Watches and Wonders 2026: Some thoughts on the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak.
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Freak, yes, 25 years since the first Freak saw the light, Ulysse Nardin has just unveiled the Super Freak. Let's just keep in mind that the Freak has a mother, Carole Forestier, and a father, Ludwig Oeschlin. Indee...
The Freak has always fascinated me 🙌🏻👌🏻
And this one is no different. I am a bit worried by the height of the case and find the ‘perceived height’ too much marketing speak for my taste. But the watch is astounding for sure. As for the Innovision, given the release dates of 1 and 2, 3 should be ...
I won't delve into technical matters beyond my comprehension.
I will say this: Patek removed a date to celebrate 50 years of the Nautilus; UN decided to create a 511-part time only watch that you correctly say looks like a spaceship to celebrate 25 years of one of the most groundbreaking watches of this century. Abs...
100% agree
That's the watchmaking I love the most, when boundaries of the original project are pushed beyond. I'd also appreciate if they could release a more wearable and affordable version for mortals.
Now you mention your reservations...
I think they should have released this watch and a re-release of the original using more up to date materials (tantalum case as you mentioned). But what do I know about selling luxury products!!
Phenomenal watch
I've added some pics with my Freak S as a comparison. (Yes, my custom strap from Jean Rousseau in Paris is awesome...) I have one criticism for a watch that is remarkable in every way. If you like the Freak then you will definitely be able to contextualis...
Complex, insane, amazing but aesthetically I still prefer the simplicity of certain early examples. I am happy to see that UN is still pushing, still innovating. I'd imagine that in person looking
at that movement and watching those flying tourbillons would be mesmerizing!
It is technically hyper-accomplished....
But, like you, I easily prefer a version like the Innovision 2 due to its more minimalist nature.... This new Super-Freak is truly a maximalist interpretation of the concept....
Well technically impressive...
But how many additions or changes before it does not truly be a Freak?
It is an impressive feat to pull off,
but my immediate reaction when I saw it was “why?”. If we are talking about a tool to tell the time why do I need two flying tourbillons on a carriage for a simple three handed watch, it seemed like complicating things for the sake of complicating. Maybe ...
The Innovision models never appealed to me. This newest version is fascinating to look at.
Overdone, absolutely. The simple, earlier Freaks are the essence of the design, IMO. But this model is absolutely fascinating to my eyes.
Thank you, dear Nico, for this great review I was eagerly awaiting 🙏
After having seen and worn the watch in person during Watches & Wonders, I have to admit: I was genuinely blown away. This is not a “rational” watch anymore. And honestly, I don’t even think it is really about timekeeping in the traditional sense. UN took...