Ulysse Nardin expands its legendary Freak collection with the latest Freak ONE Navy Blue. Nearly 25 years after the original Freak changed the face of modern watchmaking, the new Navy Blue model continues the series’ tradition of pushing boundaries with groundbreaking design and innovative materials.
A Legacy of Disruption
First introduced in 2001, the Freak series was unlike any other watch. It did away with traditional watch elements—there is no dial, no hands, and no crown. In the Freak ONE Navy Blue, Ulysse Nardin retains this bold approach. The 44mm case, crafted in lightweight titanium with a black DLC coating, showcases the flying carousel Calibre UN-240 Manufacture movement, which doubles as the watch’s time display. Instead of hands, the movement itself rotates to indicate the minutes, while hours are displayed on a rotating disc beneath it.
Cutting-Edge Materials
The Freak ONE Navy Blue incorporates advanced materials to optimize both performance and aesthetics. The bezel is crafted from Carbonium, a durable material used in aerospace engineering, known for its lightweight properties and distinctive marbled texture. Its unique finish is created from aerospace-grade carbon fiber, giving each piece a one-of-a-kind look.
A silicon oscillator and balance spring further enhance the watch’s precision, while the escapement components are treated with DiamonSil for increased durability. These innovations underscore Ulysse Nardin’s long-standing reputation for technical mastery.
Precision and Power
Powered by the automatic Calibre UN-240, the Freak ONE Navy Blue benefits from Ulysse Nardin’s Grinder winding system, which offers a more efficient way of capturing movement to wind the mainspring. The watch delivers a robust 90-hour power reserve, ensuring long-lasting precision. Its innovative winding and time-setting mechanisms are seamlessly integrated into the case back, preserving the sleek, minimalist design of the Freak collection.
A Design Rooted in the Sea
Reflecting Ulysse Nardin’s maritime heritage, the Freak ONE Navy Blue evokes the deep blue tones of the ocean. The dial features an engraved sunray pattern, and the navy blue palette complements the case’s modern black finish. The rotating hour disc, paired with the oversized silicon oscillator, gives the watch a distinctive, futuristic aesthetic.
Two rubber strap options come with the watch: a ballistic-textured blue strap and a two-tone blue and black strap, both made from 30% recycled materials. This thoughtful design choice emphasizes the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability.
Technical Specifications
- Case Reference: 2403-500-3A/3A (with ballistic rubber strap), 2403-500-3A/3B (with two-tone strap)
- Case: Black DLC-coated titanium with Carbonium bezel
- Size: 44mm
- Movement: Automatic Calibre UN-240
- Power Reserve: 90 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Strap: Rubber straps with interchangeable system
- Functions: Hours, minutes via the movement’s rotation; silicon balance wheel
A Timepiece for Collectors and Connoisseurs
The Freak ONE Navy Blue continues Ulysse Nardin’s legacy of innovation while offering a striking modern design. With its technical precision, use of cutting-edge materials, and a design inspired by the sea, the Freak ONE Navy Blue is a worthy addition to the brand’s iconic Freak collection.
For more details, visit Ulysse Nardin’s official website.
