Ulysse Nardin Freak collection reaches a new orbit

The Freak was the first watch to make effective use of silicon. It was also one of the few examples of a watch with a brand new escapement, something that was almost unheard of at the time.

Oechslin was brought into the project to help solve some of the early technical challenges, and his vision and expertise brought the Freak into reality with some astounding and unique innovations. In addition to reimagining the carrousel so that it would become the time display, his design increased a limiting 10-hour power reserve into an astonishing seven-day reserve. His work on the dual direct escapement on an old clock was engineered into the Freak on top of the movement to showcase the invention.

It was also the first time that the components were manufactured out of silicon, driven by the need to deal with the added inertia from two escape wheels. The light weight, non-magnetic properties, corrosion resistance and almost no need for lubrication make silicon an ideal material for use in watches, and the Freak was the first time watchmakers were committed to incorporating it into a design.

In 2001, Rolf Schnyder explained, “Nearly 20 years ago, I acquired Ulysse Nardin. It was a calculated risk in that I was convinced that mechanical watches so unique and innovative could gain a foothold in the market, and apparently I was right. The Freak embodies this historical breakthrough achieved by Ulysse Nardin and by the watchmaking industry in general, and is by far our flagship model.”