The new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000

The Gumball 3000 is no ordinary car rally. Known for its high-octane blend of luxury, adventure and extravagance, the Gumball has captivated automotive enthusiasts since 1999. This iconic road rally, featuring supercars and celebrities, is an annual celebration of breaking boundaries and living life in the fast lane over a 3,000-mile journey. To commemorate this daring event’s 25th anniversary, Ulysse Nardin unveils a limited edition of a watch that was born to defy conventions too – the Freak.

The 2024 edition of Gumball 3000 will lead its participants through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix held on September 22, 2024. As explained by Maximillian Cooper, Founder of Gumball 3000: “Celebrating 25 years of Gumball 3000 is a huge milestone, and partnering with Ulysse Nardin to create something truly special felt like the perfect way to mark it. Just like Gumball, the Freak X breaks the mold – it’s bold, unconventional, and engineered for those who aren’t afraid to push boundaries.”

To celebrate the Gumball, Ulysse Nardin elected the Freak X, the most casual Freak and the entry point into the Freak universe. For the occasion, the model’s 43mm case is made of black DLC titanium with side parts in black carbonium with a matte finish. The black case and movement are accented by orange Gumball touches: iridescent orange Super-LumiNova for the hour and minute “indicators” and a vivid Delugs orange rubber strap. Turning the watch over, the display caseback is emblazoned with the Gumball 3000 logo.

Like for all Freak X, the model is powered by the UN-230 calibre with automatic winding. The rotating and recessed wheel is used to indicate the hours. The baguette-shaped one-hour carrousel indicates the minutes. It carries an oversized, super-light balance wheel in silicon that features nickel flyweights and stabilizing micro-blades. The frequency is of 3Hz and the barrel delivers a comfortable 72-hour power reserve. Last, unlike other Freaks, the Freak X and its UN-230 calibre come with a standard crown.

Limited to just 150 pieces, the Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition will first be made available to Gumball participants before it’s opened to wider inquiries. It can be customized by participants to match the Gumball driver’s team number, making it a personal statement for those involved in the rally. The price wasn’t available at the time of publication. (As an indication, Freak X watches retail between CHF 26,100 and CHF 38,200 depending on the versions and materials). 

For more information, please visit www.ulysse-nardin.com.