Plenty of brands boast about pushing the limits of horology, changing your perception of time, and disrupting the industry. The endless catchphrases and adjectives to describe something that’s generally not all that different from the competition is tiring. Then, the Ulysse Nardin Freak comes into question, and the excitement about something unique and genuinely rare is revived. While the “Freak” call and branding have exploded across the Ulysse Nardin collection, there’s truly only a handful of “real” Crazies, with the selection growing by one more. The new Ulysse Nardin Freak Times Ops has been unveiled at Watches and Wonders Shanghai bringing a splash associated with color as well as tacti-cool style to the series. The Freak X line itself isn’t new, relatively speaking. It is aptly marketed as “the daily Freak” thanks to the addition of a overhead and substantially lower price point than its crown-less Fanatic cousins. However , every ounces of remaining Freak DNA is on full display following the “no-hands, no-dial” defining factors. The actual one-hour orbital carousel tourbillon is fixed to an elongated bridge which becomes once hands, while the hour indicator is found on a disc sticking out through the center of the movement. While at-a-glance legibility has never been the strength of this non-traditional design, the matte and cleaned metal links over a black multi-dimensional background should help. Khaki green lume continues to be added to the actual bridges and also the black radially brushed baton framework of the movement, which serves as hour markers. I have not had enough extended time with a Freak on my wrist to report if that becomes easier to read as you become accustomed to it.
The particular 206-component motion is the same caliber UN-230 manufacture movements found in all of those other Freak A lineup. It beats in 21, 600 vibrations each hour. The escapement is composed of lightweight silicon and also features nickel flyweights to aid in rotation and regulation. The full activity is upon display through a titanium caseback with a sky-blue exhibition window. No caseback photos were available at press time. Typically the Freak Y OPS integrates the brand’s “Magma” graphite composite originally used in the particular Ulysse Nardin Skeleton Of the Magma, having a black DLC titanium case found on existing Freak X models. Often the patterned black and green flanks are paired with a lightweight titanium frame that will leans into its “Operations” title. Ulysse Nardin Freak By Ops is no stranger in order to carbon fiber; the brand uses it in multiple colors along with shapes, even blending this with precious metals. The “Magma” material comprises black carbon fibre and eco-friendly epoxy resin. On the 2019 Freak Back button Magma, I found the material to look busy in addition to cheap in images. The exact swirling dark pattern have been reduced on the Freak Times Ops glorious a more natural topographic-like style. Paired with typically the muted OD green resin, this design and style fits effortlessly into the “Ops” name, but make no mistake, often the Freak A Ops is not your ideal tool watch. While it looks the part, the most tactical action most wearers will put it through is a few matches of Call of Duty.
The 43mm wide case from the Ulysse Nardin Freak Y Ops boasts 50 feets of water proofing. While I would like to see the “everyday Freak” rated to 100m at minimum, this is far better than the 30m we so frequently see. The case measures 13. 38mm thick to the the top domed blue crystal as well as the brand reports the perceived thickness to be 10. 7mm due to the downturned lugs, or what I like to call “lug hug. ” Depending on the shape and size of your wrist, this may or may not be the case. The watch comes on any black recycled fishing net strap or a matching khaki green fabric strap using a hook plus loop (velcro) closure. There are no doubt the unique position of the Nut in the view industry. This represents some of the highest levels of innovative and even nontraditional horology without any in the derivative repetitive designs afflicting nearly every level of watchmaking. As the Freak layout has been around for over 20 years, it still feels fresh with each new take, and it’s one you probably won’t see another at your local enjoy meet-up.