Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Exclusive

Quick specs Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Exclusive
Price: $ 163,500 | approx. € 153.000 | £ 143,870 | CHF 155’000
Size: 45 mm
Reference: 2513-500LE-7A-WOS/3A – limited to 10 pieces

The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Exclusive is released as a part of retailer Watches of Switzerland’s centenary celebrations. A very limited edition with just 10 pieces for the retailer’s customers. This model builds on the original Freak, introduced in 2001, which kind of revolutionized horology with its crown-less design and silicon escapement.

The Freak S retains the collection’s defining features: no dial, no hands, and no crown. Instead, it uses its movement as the time-telling mechanism, with a luminous bridge indicating the minutes. This WoS Centenary Exclusive further elevates this design with exclusive elements like a crystalium plate, a unique addition that makes each watch distinct. But hang on, isn’t that a dial?

Violet this-is-not-a-dial

The watch features a 45-millimeter anthracite-PVD-coated titanium case and a grey titanium bezel. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and case back, revealing the intricate mechanics. The crystalium plate, crafted from ruthenium vaporized over days, adds an organic texture with its violet hue. It looks bright, unique, sparkling and cool.

The hour and minute indicators that or not hands, have super-luminova, and the hour markers are attached to the inner ring of the dial. Pardon, movement plate. Seeing it in action offers a mesmerizing view. Especially with this purple color. Just compare it with this desert-colored Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad for instance.

This Watches of Switzerland Freak S has a power reserve of 80 hours

Powering the Freak S is the Ulysse Nardin caliber UN-251, an automatic flying carrousel movement. It offers a 72-hour power reserve and integrates silicon-based technology, including two inclined oscillators and DiamonSil escapements.

The Centenary Edition comes with an anthracite ballistic rubber strap accented by violet stitching. The titanium folding buckle secures the watch and enhances the overall lightweight feel of the titanium case. As the watch is quite huge.

Pricing of the Ulysse Nardin Freak S WoS

This limited Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Exclusive is priced at around 150k. Pretty serious for a titanium watch, but the dial is really something, and the fact that there are only 10 raises the price too.

Comparable models, from brands like Richard Mille or MB&F, offer high-tech designs at similar or higher price points. And the price is also in line with the estimated price of this Ulysse Nardin Freak S Only Watch 2023. Which wasn’t auctioned off as the brand withdrew from the Only Watch 2024 auction.