ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK [X OPS]
In continuing the Freak X model’s journey, Ulysse Nardin released a brand new reimagining of its innovative reference, now known as the ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK [X OPS]. The piece was unveiled today at Watches & Wonders Shanghai and will be on view at the event until September 17.
From case, bezel to crown, the 43mm reference arrives in titanium build and finished with a black DLC coating. Imbued with a touch of adventurous and rugged appeal, the timepiece is paired with carbon fiber composite flanks that are doused in an earthy khaki green hue. In line with the overall color palette, all the adornments on the dial-spanning indices and lume-filled handset arrive in complementing hues.
Powering the timekeeper with up to 72 hours of running time is the UN-230 Manufacture caliber. It’s geared with a flying carousel movement that rotates around its own axis, with indexes and bridges illuminated in Super-LumiNova, while also beating at a rate of 21,600 hourly vibrations.
With so many watchmakers looking to the past for inspiration, ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK [X OPS] has one option that won’t ever be mistaken for vintage. Debuting in 2001, before futuristic-looking timepieces were cachet, the aptly titled Freak was — and still is — instantly noticeable for its avant-garde design, with no dial or crown, a movement that doubled as a minute hand, and an hour hand (also part of the movement) that ticked away below the minute bridge. Today, the Swiss watchmaker debuts its latest iteration on the Freak, dubbed the Freak X OPS.
Known as “the daily Freak,” the standard ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK [X OPS] was introduced in 2019, introducing a crown to the configuration and adjusting the design ever so slightly in order to add better wearability to the timepiece. Bringing a more tactical, stealthy aesthetic to the watch, the OPS edition features flanks made of a proprietary carbon fiber and epoxy resin composite from Ulysse Nardin, which is colored OD green and textured to look like Damascus steel. At 43mm across, the rest of the case is made from black DLC-coated titanium. While other military-inspired watches simply change the color of the case or dial, the ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK [X OPS] evolves its entire look.
Underneath the sapphire crystal, you can view the in-house UN-230 automatic movement, which boasts 206 components and 72 hours of power reserve. The elements of the movement that serve as the watch’s hands are lumed and colored in the same green as the flanks. Meanwhile, the timepiece itself has 50m of water resistance, which isn’t as high as other stealth watches but enough to afford you a decent enough diving session.
