Ulysse Nardin, a name synonymous with innovation, has once again redefined the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with the release of the Freak ONE Navy Blue. As the latest addition to the iconic Freak collection, this watch combines technical mastery with striking design, paying homage to the brand’s pioneering spirit while embracing its marine heritage.

Established in 1846, Ulysse Nardin has been a trailblazer in the watchmaking world. Originally recognised for creating award-winning marine chronometers, the brand’s journey from the precision instruments of the sea to avant-garde wristwatches exemplifies its unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. The Freak was launched in 2001, marking a defining moment not only for Ulysse Nardin but for contemporary watchmaking as well. It challenged every convention, featuring no dial, no crown, and no traditional hands; all paired with a movement that rotated to tell the time.

This groundbreaking piece also pioneered the use of silicon, a material that has since revolutionised watchmaking due to its anti-magnetic properties and enhanced durability. 23 years after the debut of the original Freak, Ulysse Nardin continues to evolve its iconic design with the release of the Freak ONE Navy Blue. This latest creation embodies the brand’s disruptive ethos while paying tribute to its rich history of precision timekeeping for the maritime world.

The Freak ONE Navy Blue is visually arresting, thanks to its innovative use of materials set in deep indigo tones. The 44 mm titanium case is coated in black DLC, delivering durability alongside an elegant matte finish. Topping the case is a bezel forged from Carbonium, which was first introduced by Ulysse Nardin in 2019. Carbonium boasts a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional carbon composites, as it is made from the aerospace industry's recycled carbon fibre.

READ MORE: The Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE

The standout feature of the Freak ONE Navy Blue, however, remains to be its unconventional time display. As with all watches in the Freak collection, the watch's movement doubles as the minute hand, rotating around its axis to mark the passage of time. A sunray-engraved blue disc serves as the hour indicator, creating a mesmerizing dance of movement and light across the dial-less face. Both the hour and minute indicators are coated in Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions while enhancing the watch’s futuristic allure.

The mechanical heart of the Freak ONE Navy Blue is as impressive as its design. The watch is powered by the UN-240 Manufacture movement, featuring a flying carousel and an oversized silicon oscillator. This advanced escapement system not only ensures exceptional precision but also reduces wear and tear, thanks to the DiamonSil coating, a combination of synthetic diamond and silicon. This material provides superior resistance to shocks and environmental changes, making the Freak ONE Navy Blue as reliable as it is revolutionary.

In addition to its remarkable movement, the Freak ONE Navy Blue boasts Ulysse Nardin’s patented Grinder winding system, a highly efficient mechanism that allows the watch to reach a power reserve of 90 hours. The automatic winding system operates through a series of blades that harness even the smallest movements of the wearer’s wrist, ensuring the watch remains powered without the need for manual winding.

While the Freak ONE Navy Blue is a celebration of cutting-edge technology, it is also a nod to Ulysse Nardin’s maritime legacy. The choice of navy blue, reminiscent of the sea, reflects the brand’s historic connection to marine chronometers—devices that once guided sailors with impeccable accuracy across the oceans.

Sustainability is a key theme in the watch's design as well. There are two straps for the Freak ONE Navy Blue: ballistic-textured rubber or a two-toned blue and grey rubber combination. Both straps are crafted from 30% recycled production waste, which underscores Ulysse Nardin's commitment to environmentally responsible watch manufacturing.

With the release of the Freak ONE Navy Blue, Ulysse Nardin continues its tradition of breaking the rules and setting new standards in watchmaking. From its pioneering use of silicon to the bold design choices that defy convention, the Freak collection remains a beacon of innovation in the industry. The Freak ONE Navy Blue is not just a watch—it is a statement of technical prowess, aesthetic daring, and environmental consciousness, all bound together in a watch that is sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Want to discover more about Ulysse Nardin and the Freak ONE? Check out our catalogue to find out more about the Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.