Review
Respo shares his initial impressions and detailed photographs of his newly acquired Ulysse Nardin Freak, a watch he describes as a long-coveted piece. He highlights the significance of owning an original first-generation Freak, appreciating its historical innovation and unique design elements.
I have had this one for just under a week now, so to celebrate the occasion, here are some pics of my “new” Freak. I am neither a good photographer nor particularly good at posting the poor photos once I have taken them, so please bear with me.
The history of the Freak, its innovation and its place in horology make this a very special watch. I feel very fortunate to have found one to call my own. The first generation Freak was one of my most coveted watches if not THE most wished for, so to have found one is quite something for me.
Of course, knowing myself well enough, I knew that I really wanted not just the original but the original original. I had to have the first generation of the Freak line and was happy to find one that had not been modified to the 1.5 movement. I would have been okay with the upgrade, but there is something special to me about having the original movement untouched in there. The watch is working great so far, and it t is keeping excellent time -- I pray that continues. And I am told by UN that when this watch is serviced in the future, it will NOT be upgraded since UN has apparently taken care of all of watches in the batch of Freaks that had the problem, so they are not anticipating upgrading any more of them.
Even though I am a white metal kind of guy, I am VERY happy with the rose gold. It just pops a little bit more, IMHO, but I love both the white and rose gold versions. I love the blue croc strap, but find I have to wear it a little looser than with other straps, otherwise the folding clasp kind of digs into my wrist a bit. But the Freak does feel really good on. With all that gold it has substantial weight and presence on the wrist.
I also love the way the hour numerals disappear and reappear depending on the light and the angle at which the watch is held. The crystal on the back allows for a de facto power reserve indicator. The approximate 7-day power reserve is awesome since this is not a watch I will wear every day, but such a reserve will be more likely to keep it at the correct time until the next time I am ready to wind and wear it. (You may have seen my earlier neurotic post on over-winding the watch. In spite of some words of wisdom, I am still nervous about it.)
Overall the first week has proven a great experience aside from my obsessing over the possibility of over-winding the watch and not getting any work done! Never fear, I can always find something to worry about, so I might as well have something substantial, like a UN Freak, on which to focus my neuroses, right?
and a great time keeper even though i dont like yellow gold
that then changes the way the clasp lies on the wrist making it more comfortable. with regard to you having a 1 not a 1.5. that is a very good thing to have although just to own a freak is enough for me and the previous owner was a bit of a complainer so i've got a brand new spare strap and the big UN book . i do hope i'll never have to get it serviced as thats the price of a good watch. Graham
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