Ulysse Nardin is offering 30 FREAK X watches decorated with Yagasuri arrow fletching, a monochrome, geometrical Japanese pattern said to bring good luck and in Japanese culture is a symbol of determination. It is THE watch this fall, sold exclusively in Japan and China.
A silicon marquetry or hypnotic razzle-dazzle dial? Ulysse Nardin has never ceased to animate the FREAK X with ever-more surprising and hypnotic decorative techniques. Today, Ulysse Nardin presents a unique and reworked version of its flagship model, the Freak X, decorated with a new traditional Japanese geometrical pattern whose name it bears, the Yagasuri.
This timepiece known for its high-end manufacture movement fitted with a flying carousel which revolves around its axis without the traditional hands or dial, pays tribute to the long tradition of Japanese patterns. Sold exclusively in a few retail outlets in Japan and China, the Freak X Yagasuri is an exclusive edition limited to 30 timepieces.
The Freak X model does not have a classic dial, but a decorative plate, which houses the motion work train. Created in a limited edition of 30 timepieces, the watch is offered here in titanium in a DLC black box, mounted on a perforated black or white calfskin strap, with matching bar-tack stitching. The Yagasuri pattern, as hypnotic as it is fascinating, enhances the carousel movement which turns on itself every 60 minutes to indicate the time.
The 43 mm size makes the watch easy to read and use. The Freak X Yagasuri has a crown to correct the time, but no hands. The central bridge and its wheel indicate the minutes and the hours respectively. Its inner workings house an extra-wide and ultra-light silicon escape wheel, fitted with nickel inertia blocks and stabilizing micro-blades. The movement itself, the UN-230, is a fusion of the UN-118 and Freak Vision UN-250 calibres.
Yagasuri, the fletching or “arrow feathers” pattern
In Japanese culture, a genuine language of patterns exists, called “Wagara” patterns. This world of “Japanese patterns”, very wide-ranging and centuries-old, is traditionally used as a decorative pattern for garments, but also ceramics, lacquer ware, household linen, etc. Yagasuri represents birds’ feathers (of a falcon or eagle, for example, fitted to arrow shafts used for archery. Originally, Yagasuri evokes the unwavering, unalterable and steadfast nature of an arrow, once loosed from its bow. It represents resolution and determination, since an arrow loosed straight never comes back. It is also considered to be a good-luck symbol which protects and brings luck. Traditionally, young brides received a kimono with this pattern to bring them luck. Indeed, just as a loosed arrow never comes back, a young wife is not supposed to return to her parents’ home once married.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Yagasuri Technical Specifications
Movement
- Calibre UN 230,
- self-winding movement
- Functions:
- Flying carrousel movement rotating around its own axis
- Extra-large diameter silicium oscillator
- 3 Hz Silicium escapement
- Index & bridges with Superluminova
- Power reserve: 72 hours
Case
- Titanium with black DLC, sandblasted & satined finish
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Case back: Sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 50 m
Decorative plate
- Yagasuri arrow fletching pattern
Strap
- White openwork calfskin leather strap with “point de bride” stitches
Limited edition 30 pieces for the Japan and China
