There is no denying that the Haute Time team discovered some incredible new timepieces during Watches and Wonders this year — and one we can’t seem to stop thinking about is Ulysse Nardin’s Freak S. 

Referred to as a ‘Rocket on the Wrist,’ the Freak S has launched into a new orbit, pushing watchmaking boundaries beyond. At first, the Freak S resembles a space vessel with twin reactors and ultimately represents the fusion of contemporary luxury watchmaking with avant-garde design. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

“The time is indicated by a carousel movement. It’s a unique concept, quite unlike anything you can find on the market. The product is so bold that no one dares to copy it. It is a celebration of new technologies,” says Jean-Christophe Sabatier, Product Director at Ulysse Nardin. 

Limited to only 75 pieces — 40 of which will go into production this year — the Freak S is a rare piece from the inside out. It features the brand’s first double oscillator with a differential with automatic winding, made possible by the “Grinder” system, twice as efficient as a traditional winding system. The Freak S’ inclined double oscillator is a premier signature of the new UN-251 Manufacture movement. Positioned on distinct planes as if on two launching pads, the two XXL silicium balance wheels with inertia blocks are linked by a differential, which draws the average of their rates.  

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

The case is crafted with black ceramic titanium with a rose gold dial complemented with an alligator strap decorated with a Sport cut-out in rose gold color.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

“The Freak is a watch whose revolutionary soul is regularly fired up by new technical challenges. Like the heroes of Homer’s Odyssey who visited many unknown lands, we at Ulysse Nardin continue to explore all possible roads offered by science to ensure constant improvement in the precision and functionality of our time-keeping instruments,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin.