Like a fragment of a celestial vault, a galaxy is infinitely small and brilliant particles adorn the new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Aventurine.
More ingenious than usual, it has been a true pioneer. It has broken down barriers and inspired dozens of watchmakers who understood nothing was set in stone. Since then, watches have become a huge playground. Who am I?
We are in 2001. Watchmaking still relies on the bases established 180 years previously, when Mr Lepine invented the structure of the movement that bears his name: a plate at the bottom, wheels and a barrel in the middle, bridges on top. Around 1845, Adrien Phillipe had invented the brown to replace the bulky keys. And then, Ulysse Nardin threw everything in the air and imagined the Freak…!
Eighteen years later, in 2019, Ulysse Nardin created the Freak X, with a very sleek carousel that had the advantage of retaining the spirit of exploration of the very first Freak. Freak X thus became the first Freak to be equipped with a winding crown on its right-hand side. In 2022 at Watches and Wonders, Ulysse Nardin is continuing its Vertical Odyssey, from the abysses to the cosmos, proposing a sparkling version of this Freak X with a blue aventurine decor: the Freak X Aventurine.
Like a fragment of a celestial vault, this galaxy of infinitely small and brilliant particles elegantly adornes the new Freak X. Its glittering effect can be admired, like that which sailors often observe on the surface of the Ocean in the dark of a full moon night. The surface of the sea always gives a clue to the secrets of its depths. Aventurine is an ideal material for beckoning us on a journey.
Through the stars appear to be randomly spread in the cosmos, nothing here has been left “to chance”. Legend surrounding aventurine recounts that in the thirteenth century, on the island of Murano in Venice, home to the famous glass-makers, a craftsman inadvertently let some copper filling fall into a pot of molten glass, so creating aventurine glass, or “avventurina” in Italian, meaning, “by accident”.
The Freak X Aventurine is equipped with a regulation organ – balance wheel, anchor, escapement wheel – made of silicium. While emphasizing a sleek design, this 43mm watch perfectly lives up to the pedigree of its Freak predecessors. A blend of the UN-118 and UN-250 (freak Vision) calibres, the movement is fitted with a carousel, turning once on itself every hour to indicate the time. It serves as a minute hand circling above the aventurine plate decorating the movement. Inside and clearly visible, a super-light and extra-large silicium balance wheel with Nickel inertia blocks oscillates at 3 Hz. Its blue PVD titanium and 5N rose gold case has a distinctive look with gently rounded curves. The Freak X Aventurine is available on a blue alligator strap with light grey “points de bride” stitches and a blue PVD titanium and 5N rose gold folding clasp. It is manufactured in a limited edition of 99 timepieces, fallen from the sky.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Aventurine Technical Specifications
Reference: 2305 270LE 9A AVE/1A
Movement: Caliber UN 230, self-winding
Functions: Manufacture movement with carousel; Extra large 3 Hz silicium balance wheel with nickel inertia blocks; Indexes with Superluminova
Case: Blue PVD titanium / 5N rose gold
Decorative plate: Blue aventurine
Diameter: 43 mm
Strap: Blue alligator strap with light grey ”points de bride” stitches; 3 blade folding clasp of blue PVD titanium and 5N rose gold
Water resistance: 50 m
Power reserve: 72 hours
Limited edition 99 timepieces
Price: 36’000 CHF / 34’200 EUR/ 38’000 USD / 31’570 GBP
Ulysse Nardin – Manufacture of Freedom
Ulysse Nardin is the Manufacture inspired by the Ocean, producing freaky timepieces for explorers in pursuit of freedom.
Founded by Mr Ulysse Nardin in 1846 the company owes its reputation to its links with the sea its onboard marine chronometers are among the most award-winning and reliable ever designed.
A pioneer in innovative technologies and the use of high tech materials such as silicium, Ulysse Nardin is one of the few independent and integrated manufactures with the in house expertise to produce its own high precision components and movements.
To underscore its commitment to its favourite environment, Ulysse Nardin is active in supporting the preservation of the Ocean, focusing on two major areas encouraging upcycling to reduce marine plastic pollution and developing scientific knowledge concerning the preservation of the sharks, its emblem.
Today, in the Swiss towns of Le Locle and La Chaux de Fonds, Ulysse Nardin remains devoted to its quest for watchmaking perfection in four collections Marine, Diver, Blast and Freak In 2022 the brand continues to pursue its Vertical Odyssey, voyaging from the abyss to the cosmos with its high flying watches.