As a watch collector, there is something special about getting your hands-on a rare timepiece. Luckily for me, I was able to kill two birds with one stone by not only reviewing my first Ulysse Nardin watch, but by getting the unique opportunity to dive into their Freak Collection; something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time now. Read on to learn more about my experience.
Freak Collection by Ulysse Nardin
There are two models currently in the Freak Collection: 4 Freak Out and 3 Freak Vision. Though both are truly remarkable pieces, and each make their own avant-garde statements, I’ve always personally preferred the Freak Out model more. Roughly half the price of its sister watch Freak Vision, the Freak Out shares similar design elements that makes it unique, like its case featuring no crown. I’ll get into more of that later.
Out of pure luck, or perhaps the Universe was listening to my wants and needs, Ulysse Nardin was kind enough to send to our office the Freak Out 2053-132/Black watch. And oh boy, I couldn’t have been happier.
One of the first things you notice besides the watches gorgeous face is that the case has no crown. So how exactly do you adjust the watch and wind its movement? If you look closely, between the lugs at 6 o’clock, you’ll find a small lock that releases the bezel. This is how you adjust the time. To wind the watch, you must twist the entire caseback. Because of these unique design features, Ulysse Nardin ‘Freak Out’ watches are only water resistance up to 30m. I personally don’t consider this a setback since the watch is priced approximately $48,000 USD. Not exactly something I would want to go in the water with.
It’s all in the details when it comes to the Freak collection. More specifically, the Freak’s minute hand. You could consider it the heart and soul of the watch, as it sits on a carriage, which is driven by the large mainspring sitting directly under it. You can see the movement/minute hand move as the carriage turns. Even more, the gear at its tip rotates against the teeth under the bezel, sending power down to the gear train to the escape wheels.
Seeing this in photos and videos will simply not do this watch justice. I highly recommend trying to get a hands-on for yourself, though I make no promises that you won’t end up wanting to buy one after falling in love.
Here are a few other specs worth mentioning:
- 7-day Carrousel-Tourbillon.
- Dual Ulysse escapement in silicium.
- Manual-winding.
- Caliber UN-205.
- 45mm.
- Titanium/steel case.
- Sapphire crystals.
- Sailcloth strap with folding buckle.
Want to know more about the Freak Out watch?
I really wish I didn’t have to give this one back. This would have really looked great in my growing collection of limited edition watches. The Ulysse Nardin Freak Out Full Black watch is $48,000 in black PVD titanium. You can find its full specs and more info at Ulysse-Nardin.com.
This post was graciously sponsored by Ulysse Nardin. All opinions and photos are 100% my own.
