Ulysse Nardin Freak One Watches and Wonders 2023

amanico · 2023-04-01T21:26:59Z

Amanico reviews the Ulysse Nardin Freak One from Watches and Wonders 2023. Explore community debate on its design, movement, and adherence to the original Freak concept.

amanico

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

28 replies11119 views10 photos

Amanico provides a critical first look at the Ulysse Nardin Freak One, unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023. This article delves into his assessment of whether this new iteration truly embodies the original 'Freak' spirit, focusing on its design, movement, and adherence to the core principles of 'No Dial, No Hands, No Crown.' The community discussion further explores the reception and perceived innovations of the Freak One.

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22 years after the worldwide horological shock represented by the unveiling of THE Freak, Ulysse Nardin just gave birth to another " Freakie Baby", the Freak One.

The Freak One is not really a new Freak. The case and the bezel are those of the Freak S, presented ( and reviewed ) last year. It is the 44 mm DLC coated titanium case, with a rose gold bezel.

The Freak One has an automatic movement, such as the Freak S. The Cal UN 240 has a power reserve of 72 hours, silicon oscillator and balance spring and the famous DiaMonSil escapement.

The dial and minutes / hours " hands " change for a wiser concept, here, but also for a more " affordable " price.

So can we say that it is a true Freak?

I will kill the suspense and answer YES. But let me tell you why I asked this question.

During the Press Presentation, Jean Christophe Sabatier, who is Ulysse Nardin Chief Product Officer, explained to us what is a Freak.

To quote him, the three main characteristics of a Freak are " No Dial, No Hands, No Crown ". As a first hour Freak Lover I am ( since the first time I saw it in... 2001 ), I concur 1000 times!

The Freak One gathers all these characteristics and adds its own personality, with this front design, and its baguette movement:

The automatic movement doesn't disqualify the " One " as a true Freak, even if I must confess that I prefer long power reserve manual winding movements housed in the first Freaks.

One thing I disliked is the rubber strap. I tested it, it is supple and comfortable, but well, not much my taste.

Long life to the Freak! I hope that they will top the collection with a new Innovision, though. A kind of Super Freak. I just can't wait to see that.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Freak One is seen by some as a spiritual successor to the Freak Out, but many prefer the older model's design, suggesting the new iteration isn't making a strong impression on collectors' 'Favorite Freak' lists.
While acknowledging the technological advancements, a contributor expresses disappointment with the Freak One's finish, finding it too 'machined' compared to the traditional craftsmanship and chamfered edges of the original Freak.
A collector questions Ulysse Nardin's direction with the Freak line, noting that the Freak Out, which aimed for accessibility, has been replaced by the Freak One, which feels like a variant of the Freak X without a crown.
Some community members feel that Ulysse Nardin's annual Freak releases have become indistinguishable, lacking true novelty and suggesting the brand should focus on other models or a more streamlined Freak strategy.
Despite agreeing that the Freak One meets the 'real' Freak requirements, a contributor states it is the 'worst version of The Freak so far,' expressing concern that the brand seems 'lost at sea.'
A collector finds the Freak One 'interesting' but lacking an 'x factor,' indicating it doesn't compel them away from other high-end brands for their next significant watch purchase.

The Discussion

Bill

Apr 1, 2023

As you are an original Freak owner it is hard to do better. Thanks for a great review.

amanico

Apr 1, 2023

I totally agree. And it was the shock when it appeared. Now we get used to the concept.

MichaelC

Apr 1, 2023

I agree it is a "real" Freak as we understand the requirements to be.

And while I hate to sound negative, I would also say it is the worst version of The Freak so far. This brand is lost at sea. Pun intended. The need a new boat, and a new captain. Nothing is working in my view, and it is a real pity, as this used to be my 2nd favorite brand. I could not have imagined they would fall so far.

amanico

Apr 2, 2023

The " Grinder " automatic movement is not enough for me, either. I would love to see more madness in the Freak, too.

LiftAngle51

Apr 1, 2023

Posting two times, you love the Freak so much, i understand it

What i see is a very readable Freak. I do not have to search for the time. As i think UN used for this Freak enough superluminova, it is also easy to read in the dark.

AuHavrePro

Apr 2, 2023

Interesting....

But, as others have lamented, simply not enough.... Something is missing to me and I'm not sure that I can properly express what........ An 'x factor' of sort.... My next watch purchase is easily going to be the most expensive I have ever bought, but they haven't done enough in the 'lower tier' high-end segment to manage to compel me away from VC, JLC, Omega.... I'm really looking forward to your other reviews in the coming days!