Ulysse Nardin’s Freak watch that has been launched in 2001 now gets a new version. This historic timepiece is one of the most unexpected projects by the Ulysse Nardin, and also one of the most amazing timepieces that the Swiss-based watch manufacturer has ever made.
Ulysse Nardin Freak Cruiser Watch
A completely redesigned Freak Cruiser (ref. 2050-131) is surrounded by waves with a bezel dressed in aquatic fluting and a floating anchor in the pattern of a swing bridge. This newcomer may not delight everyone, but considering the fact that it comes without hands, dial or a crown, it definitely represents one of the most exceptional innovations in modern watchmaking. Furthermore, the new Freak Cruiser is tooled with a patented Silicium escapement that needs no lubrication at all.
The watch is designed in a way which allows the mechanism to revolve on itself. The lower bridge of the movement shows the hours, whilst the upper bridge indicates the minutes, together with the gear train, the balance spring and the legendary Dual Ulysse Nardin Silicon escapement. The system is named the Carrousel-Tourbillon because it defies the imagination and floats freely. Thus, it no longer needs the center pin to support its structure. Its movement rests on its lower bearing point, which makes it even more eye catching from the watch-face.
Ulysse Nardin Freak Cruiser Watch Case
Also, the architecture of the Dual Ulysse Nardin escapement no longer has a traditional anchor and anchor wheel. Instead, there are two silicon impulse wheels which are situated at the center of the escapement. Each wheel has 18 active teeth which engage one after another. Thus, it activates the alternator to transfer its energy to the balance staff in both directions.
The force is released in the same direction in which the balance rotates. Thus, the friction is reduced. Furthermore, the amount of disturbance of the natural oscillation of the silicon 1.1.1 balance spring is also diminished to the minimum, as the contact between the balance and the escapement occurs over a 32° arc, whilst this lifting angle is 48° on a Swiss lever escapement.
Ulysse Nardin Freak Cruiser Watch Front
The in-house made caliber UN-205 provides amazing 7 days of power reserve and beats at the rapid frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Considering the fact that it has no crown, the adjustment is achieved in a phenomenal way. A safety catch which is placed between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position is used to free the rotating bezel. Therefore, you can set the hours and minutes by turning its bezel in both directions. There is also a rear bezel which is mounted on ball bearings. It is used for winding the barrel, which provides an impressive power reserve. Both bezels are an integral part of the mechanism.
Ulysse Nardin Freak Cruiser is available in two versions: the 18-karat rose gold and the 18-karat white gold. Both models are housed in elegant round cases with the diameter of 45mm each. The new Ulysse Nardin timepiece is teamed with an alligator leather strap, ending with a deployment buckle (either rose or white gold). The retail price of this stunning watch is $87,500.
