Ulysse Nardin gets an unrivaled place among exotic watch manufacturers with the two new Freak and Blast Moonstruck models introduced within the scope of Watches & Wonders 2022.
Humanity has set its sights on space. Discoveries in the infinite vastness of the universe, dreams (for now) of new living spaces, and much more... In the next century, these and similar developments will certainly happen, but we are still at the very beginning of the road. However, that doesn't stop us from getting excited. The world of luxury watchmaking must have embraced this utopian future very much as we see plenty of space-themed models introduced one after another.
Freak, a unique concept by Ulysse Nardin, was too brave and too extraordinary in 2001 when it was introduced. Today, it’s different. The new Freak models herald the beginning of a new era. We observe this unique privilege with all its nakedness in Freak X Aventurine and Freak S models.
Freak X Aventurine has a 43mm diameter, 18K rose gold and blue-colored PVD titanium case. The model, which will be produced in a limited number of 99 units, works with the in-house automatic Caliber 230. The XL-sized balance spring caliber operates at a frequency of 21600vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve when fully wound. The list price for the model is 34,200 EUR.
Freak S, on the other hand, embodies many firsts in the brand's history. The Caliber 251, which brings the model to life, is home to a pair of balance springs, each operating at a frequency of 2.5Hz. The carousel-type minute wheel, which completes a single revolution of the mechanism that stores energy with its winding system called “Grinder” in 60 minutes, promises not only a superior accuracy but also a visual feast. The case, designed with a diameter of 45mm, consists of black ceramic, DLC coated titanium, and 18K gold components. While the time is adjusted via the front bezel, it is possible to wind the time manually from the rear bezel. The list price for the model, which is limited to only 75 pieces, is 123.500 EUR.
Blast Moonstruck, another Watches & Wonders 2022 novelty by Ulysse Nardin, seems to be on its way to becoming the most sophisticated astronomical watch in the world of horology. The model comes in a 45mm diameter case made of black ceramic and DLC coated titanium is water-resistant to 30 meters. Automatic Caliber 106, which can display hours, minutes, date, moon phase, month, tide status, world time, second time zone, and sun and moon positions, consists of 335 parts. 42 jewels movement works at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound. The list price of the model, which will remain in production for a limited time, is 71,300 EUR.
