While the Ulysse Nardin Freak dates back to 2001, the largely updated Freak S model was first released about two years ago. The S featured an all-new movement that increased the visual complexity of the already striking Freak line, with the brand describing it as resembling “a space vessel with twin reactors.” This was achieved through the application of dual balance wheels connected via a differential system. For Watches and Wonders 2024, the brand has released a new Freak S variant called the Nomad. Ulysse Nardin now surrounds those dual balance wheels with a 45mm case constructed of a new mix of materials.  Titanium is again used for the main body, but instead of rose gold, the bezel is anthracite PVD-coated titanium. New carbon fiber flanks now blend into the watch’s lugs, as well.

The Freak S still does not have a dial in the conventional sense. The Nomad’s new rotating hour disc has an elegant diamond guilloché pattern and CVD coated in a sand color. The finishing is achieved through an 18th-century rose engine that takes three uninterrupted hours of hand labor to produce. The aventurine hour disc used in the original Freak S combined with the shape of its time-telling mechanism made one imagine a spaceship flying through the night sky. In contrast, the Freak S Nomad’s treatment creates an interesting juxtaposition between new and old. Modern elements are used for the case and the movement features advanced materials and construction methods. However, in the middle of it sits this disc created by hand using 18th-century techniques. It is sand-colored and features a diamond guilloché pattern as a nod to waving sand dunes. Ulysse Nardin says the technique takes years to learn and perfect, and hours of continuous hand movement are required to perfect one dial. Besides looking striking, the story behind it is sure to make the Freak S Nomad even more of a conversation piece.

Atop that hour disc, Ulysse Nardin’s manufacture Calibre UN-251 powering the Freak S is fully displayed under a boxed sapphire crystal. It consists of 373 components and rotates on 33 jewels. A flying carousel orbits its own axis once per hour and carries the black and white minute indicator. The movement features the aforementioned twin-inclined silicon balance wheels each oscillating at 2.5Hz that are intended to look like launch pads. Twin escapements are treated with high-tech DIAMonSIL for added precision and durability. These are linked by a vertical differential system mounted on ball bearings which is also on full display. The movement’s bridges are coated in anthracite PVD, while both the hour and minute indicators are coated in white Super-LumiNova that glows blue at night.

As with all Freak models (other than those with the X suffix), the Freak S Nomad eschews the traditional crown for setting the time. Instead, a lever at 6 is lifted which activates the setting mechanism. This allows the time to be set by rotating the bezel. An additional bezel on the caseback stands in for winding the mainspring, but UN-251 is also an automatic. Ulysse Nardin says its patented “Grinder” automatic winding system generates power two times more efficiently than conventional winding systems. When fully wound, the Freak S has a 72-hour power reserve.

Buyers of the Freak S will have a choice of two references both with anthracite-colored straps. The first, ending in /1A is rubber with a “ballistic” texture. A matt anthracite alligator strap that’s open-worked to reveal sand-colored calfskin leather accents is also available on reference /3A. Each is mounted on a titanium deployant buckle. Ulysse Nardin will limit the production of the Freak S reference 2513-500LE-4A-GUI/1A and /3A to 99 pieces. Compared to the original rose gold and titanium Freak S, it carries a stealthier look albeit with a brighter dial. It will be priced at $148,300 USD. Learn more at the Ulysse Nardin website.