Ulysse Nardin once again elevates the technical expression of its most avant-garde icon with the launch of two new limited editions: the Freak [ONE Blue Enamel] and the Freak [ONE Guilloché]. Both models reinterpret the radical dial-less, hand-less, and crown-less architecture of the original Freak, pairing high-tech silicon innovation with traditional decorative arts.
Traditional Craftsmanship: Grand Feu Enamel and Sand-Toned Guilloché
Since its debut in 2001, the Freak collection has established itself as a manifesto of technological innovation and disruptive design. In these two new executions, each limited to 99 pieces, the Le Locle-based Maison explores two distinct aesthetic avenues for the hour disc over which the movement rotates:
- Freak [ONE Blue Enamel]: Features an 18k white gold hour disc decorated with a hand-engraved guilloché pattern and coated in translucent blue Grand Feu enamel. Crafted at Donzé Cadrans—the specialist enamel workshop owned by Ulysse Nardin—the enamel is fired in kilns at over 800°C in multiple layers to ensure everlasting color depth.
- Freak [ONE Guilloché]: Showcases a sand-toned CVD-treated hour disc with an intricate hand-engraved diamond guilloché-flinqué pattern. A subtle, technical aesthetic that highlights geometric precision directly on the metal base.
- Three-Dimensional Time Reading: True to the Freak concept, the flying carousel’s upper bridge completes one full rotation every 60 minutes to indicate the minutes, while the hours are read via a pointer integrated directly onto the decorated hour disc.
- Ergonomic Titanium Case: Both models share a 44 mm Grade 5 titanium case with a black DLC-coated titanium bezel. Remaining crown-less, time adjustment is performed by releasing the locker at 6 o’clock and rotating the bezel.
![Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Guilloché] full view](https://www.debajodelreloj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2403-500LE-4A-GUI_3A-HD-768x1024.jpg)
![Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Guilloché] detail](https://www.debajodelreloj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2403-500LE-4A-GUI_3A-Close1-HD-819x1024.jpg)
![Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Blue Enamel] detail](https://www.debajodelreloj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2403-500LE-3AE-BLUE-3A-features-1-1024x1024.webp)
![Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Blue Enamel] full view](https://www.debajodelreloj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2403-500LE-3AE-BLUE-3A-hero-856a8d-1024x1024.webp)
Caliber UN-240: Cutting-Edge Silicon and Grinder® Winding System
At the mechanical heart of both references beats the manufacture Caliber UN-240, an automatic movement designed to maximize energy efficiency and operational precision:
⚙️ Caliber UN-240 (Automatic)
72-Hour Power Reserve & Silicon Technology
Fitted with an oversized silicon balance wheel and a high-efficiency silicon escapement. Its patented Grinder automatic winding system captures the smallest wrist movements via a flexible frame connected to four pawls, offering twice the efficiency of standard rotors.
Strengths and Considerations
PROS
- Artisanal Duality: A choice between the organic depth of Donzé Cadrans Grand Feu enamel and the technical sobriety of sand-toned guilloché
- Mechanical Innovation: Grinder® winding system paired with full silicon regulating organ technology.
- Unmistakable Identity: Iconic construction without dial, hands, or crown, adjusted via the bezel.
CONS
- Case proportions (44 mm) require a wrist with good presence.
- Strictly limited production run of just 99 pieces per execution.
Comparative Technical Specifications
| Specification | Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Blue Enamel] | Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE Guilloché] |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | 2403-500LE-3AE-BLUE/3A | 2403-500LE-4A-GUI/3A |
| Case | Grade 5 titanium with black DLC bezel (44 mm) | Grade 5 titanium with black DLC bezel (44 mm) |
| Hour Disc | White gold hand-guilloché with blue Grand Feu enamel | Sand-toned CVD with hand guilloché-flinqué engraving |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Movement | Manufacture Automatic Caliber UN-240 (Grinder System) | Manufacture Automatic Caliber UN-240 (Grinder System) |
| Regulating Organ | Silicon balance wheel, anchor, and escape wheel | Silicon balance wheel, anchor, and escape wheel |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours | 72 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 bar) | 50 meters (5 bar) |
| Strap | Textured grey rubber strap with titanium folding clasp | Textured grey rubber strap with titanium folding clasp |
| Limited Edition | 99 pieces | 99 pieces |
| Retail Price | €81,000 / CHF 73,000 / USD $89,800 | €68,000 / CHF 62,000 / USD $75,000 |
💬 Editor’s Take
Two Artisanal Paths for the Same Mechanical Laboratory
What makes this dual release from Ulysse Nardin so compelling is how the decorative canvas beneath the floating carousel radically alters the watch’s character. While the Blue Enamel highlights a lyrical, artistic craftsmanship signed by Donzé Cadrans, the sand-toned Guilloché presents an architectural, industrial interpretation. Two distinct answers for one of independent high horology’s greatest icons.
