When two pioneers come together, the results are rarely boring. Take the fields of film, music, or theatre for example – a harmonious clash of ideas, personalities and attitudes often leads to something extraordinary that both disrupts and delights.

One such clash of creativity now takes place in the world of watchmaking as Ulysse Nardin and URWERK collaborate on an exclusive piece that bears distinctive hallmarks of these innovative brands. The free-spirited pair have united to craft the UR-FREAK, a limited edition watch that reimagines Ulysse Nardin’s 2001 avant-garde masterpiece, the Freak.

Ulysse Nardin and URWERK act in perfect unison to co-produce a stunning piece of technical watchmaking , the UR-Freak

Limited to just 100 pieces, the 44mm UR-FREAK marks the first time the independent houses have joined forces. For this special project, Ulysse Nardin brings its flying orbital carousel to the table, while URWERK offers up its wandering hours satellite display system. In addition, the time display features URWERK’s iconic satellite indicator technology, enhanced by a three-hour carousel-style rotating mechanical regulation system. In response, Ulysse Nardin presents its signature crownless case, inside which is its new UN-241 movement made in-house.

Purely collaborative and never competitive, the UR-FREAK is a symbol not only of technical mastery but also teamwork.

Engineering Marvel

To begin the UR-FREAK, watchmakers developed more than 150 new components to construct the bezel and the wandering hours satellite display. There are three connected hands, all of which has a turning domed disc that acts as a jumping hour display. To indicate the time, one of the hands slides along the minute scale on the right of the face. Once the current hour connected to the rotating carousel has completed its path along the 60-minute scale, the hour disc changes, and the next hour can be read by the next hand, which then begins its journey along the minute track. Ingenious.

Three connected hands, all of which has a turning domed disc that acts as a jumping hour display

Like most of the previous Freak models, the contemporary UR-FREAK is without a crown. Time is adjusted by using a tab at six o’clock known as the ‘locker’ – lift the locker to release the bezel and move the hands.

Thanks to Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary self-winding system, known as Grinder, even the slightest movement of the wearer is transformed into kinetic energy. This is down to the unique silicon-based spring system that uses silicon’s natural elasticity to improve efficiency. Leading the way in the use of silicon in watchmaking since the first Freak model almost 25 years ago, Ulysse Nardin incorporates its own invention DiamonSil in the UR-WERK. This durable diamond coating reinforces the brittle silicon, which enables it to be used for the escapement in the UN-241 movement.

The UN-241 movement

One area in particular where both brands allow their respective identities to fuse freely is the case. Based on the Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE], the UR-FREAK comes in a rugged anthracite grey sandblasted titanium case. Three fluted sections on both the bezel and caseback are immediately recognisable as URWERK characteristics, as is the electric yellow colour that adorns the satellite pointers, minute markers and rubber strap.

The rugged anthracite grey sandblasted titanium case

Perhaps the most striking feature of the UR-FREAK – and there are quite a few from which to choose – is Ulysse Nardin’s silicon oscillator system which, for the first time, sits in the centre of the watch. Drawing the eye with its symmetry and dazzling intricacy, this beautiful piece of craftsmanship provides 90 hours of power.

Inventive, beautiful and highly technical, the UR-FREAK is the remarkable result of a truly collaborative relationship between watchmakers from Ulysse Nardin and URWERK who pushed each other to achieve greatness.

Tech Specs: Ulysse Nardin X URWERK UR-FREAK

Movement: Caliber UN-241 Manufacture Automatic movement. Flying carousel movement rotating around its own axis. Satellite time display. Oversized balance wheel & balance spring in silicon
Functions Hours, minutes
Case Titanium sandblasted case and bezel; 44mm
Strap Integrated yellow rubber textured strap. Titanium sandblasted deployant buckle