The Freak is no longer a single timepiece. It’s an entire collection ! After the Freak Vision launch at SIHH 2018 and the new Freak Vision Coral Bay, four new Freak Out timepieces, each armed with the in-house manual-wind caliber UN-205, are now joining the most maverick collection in Haute Horlogerie. All the game-changing Freak Out oddities are in place: no crown, dial or hands, a “flying carousel” tourbillon (the baguette movement rotates on its own axis) and super-light silicium technology.
Freak architecture replaces traditional anchor and anchor wheel with two silicium impulse wheels in the center. Both wheels have 18 engaging teeth, each activating an alternator that transmits its energy to the balance staff — first in one direction, then the other. Requiring no lubrication, the structure ensures that force is always released in the direction of the balance rotation, thereby minimizing friction. The silicium hairspring beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz) and is only very slightly disturbed. The amount of disturbance is reduced to a minimum thanks to the low lift angle.
Located between the lugs above the lower strap, a small lock is used to liberate the rotating bezel. This simply and precisely adjusts the hours and minutes when turned in either direction. The barrel, which offers a 7-day power reserve, is wound using the rear caseback bezel mounted on ball bearings.
Unlike the earlier Freak Cruiser model in gold, the new Freak Out collection is forged from titanium, opening the Freak universe to a wider audience. Also new is the restyled case and bezel—borrowed from the Ulysse Nardin InnoVision 2 Concept Watch—and the matching bar tack loop stitchings on the sailcloth straps equipped with a titanium folding clasp. These new watches presented in a 45-mm case are water resistant to 30m.
The new Freak Out Quartet
The Freak Out Full Black is the Freak Collection’s sportiest model to date and the first with a full black PVD surface treatment. Hyper-masculine, it has a red stitching on the black sailcloth strap and a gear-train bridge in silver. Black out freaky with a gold gear train and gold stitches for a more elegant look, the Freak Out Black Gold is at once sporty and chic.
Tribute to the Manufacture’s deep historical links to the nautical realm, the Freak Out of the Blue is dressed in iconic Ulysse Nardin blue with silver strap stitches and a silver gear-train bridge. The UN marine blue of the urban, sporty and ready for business Freak Out Blue Gold matches with the rich luster of gold on the bridge and stitches.
