Ulysse Nardin pushes boundaries with limited edition «FreakLab»

Renowned for its remarkable engineering since its release in 2001, the Ulysse Nardin’s iconic “Freak” collection has set another amazing milestone after the launch of its newest version at Baselworld 2015

Last year, the world’s watch aficionados witnessed the introduction of another groundbreaking timepiece in Ulysse Nardin’s watchmaking history: The FreakLab. The manufacture releases a limited edition of the revolutionary timepiece, exposing fresh inspiration, and once again, surprising enthusiasts with pure ingenuity and exacting technology. The FreakLab embodies the inventive force that is Ulysse Nardin.

For fourteen years, the Freak collection has reset the world of watchmaking, raising the bar with every new engineering and design feat. It was the first watch to incorporate a silicium escapement in 2001, a diamond escapement in 2005 and the Dual Ulysse escapement the same year. Remarkable and monumental achievements, the evolutions of the Freak, with every release, amaze; and to this day, it remains an unrivaled timekeeping phenomenon. And, the FreakLab is no different.

For the first time, a version of the Freak collection showcases a re-centered balance wheel, a date function, and the breakthrough UlyChoc safety system – a new generation of shock absorbers designed, developed and produced entirely in-house.

Yet, what makes the limited edition FreakLab even more unique is its implementation of special materials, including blackened titanium and carbon fiber. The middle case and horns are crafted of blackened titanium; the case bezel is constructed of carbon fiber, an extremely strong material. Combined, they not only reveal a watch that is supremely durable, but also one that elicits fascination and vigor. Its allure further expounds upon the avant-garde design and milestone setting mechanism of the original FreakLab.

Extremely simple to manipulate, the rotating bezel is freed via a safety clip at 6 o’clock. This is used to set the hours and minutes when rotated clockwise, and the date when rotated counter-clockwise. The other bezel winds the mainspring barrel, which is designed for a power reserve of more than seven days.

The new FreakLab acquires its power from its movement, Calibre UN-210, that indicates the time and the date and features one-hour tourbillon and the unique UlyChoc security system on regulating organ. It moves through manual winding over the back of the case where one full rotation is equivalent to 12 hours of power reserve. Furthermore, the timepiece boasts its exclusive Dual Ulysse escapement in silicium, non-lubricated.

Modeled entirely in black and decorated with a modern and simplistic wave graphic, as well as a carbon fiber pattern – continued throughout the leather strap, this original version of the FreakLab tells a style story all its own and demonstrates a durability unlike any other. Like its predecessors, it is the perfect choice for the collector who seeks a timekeeper that goes beyond incomparable.

Limited to 99 pieces, the 45mm FreakLab is exclusively available at Ulysse Nardin boutiques.