Ulysse Nardin has launched the Super Freak, a 44mm white gold watch celebrating the brand's 180th anniversary and marking 25 years since the original Freak model. The 50-piece limited edition debuted at Watches and Wonders 2026 with a refined design and innovative movement. Priced at CHF 320,000, it features a new in-house caliber UN-252.
Ulysse Nardin introduced the Super Freak (ref. 2520-500LE-3A-BLUE/3A) at Watches and Wonders 2026. The watch comes in a 44mm white gold case, slightly smaller and more refined than earlier Freak models. Its bezel sets the time, while the case back winds the movement via the patented Grinder system, which captures minimal wrist movements for a three-day power reserve. The gray rubber strap with white stitches pairs with a white gold deployant clasp for everyday wear despite its bold design. Assembly occurs at the brand's La Chaux-de-Fonds workshop, where one watchmaker dedicates about 60 hours per piece, followed by testing. The Super Freak lists at CHF 320,000 including VAT, €348,100, US$361,600 excluding sales tax, and £297,020 including VAT. At the heart is the new automatic caliber UN-252, developed over four years with 511 components. It displays time via a transparent blue Nanosital rotating hour disc, which completes a 12-hour cycle, now with added seconds via a complex transmission. Two 10-degree inclined flying tourbillons rotate oppositely on a titanium bridge that doubles as the minute indicator, with the carousel turning hourly. Over 97% of components move constantly, aided by silicon parts treated with DIAMonSIL for low friction and titanium for lightness. Ulysse Nardin pioneered Nouvelle Horlogerie with the original Freak 25 years ago, influencing brands like MB&F and Urwerk. This evolution adds sophistication while retaining the Freak's experimental spirit, including a 5mm differential for consistent timekeeping and multiplane openworked construction with manual finishes.