Unveiled at SIHH 2019, the FREAK X stands out as the entry point into the Ulysse Nardin FREAK collection. Though many of the same aesthetic and functional elements are in place, it pushes out into uncharted territory. The sizing is tighter – 43mm instead of 45mm – but it is easier to read and operate. It has a crown for time correction, which breaks with one of the most iconic aspects of the crown-less FREAK VISION or FREAK OUT models, which correct time by the bezel. The “baguette” movement is still a carousel, turning once on itself every hour to indicate the time. It is simpler, bolder, and has fewer wheels. It has no dial and no hands -the central bridge acts as a minute hand and one of the wheels indicates the hours.
Inside and clearly visible beats one of the FREAK VISION’s most outstanding innovations: a super-light balance wheel in silicium, extra-wide, with nickel flyweights and stabilizing micro-blades.
The movement itself, the new UN-230, is a fusion of the manufacture calibers UN-118 and FREAK VISION UN-250. The case, nicely rounded with curved lines, is wholly new, and seriously transformative.
The new FREAK X is available in titanium, rose gold, black DLC or in Carbonium ®. It is very competitively priced with a start price version at 21’000 USD. It demonstrates the brand’s commitment to expanding and enriching its collections by pushing watchmaking expertise to the X degree.
The most spectacular iteration of the FREAK X collection is undoubtedly the Carbonium ® version. The aeronautic-grade Carbonium ® is a new, super-light and sustainable material used in the aeronautical sector for the latest-generation airplanes’ fuselage and wings.
The production of Carbonium ® has 40% less environmental impact than other car-bon composites as it uses off cuts from aeronautical pieces. With complex process requiring high pressures and temperatures, Carbonium ® is a high-performance material that brings out the core beauty of the organic pattern created by the 7µm diameter carbon fibers.
The use of a material like Carbonium ®comes as a clear reminder that we dare make a difference. Constructed from next-generation carbon composites – among the most robust and resilient materials ever devised by science – it is as audaciously disruptive as it is technically and technologically transcendent.
Ulysse Nardin is the first to use this next-generation material in a watch. Its resistance-to-lightness ratio is unparalleled, and its stunning marbling effect never repeats, making each watch case absolutely unique.
Technical details
References
2303-270/03 // 2303-270.1/03
2303-270.1/BLACK // 2303-270/BLACK
2305-270/02
2303-270/CARB // 2303-270.1/CARB
Movement
Caliber UN-230, self-winding movement
Flying carousel movement rotating around its own axis
Exclusive central oscillator with large diameter
3 Hz Silicium balance wheel
Index &bridges with Superluminova
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case
Titanium/ Titanium with PVD finish
Titanium with black DLC
Rose Gold 5N / Titanium with black DLC finish
Carbonium ® matte-finish / Titanium with black DLC
Diameter: 43 mm
Case back: Sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 50 m
Strap
Open-workveal or alligator strap with “point de bride”stitches.
Retail price
Freak X Ti Blue: 21’000 USD
Freak X Ti Black: 21’000 USD
Freak X Rose Gold: 30’000 USD
Freak X Carbonium: 24’000 USD
