Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision & Diver Deep Dive SIHH 2018

KIH · 2018-01-18T08:49:46Z

First look at Ulysse Nardin s SIHH 2018 novelties: Freak Vision automatic, Diver Deep Dive 1000m, and new enamel models. Discover collector reactions.

KIH

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

18 replies5358 views50 photos

KIH's live report from SIHH 2018 provides an early look at Ulysse Nardin's latest innovations, including the automatic Freak Vision and the robust Diver Deep Dive. This article captures the brand's continued commitment to marine themes and technical advancements, offering collectors a first glimpse into these significant new releases.

18 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

As always, Ulysse Nardin's booth theme is the "Sea". This year, there are a few modern arts which are designed to have been brought up from the deep sea after the ship carrying those Disney characters long time ago, thus they all look so. I am no expert on the modern art, but it is "Ulysse Nardin" and succeeds in attracting the audience into the UN world. Theme is #freakmeout.

Now the first up, Freak Vision. For the first time, automatic movement. This one here is the "Coral reef" special edition.

This is the standard model.

Balance wheel on the other side of the hand is quite stunning to see.

Not a simple "peripheral" rotor, but this mechanism enables to convert any energy of the movement of the watch into the winding the main spring.

Second up is "Diver Deep Dive". 1000m, with Helium Escape Valve - first one from Ulysse Nardin. Titanium case. Motif is the hammerhead shark. There are 15 hammerhead sharks on the dail....

Deep cut of the bezel would make it easy for the thick diver suit glove work.

Another noteworthy function is this - the strap extends back and forth 4mm. Divers' wrist may get thicker or thinner depending on the pressure or the thickness or the suit or simply get fat after holiday season

) and no need to adjust the buckle.

Third up is the Classico Jade - 37mm lady's watches. There are five types. A few colors with/ without bezel diamonds.

Enamel series are simply great.

Existing Classico series, Marine Chronometer series...

Black enamel is VERY, VERY well made. With this quality and level, the price point is simply too low.

One thing to check out. Pay attention to the small second subdial.

Last year's sensational blue guilloche enamel dial.

And the black one.

Did you notice? White dial has two step dial - perhaps it is most common and easiest to make. Black and blue are one step or single plate enamel dial. Must be too hard to make two step dial. That said, those three are all same price.... Well worth the price. Best bang for the buck in the enamel dial world.

... and this year is....

.. the year of the dog. Wonderfully executed.

These enamel dial tourbillon "price busters" are still alive and well. Gorgeous.

And finally, "XXX" world. The "Red Room" is at the corner of the booth, and inside are.....

I can post up to here. Please take a good look at the last picture and see the dial. As always, the automata moves on the minute repeater sound.....

Wonderful line up.

#freakmeout

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Freak Vision's aesthetic was a departure from previous generations, leading to mixed reactions among collectors, though its new automatic winding system was technically applauded.
The Diver Deep Dive, Ulysse Nardin's first 1000m diver with a Helium Escape Valve, was noted for its quirky design, but the inclusion of a date window was questioned as unnecessary and poorly integrated.
While some found the new Freak Vision less daring than its predecessors, others appreciated its simpler design, suggesting it might appeal to a broader audience of contemporary watch enthusiasts.
The Marine Tourbillons were highly regarded, with a preference expressed for the 2017 version with its white enamel dial.
The author emphasized that Ulysse Nardin's enamel series, bolstered by Donzé Cadrans' expertise, is expected to be a significant revenue driver for the brand moving forward.

The Discussion

amanico

Jan 18, 2018

I don't know about the new Freak... I have to digest them. But I am so used to the Freak, since 2001, that I am biased.

The Marine Tourbillons are top top top. Still, I prefer the 2017 version with its stunning white enamel dial. As for the last picture, Well, it is so Ulysse Nardin! Best, and thanks for the live report, Ken. I know how tough it is to take these pictures. Nicolas

KIH

Jan 19, 2018

I know what you mean...

.. but for those who had not been too familiar with the past Freak, this one is very simple and easy to understand. Consider this "new Freak". In fact, it is called "Freak Vision".

Alkiro1

Jan 18, 2018

I’m not thrilled by this new Freak. I much more preferred the last year concept and the former models. They are more explicit and daring for me

Best wishes Alkiro

KIH

Jan 19, 2018

I know...

.. but this one is much simpler and may fit today's watch fans.... We are getting old, my friend....

Alkiro1

Jan 19, 2018

This one is too boring for me. But that’s probably because I’m now an old fart 😉

Best wishes Alkiro