Ulysse Nardin

Rolf did a lot of great things when it was at the helm of Ulysse Nardin. Some were smart, such as the Perpetual Calendar, which can bet set by the crown, forward AND backward. Some were impressive, such as the Astronomical watches. Some were romantic, and...  

I would agree, Nicolas. In fact, I'll be wearing my Freak tomorrow evening to a special WIS GTG. It was a pleasure, as always, winding it up this morning. The list of amazing creations that came out of the House of Rolf is astounding. But for me the Freak... 

was his refinement of a grand complication....... Personally, i lean towards the latter--his refinement safeguarded the owner from himself or herself J

yet to be made, as he was the driving force behing the production of Diamonsil (diamond coated silicon), and oil free escapements made completely from these new materials. With their new movement with these features and future watches with this technology... 

The new Calibre, presented this year, is full of exciting promises... Best. Nicolas.

I've always been an admirer of those 2. The Sonata is without any doubt a great watch... But the freak is just in another level.. Not just because of it looks cool, very innovative, but also there is a little but if madness in the watch.... I say it is on... 

My story behind the Freak, was very deep relation and changed my taste and perception of my collection so far. I was collecting several major brands back then, tried to follow the trends, the status, from IWC Portuguese to AP ROO to GG Octo even in RG to ... 

And in our vision of Horology, and, in a certain way, in our own collection. Thanks for this great testimony. Best, Nicolas.

It is the Freak! Flashes of innovation and madness coming together. Peace to Rolf & family. J.

Here are some images I have been able to capture over several years... First up are several Freak iterations: Three generations: A close up of the Blue Phantom, possibly my fav. version of the Freak: A unique piece I believe, a friend held Rolf to his pro...  

It is obvious that you know the man and the brand very well, from what you wrote. A great hommage to both the man and the brand. You're perfectly right, we can't sum such a brand in only one watch, the Freak. The Sonata, the PC, the Monopusher, the Marine... 

That signed Freak almost certainly has to be unique, and the fellow who owns it was able to get Rolf to agree after a couple of glasses of red wine, to do it if he ordered it there and then! It did take a couple more months to arrive than normal and I'm t... 

A mad gentleman. Best, Nicolas.

Nice post, Nico. Love that Diavolo. Can't wait to check that one out in the metal.

But mechanically also, the Freak is also not a stroll in the park. UN also brings to ming probably the best bomb-proof dual time movement which features a very handy forward-backward setting and ease of use.