Ulysse Nardin, in collaboration with Watches of Switzerland, has unveiled the Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition to mark 100 years of retailing the world’s most spectacular watches. This limited run of 10 pieces celebrates the enduring legacy of the Freak, a watchmaking icon renowned for its avant-garde design and revolutionary technology.
A Tribute to the Original Freak
The Freak was originally released in 2001 and has since become a symbol of groundbreaking watchmaking. With no dial, hands, or crown, the watch redefined how time could be displayed, using its movement to tell the time. It was also the first watch to incorporate silicon components, a material that was at the time novel for watchmaking, bringing superior anti-magnetic, anti-shock, and frictionless properties. Over the years, the Freak continued to evolve, incorporating new materials and technologies, which led to the creation of the Freak S. The Freak S, introduced in 2022, took the original concept to new heights with advancements such as a double silicon oscillator, a double escapement in DiamonSil®, and the Grinder® automatic winding system, significantly enhancing both precision and efficiency while retaining the iconic crownless design.
Technical Details
The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition features the Calibre UN-251 Manufacture, an automatic flying carrousel movement that rotates once every 60 minutes. It includes a double silicon oscillator, a double escapement made of DiamonSil® (a silicon and synthetic diamond composite), and the Grinder® automatic winding system. The watch also has a vertical differential with ball bearings, operates at a frequency of 2 x 2.5 Hz (2 x 18,000 vibrations per hour), and contains 373 components and 33 jewels. The 45mm case is crafted from anthracite PVD titanium with a grey titanium bezel and a locker at 6 o’clock. It has a sapphire crystal case back and comes with an anthracite-colored “ballistic” rubber strap with violet stitching. But without a doubt, the standout feature of the Centenary Edition is the violet crystallium hour disc beneath the movement. Made from crystallized ruthenium, this unique element adds a regal purple-violet hue that creates organic, varying reflections, making each piece visually distinct. This feature not only enhances the visual allure of the watch but also symbolizes the exclusive partnership between Ulysse Nardin and Watches of Switzerland, making this edition truly one of a kind. Limited to only 10 pieces, this edition is exclusively available through Watches of Switzerland.
What Makes the Centenary Edition Special
The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition stands out not only due to its remarkable craftsmanship but also due to exclusive features that pay tribute to the unique partnership between Ulysse Nardin and Watches of Switzerland. Limited to just 10 pieces, each watch is engraved with “Watches of Switzerland 1924-2024” on the case back, commemorating a century of retailing excellence. The violet crystallium hour disc, which is made from crystallized ruthenium, is a unique addition that gives each watch its distinct character. This regal purple-violet hue was specially selected for its ability to create organic, varying reflections that make every piece visually unique. The Centenary Edition also features an anthracite-colored “ballistic” rubber strap with violet stitching, which adds a subtle but sophisticated nod to the Watches of Switzerland branding colors. All these elements combined make this edition a true collector’s piece, embodying both luxury and heritage.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ulysse Nardin on a limited-edition Freak S model as part of our centenary series. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to offering the very best in watchmaking savoir-faire to our clients who have a true passion for niche brands. The expansion of our portfolio only opens new opportunities for our clients to experience exceptional precision and craftsmanship.” – Craig Bolton, President of the Watches of Switzerland Group UK and Europe.
A Century of Partnership
Watches of Switzerland, founded in 1924, has been a longstanding partner of Ulysse Nardin, sharing a vision for excellence in horology. The Centenary Edition of the Freak S symbolizes this enduring partnership, blending Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary watchmaking with the retail expertise of Watches of Switzerland. The engraving on each piece, “Watches of Switzerland 1924-2024,” is a mark of this milestone and serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that has helped shape the world of luxury timepieces for the past century. This edition is not just about celebrating the past but also about pushing the boundaries of modern watchmaking with its most complicated and technically advanced Freak model.
“We are proud and honored to celebrate the Centenary of our highly valued partner Watches of Switzerland with a very exclusive creation that pushes the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie in terms of design, pioneering technology, and unmatched craftsmanship. With no dial, no hands, and no crown, like the revolutionary Freak that changed the face of contemporary watchmaking in 2001, the Freak S is the most complicated time-only watch and the most complex Freak currently in production.” – Matthieu Haverlan, Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin.
Availability and Pricing
The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition is priced at £143,870 GBP (including VAT), CHF 155,000 (including VAT), and USD 163,500 (before tax). The collection will be available exclusively through Watches of Switzerland, with a dedicated pop-up exhibition at select Watches of Switzerland showrooms in London throughout October. The exclusivity of this collection, combined with the pop-up exhibition, further emphasizes the significance of this centenary collaboration and showcases the unique artistry behind these remarkable timepieces.
For more information, visit Ulysse Nardin’s official website.
