Urwerk X Ulysse Nardin: UR-FREAK

The UR-FREAK is the result of a meeting between two of the most visionary names in independent watchmaking: Ulysse Nardin and URWERK. This first-ever collaboration reinterprets one of the most influential timepieces of our era, the Freak, by merging it with URWERK’s iconic wandering satellite display.

The outcome is a fully integrated movement that unites a three-hour rotating carousel with a satellite hour indication, powered by the Grinder system, DiamonSil, and the silicon technologies that Ulysse Nardin introduced to watchmaking back in 2001. A bold expression of innovation, offered in a strictly limited run of 100 pieces

A FUSION THAT CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE

The Freak rotates the entire movement to tell the time; URWERK’s hour satellite bends mechanics and reshapes the perception of time itself. Now, two complex mechanisms are fused into a single, fully integrated, in-house caliber. 

To create this marvel of engineering, over 150 entirely new components were developed in order to design the distinctive wandering hours satellite display as well as the case’s bezel design. Time is indicated by one of three connected hands. The active hand slides along the minute indicator scale on the right side of the face. Each hand has a turning domed disc that acts as a jumping hour display. Once the current hour connected to the rotating carousel has completed its path along the 60-minute marker scale, the hour disc changes, and the next hour is ready to be read by the next hand, which begins its travel along the beginning of the minute track. The entire wandering hours satellite system, in true Freak form, is connected to the regulation system. In the center is a silicon-based balance wheel oscillator and escapement assembly. It turns with the satellite system and makes a full rotation every three hours. Similar to how a traditional tourbillon or carousel works, the UR-FREAK’s constant change of orientation helps reduce timing errors. 

The UR-FREAK is based on Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE] watch case that is 44mm wide, and here rendered in a typical URWERK deep anthracite gray sandblasted titanium. Added to this foundation are more signature URWERK design elements that further elevate the piece. These include three distinct fluted sections on the titanium turning bezel and caseback, a hallmark design element of URWERK. Additionally, the titanium hues are accented by URWERK’s emblematic electric yellow Pantone 395 C, a vibrant color that highlights the satellite pointers, minute markers, as well as the bespoke fitted rubber strap. 

Another hallmark of most Ulysse Nardin Freak watches is the absence of a traditional crown. The UR-FREAK accordingly does not have a crown, which adds to a clean, streamlined aesthetic on the wrist. Instead of a crown, Freak collection watches typically employ both a turning bezel and caseback. A small tab known as the “locker” at the six o’clock position on the case holds the bezel secure when not in use. It has a special “UR-FREAK” label for this limited-edition watch. When the locker is lifted, the bezel freely turns, and when it does, it moves the hands in order to adjust the time. Even though the UR-FREAK employs a Grinder-based automatic winding system, the UN-241 movement can also be manually wound by turning the caseback. Despite being sandwiched between sliding parts, the UR-FREAK case still offers 30 meters of water resistance. 

THE NEW IN-HOUSE CALIBER

The mechanical system under the URWERK-designed wandering hours satellite display is a new in-house-made Ulysse Nardin caliber UN-241 movement. A fusion into a single, fully integrated, in-house caliber. Based on the iconic GPHG-winning Freak [ONE] UN-240 caliber and applying over two decades of know-how and innovations, the movement is a fantastic blend of balanced performance and modernity in an extremely wearable package. The silicon oscillator operates at a 3Hz frequency and offers a full 90 hours of power reserve. 

Where most movements hide their oscillator at the back, the Freak has always revealed its beating heart on the front. In this new design, the oscillator takes center stage. Thanks to advanced silicon technology, it is 25% larger than standard versions. To maximize visual impact and save space, the oscillator is positioned centrally, above the rotating hour satellites. This unique layout was only possible by designing the movement and dial simultaneously, breaking away from the traditional step-by-step watchmaking approach, where form and function are conceived together. 

Its self-winding system is unlike that in any other watch outside of a select number of other Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE] and Freak [S] timepieces. Ulysse Nardin calls the system “Grinder,” a name which simply mimics how the system works. Most automatic winding systems rely on a moving weight that must experience a certain volume of force and motion prior to generating power in the mainspring. Grinder vastly increases the winding efficiency of traditional systems by converting even the smallest movement into kinetic energy. Grinder is not only a unique system, but also revolutionary because it is one of the first true improvements to automatic winding system efficiency in decades.

UR-FREAK: ONLY 100 PIECES

In a landscape where collaborations are rewriting the rules, the UR-FREAK perfectly embodies the meeting of two independent and radical visions. A watch that merges the DNA of Ulysse Nardin’s Freak with URWERK’s signature approach to displaying time, pushing contemporary watchmaking into new territory.

Its production, limited to just 100 pieces and paired with a yellow “ballistic” rubber strap and sandblasted titanium folding clasp, reinforces the exclusive nature of the project. The €.117,600 price underscores its status as a creation made for those seeking something truly unique.