Ulysse Nardin Freak Diavolo Rolf 75 Limited Edition

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The Freak Diavolo Rolf 75 timepiece from Ulysse Nardin introduces further ground breaking innovations, materials and design in addition to the original technological advancements introduced by its predecessors, the iconic Freak and its further models.

Launched in 2001, the Ulysse Nardin Freak is an ultramodern, minimalist and unconventional carrousel watch that possesses no true dial, crown or hands. Also, it was the first timepiece to successfully present escapement wheels constructed of silicium. Now, the Freak Diavolo Rolf 75 pays tribute to the original Freak’s pioneering spirit by expanding its use of silicium and taking its tourbillon to new heights.

Named after its devilish-in-appearance power-reserve backing, with its red “horns” and black cloak-like backdrop, the Freak Diavolo is the cleverest of timepiece creations. Case in point, silicium is used in its hairspring (Si 1.1.1. patent pending) and throughout the majority of its escapement – the heart and most delicate part of the watch. Performance is further amplified through its application of cutting-edge technology, such as photolithography. And, the Freak Diavolo reveals another development in the Freak family – a flying tourbillon that indicates the seconds, as well as two new ball-bearing systems and a balance-wheel concept and design.

Developed entirely in-house, its tourbillon carrousel does one complete rotation around the center in 60 minutes. The Freak Diavolo’s frequency of 4 Hz (28’800 A/h) in association with its 8 mg*cm2 inertia balance wheel make this instrument exceptional, as no other tourbillon is regulated by such a powerful oscillator and benefits from such a long power reserve (more than eight days). Its outstanding performance is the result of the perfect application of new technologies, such as photolithography, and the use of the best and latest-developed materials, like silicium and LIGA nickel, at core locations.

Ulysse Nardin’s expertise in watchmaking is further exemplified by the Freak Diavolo’s seconds indicator, which is nothing else than a flying tourbillon replacing the usual oscillator of the other members of the Freak family. Its cage is equipped with an arrow indicating the seconds on a yellow half-circle, rotating in one minute on itself, with the zero position holding steady on the axis of the minute indicator.

The two specially conceived ball bearing systems enable the “flying” function of the minute movement and of the seconds-indicator tourbillon without the need for a supporting bridge. So simple and user-friendly, the Freak Diavolo can be wound by turning the lower bezel, and the time can be adjusted by turning the upper bezel; while the direct gear link crafted between the three “hands” averts dephasing, or the throwing of hours, minutes and seconds out of step when adjusting or readjusting time.

Dressed in a platinum case, the Freak Diavolo features a stuuing aesthetic with its clean lines, robust black and charcoal tones, and accents of vibrant color.  An elegant crocodile strap secures the timepiece to the wrist. The Freak Diavolo Rolf 75 is available in a limited edition of 75 pieces.

Technical details

  • Power Reserve: more than 8 days, slip-spring
  • Frequency: 4Hz (28’800 A/h)
  • Moment of inertia: 8 mg*cm2, adjusting over 4 screws.
  • Hairspring: Silicium, exclusive Ulysse Nardin design.
  • Escapement: right-angle lever, silicium, non lubricated.
  • Tourbillon: 1 revolution in 1minute.
  • Orbite: 1 revolution in one hour.
  • Winding: Manual winding over the bezel on the back of the case. 1 full rotation is
  • equivalent to 12 hours of power reserve.
  • Time setting: forward and backward over the bezel.
  • Case: Platinum, water-resistant.