Wristwatch Journal
With its numerous joint creations, Bucherer BLUE has given birth to a series of truly unique and disruptive timepieces. Think about the IWC Portugieser, the Panerai Luminor Marina or the Oris Sixty Five Chronograph. The most recent member in this BLUE collection was created with Ulysse Nardin and is a true horological UFO. Meet the new Freak X Bucherer BLUE.
In the early 1980s, the encounter between Rolf W. Schnyder, a businessman and visionary, and Ludwig Oechslin, a brilliant horologist, turned Ulysse Nardin into one of the most innovative watch brands around. This partnership would yield several milestones in mechanical watchmaking history. Among these, the legendary Freak housing the innovative “dual direct escapement” with silicon escapement wheels. With it, Ulysse Nardin became not only the pioneer of silicon in mechanical watchmaking but developed a new escapement (which remains a crowning glory for the most skilful and creative watchmakers) beating at the heart of a complex and alluring design.
At the SIHH 2019, Ulysse Nardin presented the Freak X, a refreshed, slightly hipper and more affordable version of this beloved rock star in the brand’s line-up. The launch of the Freak X required the creation of an all-new flying carrousel baguette movement, the automatic UN-230. This carrousel movement rotates on itself once every hour. Still devoid of hands, the time is indicated via a central bridge for the minutes and a shorter hand anchored to a wheel in the centre of the dial for the hours. The high-tech oversized oscillator is crafted in silicon and features stabilizing micro-blades along with nickel adjusting weights. Additionally, the Freak X watch is fitted with a classical crown on the case side for setting the time, something none of the other Freak watches had.
Ulysse Nardin and Bucherer, the world’s largest watch retailer, bring to light a cool new version of this original piece: the Freak X Bucherer BLUE. Flashes of blue (with Super-LumiNova) highlight details including the indexes, gear train at six o’clock, and the Ulysse Nardin logo on the caseback. Presented in robust and super-light Carbonium® (a high-tech carbon composite), the 43mm case features dynamic tapered lugs and stands out with a unique dark textured finish. On the left side of the case is a screwed plate that is engraved with the individual limited edition number. The black leather strap secures with a folding clasp.
A limited edition of 88 pieces, the Ulysse Nardin Freak X Bucherer BLUE retails for CHF 24,900 or EUR 24,900. It can be purchased in Bucherer boutiques or online here.
For more information visit www.bucherer.com.
