Ulysse Nardin Freak in Venezia Pictorial

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amanico takes his Ulysse Nardin Freak to Venice, creating a pictorial homage to Rolf Schnyder, whose vision was deeply inspired by the city. This post beautifully connects the innovative spirit of the Freak with the historical and artistic backdrop of Venice, offering a unique perspective on watch photography and travel.

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All the Ulysse Nardin Fans know that Venezia, and most precisely, the Piazza San Marco, was important for Rolf Schnyder.

For example, it is during one of his trips in Venezia that he got the inspiration for the Hour Striker and this automaton striking the bell, after having admiring the Clock Tower, its astronomical clock and its summit.

While the Hour Striker is intimately connected to Ulysse Nardin and Venezia, and because I sadly don't own a Hour Striker, I chose to go to Venezia with another milestone from Ulysse Nardin production, the Freak, revealing, expressing the talent, the Genius and the brand, its watchmakers, and Rolf's vision.

The Piazza San Marco,

And the Clock Tower, in the background, on the left:

I propse you a pictorial visit of the town with the Freak on the wrist, now.

First of all, the unavoidable Piazza,

Then the rest of the town, as there are many beautiful places to loose yourself, there:

The charm of the city, the magic of the Freak, the cocktail is just breathtaking.

Add the artistic dimension of the watch, which matches wit the artistic tradition of the place, and you will now understand why the choice of the Freak was not that bad, for this visit.

Rolf, thank you!

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-09-17 03:06:36

Key Points from the Discussion

Rolf Schnyder, a pivotal figure for Ulysse Nardin, found inspiration in Venice, particularly the Piazza San Marco, which influenced creations like the Hour Striker.
A collector recounts a unique experience in Venice where a water taxi driver recognized his Ulysse Nardin GMT +/- watch, highlighting the brand's recognition even in unexpected places.
While the Freak is an aesthetic choice for travel, the author acknowledges that other Ulysse Nardin models like the Sonata or Marine Chronometer might be more 'functional' travel watches.
Despite its beauty, some collectors question the practicality of traveling with a high-profile watch like the Freak, especially in crowded tourist destinations.
The post serves as a touching tribute to Rolf Schnyder, remembering his special style and the dream watches he brought to the horological world.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 17, 2014

Please click on the picture you want, to see it in bigger size. [nt]

GLau

Sep 17, 2014

Hi Nico - Great trip and photos !! The Freak...

...fits in Venice very well. How did big hour striker sound ?? Cheers, Gordon

amanico

Sep 17, 2014

I am ashame to say that I didn't have the time to hear it. :(((

And you feel a lot of dizzyness in front of so many beauties... Best, my friend. Nicolas

timerider

Sep 17, 2014

Hi Nicolas. Thank you this article and a view of

Venezia with your Freak. Rolf did love the city and the magic is still there to find, but you must look and then sometime it hits you. There is inspiration in those bricks! I was there in May for my birthday and it was wonderful to see everything before the cruise ships started dumping all the tourists on the City. You do us all a great service to remember our friend Rolf and special style he left us in Ulysse Nardin. Thank you Sir, Tim

amanico

Sep 17, 2014

It was the least I could do for a gentleman who offered us so many dream watches!

Ronald Held

Sep 18, 2014

Always nice to see a Freak. i do not think of it as a traveling watch. (nt)

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