Ulysse Nardin enhances precision of its flagship design as it continues its unconventional approach to watchmaking, writes Gloria Fung

Long been one of the unique ways in which a contemporary watchmaker has sought to express time, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak takes what’s seemingly a simple hour-and-minute mechanism to complicated new heights. For more than two decades, the brand has been perfecting the Freak with iterations that now go beyond the conventional time-only complication. 

The Freak is made unique by its carousel movement, which hovers and rotates across a dial like a spaceship. Unlike the conventional crown, the movement is adjusted via its rotating bezel, which locks and unlocks to enable adjustments. Long been the standard for creative contemporary watchmaking, the Freak, first launched in 2001, sees a new expression this year at Watches and Wonders. 

This year, a new chapter in the Freak saga sees the launcher of the Freak S Nomad, a new expression of the carousel movement the maison has pioneered. That same hands-free approach to time telling applies here to the new Freak S Nomad. Entirely void of hands, the minutes are indicated via the ‘flying’ carousel that makes a full rotation every 60 minutes above the hour disc that oscillates beneath it.

The carousel features the use of Diamonsil-coated silicon balance wheels and escapement, greatly enhancing the movement’s longevity and precision. The automatic movement brings 72 hours of power reserve to the timepiece.

The case of the watch is crafted in a combination of carbon fibre and titanium, both of which work to reduce the weight of the piece considerably. 

At 45 mm, the watch has a substantial presence that is made even bolder by its all-black exterior– the beige guilloche dial provides that contrast in colour and an added touch of detail to the timepiece. 

This contemporary specimen is limited to 99 pieces and can be paired with a choice of a rubber strap or an alligator leather strap fitted with a deployment buckle. 

Also see: Watches and Wonders 2024: Baume & Mercier’s new take on the Riviera collection