russell996
1467
Freak 1.5!!!!
Received my Freak 1 back yesterday after its upgrade - looks great. It was already wound on collection from my AD. I thought I'd take some photos to celebrate its return. Is it me or has the upgrade which I understood to have just been refined parts actually replaced the 'dual direct' escapement with the 'dual indirect' escapement from the Freak 2. I was just looking at the images in photoshop and was zooming around - the photo has frozen the movement and it clearly appears that the two escapement wheels have uniforn teeth as per the Freak 2 rather than a series of 4 low and 1 raised teeth as per the Freak 1 specification - I'm looking at my UN 'Making a masterpiece' book which goes into great depth about the escapement and it looks like a Freak 2 to me. Will have to wait until the watch runs down for definative check but images look pretty clear. Am I right? I hope not!
Freak 1 - zoom in and check out the teeth!
Freak 1 again
Freak 2 for comparison.
Freak 1.5!!!!
Received my Freak 1 back yesterday after its upgrade - looks great. It was already wound on collection from my AD. I thought I'd take some photos to celebrate its return. Is it me or has the upgrade which I understood to have just been refined parts actua...
sure looks like it
Hi Russell, I don't know what the UN policy is about these pieces for upgrades, but another Freak 1 with Dual Ulysse escapement was auctioned off by Antiquorum not too long ago as well. _john
are you talking about the 'recall' they had???????????
i only ask as i'm buying a freak which has been recalled and fixed so it would be interesting to know if they've been upgraded to that extent.
Service and upgrade
My Freak is one of the very first released - numbered under 10 and as such was really due a sevice and polish. At the same time the upgrade was done that has often been mentioned on the forum and I understood to be fitment of refined parts with improved t...
your quite right Russell.........
i only ask about the 28,800 as my understanding(which is not vast) is that the freak 2 beats faster due to the fact that it has more actuating teeth on the escapement wheels. that probably shows up my ignorance the one i'm buying is numbered less than 100...
i've just had a good look at a 'how it works' web page on freak1...
and i notice that yours now has the new balance wheel with the 4 adjustable screws inset into it. surely thats a freak 2 part? heres the site i looked at http://www.tp178.com/mh/freak_works/freak_works.html
worst fears confirmed..
Watch has stopped and it is definately a hybrid 1.5 Freak. Seems to use same or similar parts to Freak 2 and I presume use the freak 2 escapement - will be speaking to UN tomorrow. anyone else had a similar upgrade / retrograde issue. Can't believe they s...
I had some problems with my Freak I >>>
1/ The movement stopped. 2/ The crown wasn't firm enough, so the hour changed while with the sleeves. 3/ The fixation of the strap broke. BUT, each time I had a problem, I received a perfect but long service from UN, and now, after all these problems, the...
I too have always had great service..
I have always found UN to be very good in the aftersales department and have always gone the extra mile. What I find in explicable in this senario is that UN even do an upgrade for the Freak 1 that appears to install the Freak 2 escapement - who would wan...
Russell, no offence taken :) have just phoned UN europe........
and spoke to Karin Bishet who is renato Bonina's assistant. she has actually had a phone call about the same thing today. as far as she is aware it is not possible to fit a complete freak 2 escapement to a freak 1, BUT she isnt sure and it would be better...
also been in touch with UN today..
Have been told it is impossible for the Freak 2 escapement to be fitted to Freak 1. I have then suggested they look at the pictures that were taken on friday of my returned watch showing the escapement wheels with regular teeth (all the same length) rathe...
Just seen your stunning shots posted on forum..
Absolutely great pictures. Can't help but notice that you seem to have the same issue that I'm describing - if I'm understanding what I'm seeing correctly in your photos and I'm certainly no expert you would appear to now have the 'ulysse indirect' escape...
Dear Russell, and all involved and passionate
Hmmm... The Freak u now own, the one I see in the pics...it has a perfect retrofitted movement that is a development and evolution from the Freak 1. So..it is a Freak 1.5, well...so to say. However, being an owner of the Freak 1 and having several collegu...
Bernard, I was hoping you would join in to the debate
Many thanks for your input and I know your involvement with UN and particularly the Freak certainly makes you an expert on the subject. However, I have to disagree with you. Am I now right to assume that my Freak 1 and any other 'updated' Freaks now have ...
Transparency and its strength at UN
Now I see it. You have ended up with a 1.5 and a 2. You were unaware that modifications would take place. One may argue if it should have been done. I agree with you, if I were to send in my Freak 1 for a service, and recieve a 1.5 in return...errr. My em...
Back to my question..
Many thanks for your understanding and expert inside knowledge of UN. I have to say that it is a no brainer for me on what I would have chosen had I known what was being proposed for my Freak - do the service and polish and leave it as a Freak 1 - origina...
Very quick response ....
... just in order to reduce any concern: Yes, it is the Dual Escapement, still silicium, 21,600 A/h I will post a more concise explanation later, when I collected all the information I need. Best regards, Marcus This message has been edited by Marcus Hank...