Ulysse Nardin

I have read about the need or lack of need for servicing first generation Freaks on previous posts on this forum, and I think Bernard Cheong said this: "The Freak does not need servicing. It is hermetically sealed and does not require lubrication updates." ulyssenardin.watchprosite.com

Is this true?  Assuming one has a Freak that is out of warranty but is 5 years old, and running properly, does it need a regular servicing (which costs a lot by the way)?  Both the manual (I believe) and a UN service rep (spoken with just today) say that any mechanical watch, including the first generation Freak, needs regular servicing every 3-4 years and certainly every 5 years.  So, I am confused.  Can anyon shed light on this for me and explain how this works or how it shoud work.  I appreciate any iformation.  Thanks.

respo

And as an happy owner of a 160, which also use a silicium escapement, UN preconizes a Service of this watch each 10 or 15 years...
That is better than any other conventionnal watch, indeed, but it needs a service.
I don't see why this could be different on the Freak.
So, I'm wondering the same thing than you, Respo.
Best.
nicolas

10-15 years would be a great interval period between servicing any mechanical watch.  I wonder if that is true for the Freak...

Thanks for the reply.

respo

... the Freak is by no means hermetically sealed, in the contrary: it is one of the few UN watches officially not rated watertight. The stem that is stuck in a hole of the sapphire crystal alone is - despite a good gasket - a point potentially permitting humidity to enter the case. Additionally, the Freak's case is a more or less open system, due to the way how the upper half is moved to set the time, and the lower part is turned to wind the watch. To permit this moving, it is clear that a real pressure-tight sealing cannot be accomplished. The Freak is not a sports watch.

Where humidity can enter, it is clear that gases should exchange the easier. So the ageing of lubricating agents in the Freak cannot be prevented. finally, while the silicium escapement reduces the need to lubricate the most sensitive and fastest moving parts, the watch movements consists of other moving parts as well, and these still have to be lubricated. Just think of the energy transferred of the massive mainspring: Despite good lubricating, there is some mechanical wear on the gears involved, so there HAS to be some maintenance.

However, the service intervals indicated are based on the assumption of daily wear, which in the Freak's case is rather unlikely. Therefore I would say that infrequent wear will increase the interval. However,  please don't take this as an iron rule; sometimes, even rarely worn watches show traces of mechanical fatigue earlier.

Best regards,
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2008-08-07 03:01:53

That provides some useful perspective.  Thanks.

respo 

I agree with Marcus 100%.

There are ways for atmospheric exchanges. I simply feel from my perspective that unlike any other watch, there is no crown.

The seals in a freak are not from "push and pull" but are more of a rotary nature.

As such, if you do not swim/bath with the Freak. It is almost virtually sealed against any reasonable changes inside the watch itself.

One witness is the way the watch will NOT form condensation when u move from 20 degrees C aircon to 33 degrees C humid..as in Singapore. I do this daily.

Enjoy the watch, it is unique.

Marcus is right, just be reasonable in your daily tortures!

 

I appreciate the good information and advice.  I will try to minimize the daily tortures to the Freak.  I can only imagine that I will be far more careful and sparing in my wear of this piece than any other I have.

respo