In the world of haute horlogerie, the most exceptional creations often arise from the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. The newly unveiled Freak [X Gold Enamel] by Ulysse Nardin is a striking embodiment of this philosophy, blending cutting-edge watchmaking with the revered art of enamelling. This latest addition to the Freak X line marks a historic first for the collection, introducing an enamel hour disc into the core design—a powerful symbol of the brand’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship while pushing technological boundaries.
At the heart of this timepiece lies a mesmerising Guilloché-Flinqué disc, featuring a sunray pattern that radiates beneath rich layers of translucent blue enamel. The disc is the result of expert handiwork from Donzé Cadrans, Ulysse Nardin’s in-house enamelling atelier. Established in 1972 and acquired by Ulysse Nardin in 2011, Donzé Cadrans is globally recognised for mastering traditional enamelling techniques such as Grand Feu, Cloisonné, Champlevé, and Guilloché-Flinqué.
The workshop produces around 1,200 dials annually, not just for Ulysse Nardin but also for esteemed watchmakers and restoration projects. The enamel used in the Freak [X Gold Enamel] is not just decorative—it is a piece of living history, coloured with a vibrancy and depth that never fades over time.
Technically, the Freak [X Gold Enamel] upholds the radical engineering that defines the Freak collection. Time is indicated through the movement itself: the entire calibre rotates once per hour, with a bridge indicating the minutes and a separate disc marking the hours. This carousel mechanism appears to float above the dial, without the usual upper bridge, offering a captivating kinetic display.
The movement, constructed using pioneering silicon technology, remains a cornerstone of Ulysse Nardin’s innovation ethos, having first disrupted traditional watchmaking norms with its introduction.
The 43mm case, crafted in blue PVD titanium, is accentuated by rose gold side components that add warmth and elegance to the high-tech aesthetic. The movement’s minute bridge and hour markers are finished in a complementary rose gold hue, with white Super-LumiNova® enhancing legibility. Completing the ensemble is a luxurious blue alligator strap, detailed with rose gold stitching and paired with a titanium and rose gold folding buckle.
Limited to just 120 pieces globally, the Freak [X Gold Enamel] offers not only a horological marvel but a collector’s gem. It combines the avant-garde DNA of the Freak line with a centuries-old craft that continues to captivate watch enthusiasts and artisans alike.
The Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Gold Enamel] is priced at SGD 71,000, inclusive of tax. This highly exclusive edition is limited to just 120 pieces.
