Ulysse Nardin Super Freak replica
Ulysse Nardin proudly presents the “Super Freak” watch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Freak collection.
The Le Locle-based manufacturer has set a milestone for its flagship collection with what is arguably its most ambitious Freak creation to date.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Freak collection, Ulysse Nardin introduces the Super Freak, a timepiece considered one of the most technically sophisticated chronographs ever made. The Le Locle-based watchmaker had been teasing a major product for this milestone, and now we finally see it: this watch expands upon the avant-garde concepts of the Freak collection into entirely new territory. It firmly establishes itself as the pinnacle of the Freak collection—the new flagship—and is hailed as “the most complicated chronograph ever made.”
This watch, named Super Freak, took four years to develop and required approximately 60 hours of hand assembly by a master of complicated watches. It features a 44mm white gold case. It’s worth noting that it’s slightly smaller than the 45mm Freak S, which is quite remarkable considering its intricate internal construction. The online replica watch features a seven-layer structure, creating a deep visual effect – a truly captivating timepiece.
Like all Freak watches, the movement itself is the display, indicating the time through rotation – but this watch takes this concept to its extreme. Of the watch’s 511 components, only 13 are fixed. Two flying tourbillons – each tilted and rotating in opposite directions – complete one revolution per minute, while the entire center of rotation completes one revolution per hour.
The Super Freak watch introduces a seconds display for the first time in the Freak series, employing a truly innovative solution: a patented ultra-miniature gimbal system. At the heart of the watch lies the regulation of the two tourbillons, regulated by a differential – one of the smallest differentials ever made – maintaining system stability by averaging their rotational speeds. Because the seconds hand is located off-axis of the structure, Ulysse Nardin replica had to develop what is claimed to be “the world’s smallest gimbal” to ensure that energy was correctly transferred to the seconds display.
Driven by the brand’s patented Grinder automatic winding system, it remains one of the most efficient systems in the industry. Despite some components being only 0.12 millimeters thick, the system provides a power reserve of up to three days, requiring minimal energy even as the double tourbillon rotates on its carrier. Of course, this watch has no crown—time is set via the bezel and wound via the case back, faithfully preserving the original design philosophy of the Freak series.
Let’s start with the most obvious issue—its price tag of $400,000 is undeniably a significant expense, regardless of whether you believe its engineering justifies the price. Therefore, what I’m about to say is factual: for most people, this is essentially an unattainable watch. Even so, I still believe it is a remarkably beautiful and technically superb piece, worthy of commemorating the 25th anniversary of this revolutionary timepiece.
This timepiece boasts numerous “firsts” and “most advanced” titles: the most complicated pure timepiece ever made, the first automatic double tourbillon watch with this layout, the first Freak watch to introduce a seconds display, the smallest gimbal system in watchmaking, and more. It’s an engineering marvel.
However, what I admire most is its overall seamless integration. “The Freak” has always oscillated between mechanical experimentation, actual product, and avant-garde art, while “Super Freak” pushes this balance to the extreme—without straying from its core theme. chronowrist.ru
I think they’ve done a fantastic job visually. Despite the numerous elements on the dial, many of which are dynamic, the overall design is remarkably clear and legible, a perfect unity. The blue tones, the transparent dial, the contrast with white gold—all these enhance the depth of the dial. What could easily be overwhelming ultimately achieves a clear and concise effect.
In the realm of “haute horlogerie,” it’s easy to get bogged down in intricate craftsmanship. More complications, more sophisticated engineering, more everything—suddenly, space becomes the biggest constraint. Those pieces that handle this challenge brilliantly (I would certainly include the Super Freak) manage to manage such complex functions while maintaining clarity and design intent.
Most importantly, it feels like a manifesto—not a ostentatious marketing gimmick, but like the original Freak watch. It reminds us that despite its long history, Ulysse Nardin is still willing to create truly unique pieces. I can’t wait to see it in person this week in Geneva.
Basic Information
Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Super Freak
Reference Number: 2520-500LE-3A-BLUE/3A
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness: 16.54 mm
Case Material: White Gold
Dial Color: Transparent Blue
Markings: White Super-LumiNova
Luminous Coated Applied Markers
Luminous: Yes (Hour markers and indicators are coated with Super-LumiNova luminous coating)
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Grey rubber strap with white stitching, white gold folding clasp
Movement
Movement: UN-252 (In-house)
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds (via rotating tourbillon)
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding Method: Automatic
Frequency: 2 × 2.5 Hz (2 × 18,000 vibrations/hour)
Jewel Count: 42
Chronometer Certification: No
Other Details: Flying tourbillon movement; two 10° Inclined counter-rotating flying tourbillon; the world’s smallest vertical differential; a patented gimbal system for off-axis second hand display; silicon balance wheel and hairspring; 511 parts, of which approximately 97% are in motion.
