Ulysse Nardin launches Freak X gold enamel watch
Donzé Cadrans adds enamel art to iconic dial design
Introduced in 2001, the Ulysse Nardin Freak marked a breakthrough in haute horlogerie, both in design and in the use of advanced materials. The Freak had no hands, no dial, no crown and introduced a host of revolutionary innovations, most notably the first use of silicon in watchmaking. Over the past two decades, the Freak has become a collector's classic with more than 20 patents, demonstrating Ulysse Nardin's relentless pursuit of horological innovation.
In 2019, Ulysse Nardin expanded the Freak collection and made it more accessible with the launch of the Freak X. The Freak X has a slimmer profile and a smaller case for everyday wear, while retaining the avant-garde spirit of the collection. A highlight of this model is the addition of a crown for winding and setting the time.
Now, Ulysse Nardin presents the Freak X Gold Enamel watch, whose stunning blue enamel dial is made by Donzé Cadrans, the specialist enamel studio acquired by Ulysse Nardin in 2012.
https://www.chronowrist.ru https://www.proreviewwatch.co The blue dial has long been a symbol of Ulysse Nardin’s nautical legacy. Perhaps reminiscent of the special shade developed in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, it reflects the savoir-faire of Donzé Cadrans’ team of artisans, who continually craft new shades for each watch. Creating the perfect hue requires a precise balance of pigments, a deep knowledge of chemistry and a keen understanding of colour theory.
The new 43mm case is crafted from blue PVD-coated titanium, extending from the bezel to the caseback, with touches of rose gold on the sides, crown and lugs. The bold combination creates an elegant visual contrast, enhanced by a double-sided sapphire crystal and 50m water resistance.
As with all Freak models, the balance bridge rotates once an hour and doubles as the minute hand, while the hour disc below also serves as the dial, completing a rotation every 12 hours.
In this special edition, the hour disc is enamelled in a rich blue. Unlike traditional enamel dials, the Freak X’s rotating disc presents a higher technical challenge. It is not merely decorative, but an active, functional part of the movement, with multiple screw fixings and sophisticated engineering requirements. Donzé Cadrans’s skilled craftsmanship allows the application of multiple layers of enamel with perfect precision onto this complex and flexible surface.
The disc itself, crafted in 22-carat rose gold, is first embossed with a delicate sunray pattern, which enhances the dynamic visual effect of the Freak X’s rotating disc. Only then does the enameller begin the intricate process of applying multiple layers of enamel until the perfect blue hue is achieved.
The Freak X Yellow Gold Enamel watch is powered by the brand’s in-house UN-230 automatic movement, which consists of 206 parts. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and has a power reserve of 72 hours. In addition to the hours and minutes display, the movement is equipped with a Flying Carolina mechanism that rotates once on its axis every 60 minutes, functioning like a one-hour tourbillon.
Technical specifications: Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gold Enamel Watch
Reference:
2305-270LE-3AE-Blue/1A
Case:
Blue
PVD
Titanium case and bezel, rose gold case sides, crown at 3 o'clock, sapphire crystal caseback
Diameter:
43 mm
Height:
13.38 mm
Water resistance:
50 meters
Dial:
Blue,
Guilloche
and
Enamel
Dial, gold minute bridge, white hour hand and indices with
Super-LumiNova
Movement:
Manufactured UN-230 calibre, automatic, flying carrousel movement rotating on its own axis, equipped with 60-minute tourbillon,
balance wheel
and
escapement in
silicon, 214 parts, 21 jewels
Power reserve:
72 hours
Frequency:
21,600 bph
Functions:
Hours, Minutes
Bracelet/Strap:
Blue alligator leather strap with blue
PVD
Titanium and rose gold folding clasp
