Ulysse Nardin Embellishes Two Limited Edition Freak Ones with Traditional Decorative Arts

When Ulysse Nardin introduced the Freak in 2001, it represented an entirely new way of thinking about watchmaking. The movement itself rotated to indicate the time, and it was the first use of silicon in a mechanical timepiece. Two new current editions, Freak ONE Blue Enamel and Freak ONE Guilloché, continue to redefine contemporary watchmaking. In place of a traditional dial, the watches feature a large barrel cover known as the hour disc. Serving as a functional time-display component, the hour disc completes one full rotation every 12 hours. Thanks to a pointer positioned upon it, the hours can be easily read.

For the first time, Ulysse Nardin elevates its emblematic hour disc through decorative arts, merging métiers d’art with radical mechanical innovation. In the Freak ONE Blue Enamel edition, enameling becomes a true technical performance. Its rotating hour disc is crafted in white gold for exceptional thermal stability, allowing it to withstand the intense heat of kiln firing. Its surface is engraved with a subtle sunray pattern, amplifying the visual depth of the enamel and echoing the motion of the Freak’s iconic rotating carousel. Raw enamel compounds are washed and ground by hand into a fine powder and then turned into a pigment paste. This paste is applied to the disc, fired at around 800 degrees C, and that process repeats again and again. Once the final color is achieved, the disc is manually polished to reveal its full brilliance: an intense blue. The beautiful movement resides in a 44mm titanium case and is presented on a ballistic rubber strap.

For the Freak ONE Guilloché, the hour disc features an intricate diamond-pattern motif, all crafted by hand. The artisan transfers the pattern onto the disc using a traditional stamping process known as flinqué, preserving the precision and character of the handmade pattern. Further elevating the composition is a unique sand-tone finish. Paired with its 44mm light-gray titanium case and light gray ballistic rubber strap, it forms a well-balanced palette of neutral tones.

Each new timepiece is part of a 99-piece limited edition.