Le Freak (Still) C’est Chic: Ulysse Nardin Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Our beloved, edgy, and slightly eccentric Swiss classic, Freak, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026. Here, we look back to rediscover what makes the Freak a truly beloved collection.
For twenty-five years, Ulysse Nardin replica has consistently ignited our curiosity and satisfied our desire for timepieces by releasing new Freaks. The brand has repeatedly demonstrated its remarkable boldness through these new releases, while also incorporating the signature fearless attitude of this Le Locle, Switzerland-based brand.
For those enthusiasts who (somehow) don’t know the story, they might wonder why we’re talking about this watch. Simply put, no other watch on the market can compare to the Freak. That alone is enough to make each new release a source of excitement in the industry (and perhaps this is why the collection remains so popular even after 25 years). Furthermore, you don’t need to be a collector to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of this watch collection; all you need is a heartbeat and basic cognitive abilities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Freak collection, so we decided to look back at the development of the Ulysse Nardin flagship series.
Its Origins
In 2001, collectors and media alike saw the first Ulysse Nardin Freak watches.
The Freak replica watch was the culmination of the collaboration between Rolf W. Schneider and Ludwig Oxlin in the 1980s, marking the first time a mainstream Swiss watch brand introduced silicon components to the public eye. Although the next generation of Freak watches didn’t appear for another four years, its influence is undeniable, and watch enthusiasts crave more masterpieces.
Since the launch of the original Freak in 2001, Ulysse Nardin has released several versions to the public, starting with his second product: the Freak 28,800V/H and the Freak Diamond Heart, both launched in 2005.
In contrast, the Freak DIAMonSIL watch was launched in 2007. In the design and development of this timepiece, Ulysse Nardin continued his forward-thinking spirit of innovation, employing a synthetic “nanocrystal” diamond escapement grown on silicon components. Hence the name: DIAMonSIL (Silicon-based Diamond Escapement).
In 2010, with the launch of the Freak Diavolo, we seemed to see a devil on the shoulder (or more precisely, a devil on the wrist), and the series also introduced a new color scheme: black and red (replacing the blue tones of previous versions). A few years later, in 2013, the Freak Cruiser was launched, incorporating more of the brand’s nautical elements and highlighting the iconic anchor motif more prominently than ever before. In 2015, we witnessed the Freak series’ oscillator being moved to the center of the dial through FreakLab. Discount replica watch
Then, in 2018, the Freak watch underwent its first major redesign since its inception. That year, the Freak Vision watch debuted with a cleaner look, replacing the original “wave” pattern on the bezel with more three-dimensional and aesthetically pleasing 3D elements, giving consumers a refreshing change from this already iconic timepiece.
Finally, after launching the Freak X in 2019 and the Freak S in 2022, the brand is poised to unveil another stunning creation at Watches & Wonders 2023: the Freak ONE.
A Game Changer
The Freak ONE draws design inspiration from the original 2001 version, returning to the three main visual features of the OG: no dial, no hands, and no crown.
As you can see, the Freak ONE features a fluted bezel similar to the original Freak. However, it pays homage not only to its appearance but also, in some cases, to its technical features, to other versions of the Freak series.
For example, the ONE’s open gear train is inspired by the 2013 Freak Cruiser, while its clear and legible serial number is reminiscent of the 2018 Freak Vision. Even the watch’s black DLC-coated titanium and rose gold details are reminiscent of the 2022 Freak S design. replica watches Online
During their collaborative era, in November 2023 at Dubai Watch Week, Ulysse Nardin released the Freak [ONE OPS], its khaki green color scheme and camouflage DLC-coated titanium case giving it a military aesthetic.
In September 2024, Ulysse Nardin partnered with Gumball 3000 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this annual international 3,000-mile road rally. This event, which caters to supercars, top-of-the-line sports cars, and custom classic vehicles, attracts numerous celebrities, influencers, and media with its lavish parties and outrageous vehicle designs—and launched the Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 limited edition. https://www.moon-watch.co/


