented in a 43mm black DLC-coated titanium case, satin-finished, with side components also in black DLC. Titanium keeps the watch wearable despite its size. The case features a sapphire crystal on both sides, with an open caseback secured by a DLC titanium frame. A personalised side plate in orange, engraved with the individual serial number, links the watch to the rally context. Unlike earlier Freak models, the Freak X uses a conventional crown for winding and time-setting, making it more accessible while preserving the concept. Water resistance is rated at 50m, consistent with other Freak X models.

As with all Freak watches, there is no traditional dial. Time is indicated by the movement. Hours are shown by a rotating hour disc that completes one full rotation every 12 hours, while minutes are indicated by a flying carousel that rotates once per hour.

For this Edition 2, the hour disc is made in Carbonium, a composite material derived from aerospace-grade carbon fibres, here infused with orange epoxy resin. What we see is a highly irregular, three-dimensional texture. For the first time in this series, the minute wheel is framed by an orange Super-LumiNova ring, while indexes and bridges are treated with white Super-LumiNova for improved legibility in low-light conditions. The colour scheme, black, white and orange, references Gumball 3000’s visual codes, but remains functionally applied to improve contrast and readability.

Powering the watch is the manufacture calibre UN-230, an automatic movement developed specifically for the Freak X. It features a flying carrousel construction with no upper bridge, an oversized silicon balance wheel, silicon escapement wheel and anchor, and a silicon balance spring. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers a 72-hour power reserve.

The watch is worn on a black rubber strap, featuring orange inserts and stitching, closed with a black DLC titanium folding buckle. The Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2 is a limited edition of 150 pieces; the price is EUR 41,000 (incl. VAT) or USD 46,400 (excl. VAT). For more information, please visit www.ulysse-nardin.com.