FREAKIN' OUTSTANDING

WHEN ULYSSE NARDIN DESCRIBED its new Freak [X Gold Enamel] as a superwatch, it certainly raised a few eyebrows in the industry. Hyperbole like that, especially in the world of horology, invites scrutiny, and we've seen timepieces spectacularly fail to live up to the press release.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

So closely scrutinise we did.

The Freak [X Gold Enamel] is an imposing watch at first impression. Its aesthetics, full of gleaming, unorthodox features, rest upon a robust 43mm case made of rose gold and blue PVD titanium. The large central pointer immediately draws the eye, as does the rich blue textured dial. There are many statements in this statement piece, but those do not automatically qualify the Freak [X Gold Enamel] as a superwatch.

Let's peel back the layers. Superwatches need to be outstanding in more than just its aesthetics. But the Freak [X Gold Enamel] already has an outstanding base watch.

The Freak X is my favourite expression of Ulysse Nardin's delightfully out-of-this-world Freak collection. It is known for its flying carrousel—a movement held without an upper bridge and therefore seems to float or fly above the hour disc. It's horological engineering at its finest, and most audacious.