Press release
Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watchmaker acclaimed for its thousands of “firsts” in watchmaking, takes the lead in ingenuity, once again with the new Freak Diavolo, a progression of the groundbreaking 2001 Freak.
Due to the ultramodern, minimalist and unconventional design of the Freak's tourbillon carrousel – one that possessed no true dial, crown or hands – and being the first timepiece to successfully present escapement wheels constructed of silicium, a revolutionary material at the time, the Freak forever changed the course of haute horology. Now, like its siblings – the Freak DIAMonSIL®, Freak Diamond Heart and Freak Blue Phantom – the Freak Diavolo 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. Through the introduction of silicium in the original Freak, Ulysse Nardin transformed haute horology manufacturing and continues to perfect the use of this technologically advanced material with the Freak Diavolo. 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.
Its tourbillon carrousel (developed entirely in-house) does one complete rotation around the center in 60 minutes. The Freak Diavolo's frequenc y 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). This enables the Freak Diavolo's tourbillon carrousel to provide a superior level of accuracy akin to a mechanical chronometer. 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 transparent 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.
Not only brilliant in function, the Freak Diavolo is also stunning in aesthetic with its clean lines, robust black and charcoal tones, accents of vibrant color, 18-karat, white gold case and elegant crocodile strap. The Freak Diavolo is the ultimate symbol of unwavering imagination and unusual style, staying true to the inventive character that defines the Freak timepiece collection.
Technical Data
Reference 2080-115
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 18-karat white gold, water-resistant.
