Ulysse Nardin, the trailblazing Swiss manufacturer renowned for defying convention, has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking innovation with the launch of the Freak [X Crystalium]. Presented by The Hour Glass, this extraordinary timepiece is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, making it as exclusive as it is experimental.
A New Chapter in the Freak Legacy
Since its debut in 2001, the Ulysse Nardin Freak has redefined the very concept of haute horlogerie — eliminating traditional hands, dials, and crowns in favour of pure mechanical artistry. With the Freak [X Crystalium], the brand extends that pioneering spirit into the realm of advanced material science.
This latest creation introduces a rotating hour disc made from Crystalium, a cutting-edge composite born through a high-tech crystallisation process that fuses precision engineering with artistic randomness. The result: a mesmerising play of texture, depth, and light that transforms every watch into a one-of-a-kind work of wearable art.
Crystalium: Science Turned into Sculpture
At the heart of this innovation lies ruthenium, a platinum-group metal celebrated for its lustre and durability — and about ten times rarer than platinum. Over several days, it undergoes a controlled vapour-deposition crystallisation, forming fractal-like crystal structures that mimic the delicate beauty of frost forming on glass.
No two Crystalium discs are ever alike. Each is then finished with a warm rose gold PVD coating, hand-tinted with subtle black varnish to amplify its brilliance and enhance the contrast between light and shadow. What emerges is not mere decoration, but an entirely new dimension of craftsmanship, where science and artistry coexist in perfect harmony.
A Bold and Modern Expression
Encased in black DLC-coated titanium with a matching bezel, the Freak [X Crystalium] radiates understated strength. Its black hour indicator and minute bridge complement the fiery glow of the Crystalium disc, creating a striking visual dialogue between light and darkness. The ballistic-textured black rubber strap completes the look — sleek, contemporary, and ready for the future.
Inside beats the in-house UN-230 automatic calibre, a technical marvel that features a flying carrousel system where the entire movement rotates to indicate time.
The escapement and balance wheel, crafted from silicon, reflect Ulysse Nardin’s longstanding leadership in advanced horological materials.
The Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium] retails for SGD 61,800 (including tax),
