Introduced by Ulysse Nardin in 2001, the Freak and its variants and evolutions, have become the brand’s modern calling card, with over twenty patents related to its development.

Now, the new Freak S Nomad follows in the footsteps of the original Freak S, with its dual vertical silicon balance system, which was released in 2022. The core remains unchanged, with the 45mm wide case (50m water resistance) and time indication via a one-hour orbital flying carousel and hours via the rotating disc with pointer set into a rotating hour disc that sits under the movement.

The Calibre UN-251 flying carousel movement rotates around its own axis, with two oscillators with silicon balance wheels inclined at 20° and beating at4 18,800 VPH. The escapements treated with high-tech DIAMonSIL and linked by a vertical differential system mounted on ball bearings. The patented Grinder® automatic winding system which connects the oscillating weight to a frame with four blades that transfer power, generating a 72-hour power reserve.

Unlike the original, which had a black DLC-coated titanium and 18k rose gold case with an aventurine rotating hour disc and rose gold movement bridges/ accents, the new 2024 Freak S Nomad has an anthracite PVD-coated titanium case and bezel, with carbon fibre side plates. The anthracite PVD-coated titanium case back is also open, and water resistance is 30m. The gold parts of the movement are now anthracite PVD, and its dial side is dominated by a sand-coloured CVD rotating hour disc with a diamond hand-guillochéd pattern that sits behind the carrousel movement. The hour and minute indicators are coated in Super-LumiNova.

With no crown, the time is set via the rotating bezel that is activated when the “locker” at 6 o’clock is lifted, releasing the setting system.

The new Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad comes with the choice of two straps: one anthracite rubber ‘ballistic’ textured strap, and a second matte anthracite open-worked alligator strap with sand-coloured calf inserts. Both have titanium deployant buckles.

If you are familiar with the Freak S then you will know what you’re getting with this watch from a wearing perspective – it’s light and comfortable on the wrist.

Limited to 99 pieces, it is priced at CHF 140,600 CHF/ EUR 150,000 EUR (including taxes).

Categories: Hands-on, Limited Editions, Ulysse Nardin, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024