Ulysse Nardin Launches Two Freak ONE 2026 Limited Editions
Ulysse Nardin has unveiled two ultra-limited Freak ONE watches, the Guilloché and Blue Enamel, each limited to 99 pieces.
Ulysse Nardin introduced two new Freak ONE limited editions for 2026: the Guilloché and Blue Enamel models. Each edition is strictly limited to 99 examples, marking the 25th anniversary of the revolutionary Freak collection and the brand's own 180th year.
Design and Craftsmanship
The two models are distinguished by their hand-finished hour discs. The Blue Enamel version features a white gold disc engraved with a sunray pattern and covered in Grand Feu blue enamel. This enamel is crafted by Donzé Cadrans, Ulysse Nardin's in-house atelier and the oldest enamel workshop in Swiss watchmaking. The process involves grinding raw enamel compounds by hand into a pigment paste, applying it in successive layers, and firing each at approximately 800°C before final polishing.
The Guilloché edition takes a different artisanal route. Its hour disc receives a hand-crafted flinqué guilloché treatment, creating a diamond-pattern motif using a traditional stamping process. This disc is then given a sand-toned finish via a CVD coating.
Technical Specifications
Both limited editions are powered by the same technically advanced movement. They share the in-house automatic UN-240 calibre, which incorporates a silicon oversized balance wheel and hairspring along with a DIAMonSIL diamond-coated escapement. This escapement architecture is rated to withstand over 185 million impacts per year. The movement, comprising 229 components, provides a 90-hour power reserve and is wound by Ulysse Nardin's patented Grinder automatic winding system, activated by rotating the caseback.
True to the Freak's crownless design, time is set via a bidirectional rotating bezel which features a safety lock at 6 o'clock. The flying carousel of the movement completes one revolution every 60 minutes to indicate minutes, while the hour disc rotates fully every 12 hours.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Calibre | UN-240 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 90 hours |
| Escapement | DIAMonSIL diamond-coated |
| Time Setting | Bidirectional bezel |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Case Diameter | 44 mm |
Materials and Construction
Each watch is housed in a 44mm case crafted from titanium, featuring a redesigned bezel. The models are differentiated by their case finishes and paired straps. The Blue Enamel model is presented on a white textured rubber strap with a titanium deployant buckle. Its reference number is 2403-500LE-3AE-BLUE/3A.
The Guilloché edition pairs a satin-finished light-grey titanium case with a matching grey rubber 'ballistic' strap, also secured with a titanium folding buckle. Its reference is 2403-500LE-4A-GUI/3A. Both Freak ONE anniversary editions will launch worldwide on 23 September 2026.
