New Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak Watch

The New Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak Watch

Two mavericks in the watchmaking world have created a truly remarkable product.

Some watches catch you off guard, while others compel you to stop and stare. The Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak belongs to the latter. I first saw it a few months ago at the Geneva Watch Fair in Ulysse Nardin’s boutique. Someone handed me a non-disclosure agreement. This might sound like standard practice, but it’s not. Most new product launches are held behind closed doors, based on trust and confidentiality. When a non-disclosure agreement is presented, you know you’re about to see something extraordinary.

What I saw next was completely unexpected—a watch created by two of the most original masters in modern watchmaking. Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk joined forces, and the final result was a perfect harmony.

When Worlds Collide

What’s strange is that this collaboration didn’t happen any earlier. Both Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk have dedicated decades to watchmaking, each forging their own unique paths, yet their philosophies resonate perfectly. Ulysse Nardin’s Freak watch, launched in 2001, revolutionized watchmaking—it was the first timepiece to fully display the movement and use the movement itself to tell the time. Meanwhile, Urwerk, since the late 1990s, has continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional time display with its “wandering satellite” hour hand design. The Ur-Freak seamlessly blends these two worlds, ultimately presenting a pure aesthetic of mechanical harmony. replica swiss watches online

This timepiece is based on the classic architecture of the Freak One, incorporating Urwerk’s unique design philosophy. Its 44mm diameter makes it relatively large, as you would expect, but the matte sandblasted titanium case avoids any sense of bulkiness. A deep charcoal grey hue softens the visual weight, while a striking yellow rubber strap and decorative details inject just the right amount of vibrancy, reminding you that this watch aspires to be eye-catching. Unusual Appearance, Unique Functionality
Continuing the design philosophy of the case, the Ulysse Nardin retains its crownless design, adjusting the time via a rotating bezel locked by a small clasp at 6 o’clock. Simply lift the clasp and rotate the bezel to adjust the time. This design is simple, comfortable to the touch, and satisfying, unmatched by other watches. Beneath the familiar Freak case silhouette lies the Urwerk’s distinctive wandering hour system. Three satellite arms sweep across the minute markers in turn, each supporting an arched hour disc that jumps as the axis of rotation turns.

What truly impressed me was the perfect fusion of these two concepts. You can instantly recognize the iconic elements of both brands, yet everything feels seamless and natural. This watch’s design isn’t simply “Urwerk with Freak” or “Freak with Urwerk dial,” but rather stems from a unified creative language. The fluted bezel and case back details highlight Urwerk’s brand identity, while the overall silhouette is unmistakably Ulysse Nardin’s. This is the first truly collaborative watch I’ve seen in recent years, achieving a perfect balance without being dominated by either brand. urwerk watch replica

The Mechanism Behind the Magic
At the heart of this timepiece is the UN-241 automatic movement, co-developed specifically for this project. Based on Ulysse Nardin’s award-winning Freak One movement (a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève), it has been redesigned and integrates Urwerk’s satellite system. The movement employs the brand’s exclusive DIAmonSil escapement (a silicon-based, diamond-plated escapement), significantly improving durability and reducing friction. Silicon has been part of Ulysse Nardin’s DNA since 2001, with the brand holding over 20 patents in this field. Silicon’s antimagnetic, lightweight, and lubrication-free properties make it ideal for a watch focused on visible movement and continuous rotation.

Next is the Grinder automatic winding system. What is that? Good question. Technically, it’s one of the most efficient mechanisms in watchmaking. Unlike traditional rotors that rely on large wrist movements, the Grinder uses a four-armed frame connected to a flexible transmission system that amplifies even the slightest movements. Each arm acts like a miniature lever, capturing the energy of bidirectional motion and transferring it to the mainspring with minimal loss. Its sensitivity to movement is almost extraordinary; even the weakest vibration is converted into usable winding power. Therefore, the movement runs smoothly, responding to every subtle movement of the wrist. Of course, if you prefer manual winding, you can do so by rotating the case back.

The balance wheel stands proudly at the center of the dial, oscillating as the entire satellite system completes one revolution around it every three hours. The sight is captivating. Between the slowly turning hour hands, the gleaming Super-LumiNova-coated markers, and the exposed mechanical structure, there is always a dynamic element at work. corum replica watches

A Wrist Oddity: The Ur-Freak, with its 44mm diameter, can’t be completely hidden under a cuff, but that wasn’t its design intention. Thanks to the case’s curvature and the rubber strap that conforms to the case, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, soft yet durable. The ballistic-textured yellow rubber strap is particularly eye-catching; a more understated black strap is also available. Personally, I prefer the yellow strap. Despite its complex design, the Ur-Freak is surprisingly comfortable. The titanium construction reduces weight, and its ergonomics are clearly an improvement on the Freak One.

This is a watch that will generate buzz, captivating even those who don’t usually follow high-end independent watchmaking. It boasts a futuristic look while simultaneously embodying profound mechanical craftsmanship. It’s a rare timepiece that feels both otherworldly and deeply rooted in traditional watchmaking. I want one!

A True Clash of Ideas

Collaborative projects are commonplace these days, but few are as seamlessly integrated as this. Often, collaborations merely involve swapping dial colors or logo positions. The Ur-Freak is different. It’s not just a simple rebranded special edition; it’s the culmination of a powerful partnership between two brands. Urwerk’s conceptual design and Ulysse Nardin’s technological innovations have combined to create this truly groundbreaking masterpiece.

The Freak series was designed from the outset as an experimental platform, and the Ur-Freak continues that concept in its best form. It challenges tradition while paying homage to the progress both brands have made over the past two decades. It’s a technological marvel, but more importantly, it’s a watch that touches your heart, and that’s my highest praise for it.

Leaving the Ulysse Nardin boutique in Geneva, I remember thinking how rare it is to find something that truly surprises me these days. In this industry, we’ve seen countless watches, but very few truly capture our attention. This watch, however, has. The Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak collaboration is not only one of the most eye-catching collaborations of the year, but also, for me, one of the most meaningful. Harry Winston Watches replica

Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak
Reference: 2413-500LE-2A-UR/3B
Case Material: Sandblasted Titanium
Case Size: 44mm (diameter) × 12mm (“perceived” thickness)
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Case Back: Sandblasted titanium and sapphire crystal, secured with six screws
Movement: UN-241: Automatic winding with a polished system, 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), 25 jewels, tourbillon balance, satellite time display, oversized silicon balance wheel and hairspring, DIAMONSil escapement wheel and fork, blade-type structure
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Yellow rubber strap with a “ballistic” textured surface, plus a black rubber strap, both with sandblasted titanium folding clasps.