Introducing the first automatic watch in the Freak Collection, the Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision Vision: a Haute Horlogerie wonder incorporating the revolutionary innovations unveiled in the Ulysse Nardin InnoVision 2 Concept Watch last year at SIHH 2017. Among the game-changers: a super-light silicium balance wheel with nickel mass elements and stabilizing micro-blades and a new case design made even thinner by a box-domed crystal.
Time is still indicated in the identifiable “Freak” manner that sets this collection apart: by the baguette movement itself, a “flying carrousel” rotating around its own axis. Yet the design components are now completely different. The new 3D carved upper bridge is inspired by a boat’s hull. The new box-domed sapphire allows for a thinner middle and bezel. Finally, the entire case itself is new—horns, bezel, the rubber on the side—making for a look that is much more open and generous.
The Freak Vision presents many technical firsts:
- The welding of solid nickel elements to create an astonishingly light balance wheel. It then adds silicium micro-blades to stabilize amplitudes and significantly increase accuracy.
- The Grinder Automatic Winding System, which completely revolutionizes energy transmission, surpassing existing systems for efficiency by a factor of two. Grinder takes perfect advantage of even the slightest movement of the wrist. The oscillating rotor is linked to a frame containing four arms, which gives the automatic system twice the torque – like having four pedals on a bike instead of two – while a flexible guidance mechanism drastically limits friction.
- The Ulysse Nardin Anchor Escapement is based on the principle of flexible mechanisms, exploiting the elasticity of flat springs. It presents a constant force escapement made entirely of silicium, and features a circular frame with a pallet fork that moves without friction. The pallet fork is fixed in the center and supported in space on two minuscule blade springs. Mounted perpendicular to each other, they are subjected to a bending force that curves and keeps them in a bi-stable state. The result is a positive energy balance that maintains the oscillations of the balance wheel at a constant rate without influence of torque variation from the mainspring.
Technical Specifications and Price
Reference: 2505-250
Movement: Calibre UN-250
Functions: H/M functions indicated by rotation of the movement
“Grinder” Automatic movement system with pawls and flexible guidance
Ulysse Nardin Anchor Constant Escapement, 2.5 Hz oscillator
Large diameter silicium oscillator with nickel inertia-blocks
Self-regulating silicium micro-blades
Silicium finishing gear train
Flying Carrousel (baguette movement): 1 turn in 1 hour
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case: Platinium case with lateral “brancard” side bars coated blue rub
Bezel: Titanium coated blue rubber lining with 3 titanium riders for easy handling
Manual winding possible with the back bezel
Time set with the front bezel, lever lock
Diameter: 45 mm
Dial: Sapphire, with engraved hour and minute indexes
Water resistance: 30 m
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, box-domed
Case back: Titanium, 6 screws, view of the “Grinder” through the domed sapphire crystal
Strap: Rubber-like leather and titanium folding clasp
Price: 95,000 CHF
