All I want for Christmas is… to be a FREAK, featuring the Ulysse Nardin FREAK [ S NOMAD ] with special guest star – the original FREAK

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My passion for watches is deeply rooted in the intricate artistry and precise engineering that each timepiece embodies. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in watchmaking transforms functional objects into wearable masterpieces, each telling a unique story of human ingenuity and dedication. The mechanical complexity of watches fascinates me. The harmonious interaction of gears, springs, and escapements within such a confined space is a testament to human innovation. This intricate dance of components, resulting in the accurate measurement of time, reflects a blend of art and science that I find endlessly captivating. A philosophical article featuring the Ulysse Nardin FREAK [ S NOMAD ] with special guest star – the original Ulysse Nardin FREAK.

Beyond their mechanical allure, watches serve as tangible connections to history and tradition. Each timepiece carries the legacy of its maker and the era it was created in, offering a glimpse into the technological advancements and aesthetic preferences of the time. This historical significance adds depth to my appreciation, as collecting watches becomes a journey through time itself.

The personal stories associated with watches also contribute to my passion. Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations or a watch commemorating a significant life event, a modern masterpiece or even a guilty pleasure, these timepieces become vessels of personal and emotional value. They are not merely instruments for telling time but are imbued with memories and stories that transcend their material existence. They connect people, unite them in passion, and create friendships.

Engaging with the horological community has further fueled my enthusiasm. Platforms like Watch I Love Magazine and others I collaborate with provide an insight into the world of watchmaking, from detailed deconstructions of movements to interviews with artisans, that otherwise would be impossible to reach and know. These resources deepen my understanding and appreciation of the craft, allowing me to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share this passion, and, most importantly, create a connection with the people who create, work on, and rely on them for their daily bread.

In essence, my love for watches stems from their embodiment of human creativity, technical prowess, and the personal narratives they carry. They are more than mere timekeepers; they are symbols of our relentless pursuit of perfection and our desire to create beauty that stands the test of time.

One of those persons that I had the luck to meet and spend time with is Ludwig Oechslin – watchmaker a genius designer and inventor (with an education background in Archaeology, Ancient History and Greek, completed with a PhD in Philosophy, but an avid devourer of exact sciences like theoretical physics and astronomy), whose work includes the restoration of the astronomical clock in the Vatican Library and a constructed replica of the Antikythera mechanism.

And since I share with Mr. Oechslin a passion for time and history, I had to ask if he was influenced by the ancient world in his career as a watchmaker. He answered with a categoric no, telling me he was always pragmatic, and the choice of becoming a watchmaker was a topic of doing something practical in life since studying Greek and Latin did not have a clear objective and a practical earning finale. But of course, he remained interested in the philosophy of time. So I asked him if he was back then interested in how the ancient world measured time. The answer – typical Oechlin humour – “voellig wurst“(absolutely indifferent). In his youth, he also wanted just to earn money with a beautiful but tangible trade – a feeling that I know too well.

So I am one of those freaks, in love with mechanical watches, and wheels, but also fine crafts, metiers d’art and occasionally diamonds. I get excited on the street seeing beautiful examples of fine horology at the wrist of strangers. I am always waiting impatiently for the moments I have to meet new marvels or talk about them with interesting people. And in my journey and search, I identify quite well with the quest for the future as Ulysse Nardin envisions it. That is why I love their creation so much. Just like the one below…

For those who understand German, you can find below a conversation I had with Mr Ludwig Oechslin (with the help of Stephanie Krieger, to whom I thank):

A Review of the Ulysse Nardin Freak [S NOMAD]

A Maverick in Modern Horology

The FREAK [S NOMAD] is a continuation of Ulysse Nardin‘s rich legacy of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Debuting at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, this 99-piece limited edition marvel is a testament to the Maison’s unrelenting drive for innovation while paying homage to its roots in haute horlogerie.

The Case – Material Mastery

The watch’s 45mm case is an artistic juxtaposition of avant-garde materials and traditional watchmaking. The main body, crafted in lightweight titanium, is complemented by an anthracite PVD-coated titanium bezel and carbon fibre flanks that double as lugs. These elements ensure a robust yet lightweight construction, perfect for modern adventurers. With its open sapphire case back and a perceived height of 13.66mm (overall height of 16.65mm), the FREAK S NOMAD strikes a perfect balance between wrist presence and wearability.

The Dial – A Hand-Crafted Wonder

The absence of a conventional dial is a hallmark of the FREAK series, and the S NOMAD takes this to an entirely new level. At its core is a diamond-shaped guilloché hour disc, hand-finished using an 18th-century rose engine. The pattern, reminiscent of undulating sand dunes, is coated with a sand-coloured CVD layer, further highlighting its artisanal origins. The guillocheur’s craft involves 240 uninterrupted movements, requiring an unparalleled degree of focus and skill, resulting in a surface that is tactile, unique, and emotionally resonant.

The Movement – A Space-Age Laboratory

At the heart of the FREAK [S NOMAD] lies the Caliber UN-251, a movement as visually striking as it is technically profound. The flying carousel design doubles as the time indicator, with minutes displayed via a pointer on the carousel and hours indicated by a rotating hour disc. The dual oscillators, inclined at 20 degrees, are linked via a vertical differential system mounted on ball bearings, enhancing timekeeping precision.

Key to the movement’s durability and efficiency are the DIAMonSIL-coated escapements and Ulysse Nardin’s patented Grinder® automatic winding system, which is twice as efficient as conventional mechanisms. The entire construction, composed of 373 meticulously assembled components, provides a 72-hour power reserve. The use of silicon for the balance wheels and escapements underscores Ulysse Nardin’s role as a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge materials into traditional watchmaking.

Luminous and Legible

Super-LumiNova® coatings ensure the hour and minute indicators glow with a captivating blue in low-light conditions. This feature, combined with the movement’s architectural design, makes the FREAK [S NOMAD] as functional as it is spectacular.

Art Meets Innovation

The FREAK [S NOMAD] is more than a watch; it is a confluence of 18th and 21st-century watchmaking. By combining traditional métiers d’art techniques like guillochage with space-age technologies and materials, Ulysse Nardin demonstrates a rare ability to harmonize history with the future.

Conclusion

For those who value the artistry of haute horlogerie as much as the innovation of avant-garde technology, the FREAK [S NOMAD] is a masterpiece that defies conventions. This limited-edition timepiece is a tangible connection to the spirit of exploration and excellence that defines Ulysse Nardin. It is a creation that redefines what a watch can be, setting new standards for both creativity and technical prowess. In the world of fine watchmaking, the FREAK [S NOMAD] is a reminder that the true essence of luxury lies in the fearless pursuit of the extraordinary.