Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS

The debut of the Ulysse Nardin Freak in 2001 marked a seismic shift in the landscape of Swiss fine watchmaking, challenging and expanding the boundaries of traditional watch design and engineering. Unlike the conventional Swiss mechanical watches of its time, which featured hands, a dial, and a crown, the Freak emerged with none of these elements. Its radical departure from tradition, combined with significant advancements in mechanical movement, posed a question to the industry: Could a watch that boldly defied conventional design appeal to 21st-century buyers? The answer was a resounding yes.

Over the past two decades, the Freak has become a foundational piece in the realm of high-end contemporary watchmaking and a pioneer in technological innovation. Notably, it was among the first to utilize high-tech silicon in its movement, setting a new standard for the industry and leading the way in reducing mechanical stress on moving parts. The initial models of the Freak have since become coveted by collectors, while subsequent iterations have continued to push the envelope, enhancing its technical prowess and exploring the limits of its unique design ethos.

At its core, the Freak ONE, standing as the central pillar of the collection, embodies the spirit of independence and innovation that defines both the Freak series and Ulysse Nardin itself. With no dial, no hands, and no crown, it represents a bold reimagining of what a watch can be. Ulysse Nardin introduced the Freak ONE OPS at Dubai Watch Week, continuing the legacy of the Freak with a design that captures a sense of adventure. The Freak ONE OPS features a 44mm black DLC titanium case, a special khaki green sunray-patterned barrel cover, and an integrated rubber strap, highlighting its casual yet adventurous aesthetic.

The bezel is made from Carbonium, a material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and environmentally friendly production process, using carbon fiber offcuts from aircraft manufacturing. This innovative material contributes to the watch’s distinctive look, with a marbled finish that is unique to each piece.

The Freak ONE OPS showcases the calibre UN-240 Manufacture movement, an automatic movement with a 90-hour power reserve, visible through the absence of a traditional dial. This design choice highlights the movement’s architectural beauty and also its functional innovation, with the flying carousel serving as the minute indicator and a rotating disc for the hour hand. The watch offers a choice of two integrated rubber straps, both in black and khaki, made with 30% recycled rubber, underscoring Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to sustainability.