Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin joined forces for the UR-FREAK, a unique take of Ulysse Nardin’s Freak featuring a satellite display system. Price CHF100,000
Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin have collaborated to create a unique version of the legendary Freak, characterised by the “satellite” display system that has become a signature of Genevan watchmaker Urwerk.
The result is the UR-FREAK, a watch that not only brings together the DNA of both brands but also introduces an entirely new mechanical movement co-developed by the two Swiss masters.
The Freak movement with its silicon components and Urwerk’s hour satellite are fused into a single, fully integrated, in-house calibre.
To create this engineering feat, over 150 entirely new components were developed in order to design the distinctive wandering-hours satellite display as well as the case’s bezel system.
Time is indicated by one of three connected hands. The active hand slides along the minute indicator scale on the right side of the face. Each hand has a turning domed disc that acts as a jumping-hour display.
Once the current hour connected to the rotating carousel has completed its path along the 60-minute marker scale, the hour disc changes and the next hour is ready to be read by the following hand, which begins its travel at the start of the minute track.
The entire wandering-hours satellite system, in true Freak form, is connected to the regulation system. In the centre is a silicon-based balance wheel oscillator and escapement assembly. It turns with the satellite system and makes a full rotation every three hours.
Similar to how a traditional tourbillon or carousel works, the UR-FREAK’s constant change of orientation helps reduce timing errors.
The UR-FREAK is based on the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE watch case, which is 44 mm wide, here rendered in a typical Urwerk deep anthracite-grey sandblasted titanium.
Other signature Urwerk design elements include three distinct fluted sections on the titanium turning bezel and caseback, along with the use of accents in the electric-yellow Pantone 395 C colour to highlight the satellite pointers, minute markers and the bespoke fitted rubber strap.
The absence of a traditional crown is a hallmark of several Ulysse Nardin Freak watches.
Instead of a crown, Freak collection watches typically employ both a turning bezel and a turning caseback.
The small “UR-FREAK”-labelled tab at 6 o’clock serves as a locker, securing the bezel when not in use.
Lifting it releases the bezel, which can then be rotated to move the hands and set the time.
Although the UR-FREAK uses a Grinder-based automatic winding system, the UN-241 movement can also be manually wound by turning the caseback. And despite sitting between sliding components, the UR-FREAK case still provides 30 metres / 100 feet of water resistance.
The patented Grinder winding system has been designed to capture energy with even the smallest of wrist movements. Its rotor is connected to a frame carrying four blades, which gives the system twice the angular stroke. This makes it twice as efficient as typical winding systems.
The escapement is treated with Ulysse Nardin’s patented DIAMonSIL coating, a synthetic diamond and silicon plasma surfacing treatment that makes the movement abrasion- and shock-resistant.
Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), the UN-241 offers a full 90 hours of power reserve.
The new UR-FREAK, ref. 2413-500LE-2A-UR/3B, is a limited edition of 100 pieces at the price of CHF 100,000 (taxes excluded). ulysse-nardin.com and urwerk.com
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