Watches and Wonders 2023: Some thoughts on the Ulysse Nardin Freak One.
amanico
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
Comments:
Bill April 1st, 2023-22:07
As you are an original Freak owner it is hard to do better. Thanks for a great review.
amanico April 1st, 2023-22:15
I totally agree. And it was the shock when it appeared. Now we get used to the concept.
MichaelC April 1st, 2023-23:27
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 ...
amanico April 2nd, 2023-08:38
The " Grinder " automatic movement is not enough for me, either. I would love to see more madness in the Freak, too.
Weems@8 April 1st, 2023-23:51
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.
InHavenPro April 2nd, 2023-00:54
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...
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