The appeal of the Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision goes beyond its innovative automatic winding system

In 2018, Ulysse Nardin introduced the Freak Vision, the first automatic model in the Freak collection. While the model's revolutionary grinder automatic winding system initially attracted attention, that was only one of its features. The Freak Vision is a timepiece that skillfully combines the brand's nautical history with innovative technology.

　Looking at the entire collection for the first time without any basic information about the brand, Ulysse Nardin may seem a little disjointed. However, the company has a historical background linked to the sea. Its role as a watchmaker, a key maker of marine chronometers, dates back to the 19th century, and it develops modern wristwatches inspired by that history. On the other hand, it has also released watches that combine innovative technology with avant-garde design, as exemplified by the Freak, which made a splash when it was released in 2001. The Freak Vision, released in 2018, is a model in which the two pillars of tradition and innovation complement each other. I had the opportunity to wear the Freak Vision for a few weeks.

　In terms of technical and aesthetic features, the Freak Vision can be seen as an evolution of the original Freak, as well as its successors, the Freak Lab, released in 2015, and the InnoVision 2 concept watch, released in 2017. The experimental technology employed in these models has led to the development of the automatic movement UN-250, which has now been commercialized.

　In keeping with the brand's theme of the sea, let's start with the boat, or chassis. The case is crafted from satin-finished platinum and measures 45mm in diameter. Not only does it feature a new slim case design, but it's also thinner than previous models thanks to the flat box-type crystal. Marine blue rubber inserts on the case sides evoke a nautical nuance, and a plate engraved with the serial number is located on the left side of the case. Also noteworthy is the fact that the box-type sapphire crystal crystal allows for the addition of a titanium-coated blue rubber bezel. Like existing models, this rotating bezel features triangular claw-like riders for setting the time, improving operability.

　The time display is the same as the existing Freak. The indexes are engraved on the sapphire crystal around the outer periphery of the dial. The "flying carousel" design eliminates the hour and minute hands found on typical watches. Instead, the baguette-shaped movement rotates, with a bridge indicating the minutes and a main plate with a rotating disc indicating the hours. It's no coincidence that the bridge that crosses the dial once every hour has a silhouette reminiscent of a ship.

　If you're new to the Freak, it can be confusing to put on the watch without winding it or setting the time. With only the smallest hints of hour markers on a dial without hands, and no crown, you're likely to be at a loss as to how to use it. The first thing you need to do is use the rectangular button at 6 o'clock that has the word "FREAK" engraved on it.

　Again, the Freak Vision does not have a crown (at least until the entry-level Freak X model, introduced at SIHH in 2019), so winding and time-setting are performed using the rotating bezels on the front and back. To adjust the time, flip the button from the locked position toward the dial to release the bidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel's three claws provide ample finger grip, making it easy to rotate in any direction. As you begin to turn the bezel, you'll notice a white triangular pointer moving from index to index. Meanwhile, a boat-shaped bridge moves clockwise across the ocean-blue dial, with a pointer at its tip indicating the minutes. Believe it or not, once you get used to it, the two pointers become intuitive, making it easier to read than a typical watch. This may be due in part to the striking contrast between the metal mechanism, the white pointer, and the shiny blue dial.