To mark their 100th anniversary, Watches of Switzerland has teamed up with Ulysse Nardin to create an exclusive limited edition of one of the watch world’s most unconventional creations—the Ulysse Nardin Freak S. Limited to just 10 pieces, the Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition is a unique tribute to both the retailer’s legacy and the groundbreaking Freak series that’s been turning heads since its 2001 debut.
When Ulysse Nardin first introduced the Freak, it broke every rule in traditional watchmaking. The watch had no dial, no hands, and no crown. Instead, the movement itself became the hands, rotating once per hour to indicate the time. In addition to its radical design, the Freak was also a trailblazer in technology, becoming the first timepiece to incorporate silicon components. Silicon, while already common in other industries, had yet to prove its value in watchmaking. However, Ulysse Nardin saw its potential—being lightweight, anti-magnetic, shock-resistant, and virtually frictionless—making it ideal for precision timekeeping.
Now, more than two decades later, the Freak continues to amaze with the release of the Centenary Edition. Building on the success of the Freak S, first introduced in 2022, this new model takes the series’ signature futuristic design and cutting-edge mechanics to the next level. As with the original, the watch doesn’t rely on traditional hands or a crown; instead, the Calibre UN-251 Manufacture automatic movement takes center stage, rotating on its own axis to display the time in a captivating visual performance.
Crafted from anthracite-PVD-coated titanium, the 45mm case is paired with a grey titanium bezel and features a sleek, high-tech aesthetic that’s both striking and refined. The movement itself is a marvel, boasting a double silicon oscillator, dual escapement, and Ulysse Nardin’s innovative Grinder® automatic winding system—offering twice the efficiency of conventional winding mechanisms. Additionally, the use of the patented DiamonSil® composite in the escapements ensures top-tier precision and durability.
For this special edition, exclusive details have been added to celebrate Watches of Switzerland’s centenary. The gear train is finished with a matching anthracite PVD coating, and the case back is engraved with "Watches of Switzerland 1924-2024," marking this significant collaboration. The watch is secured by an anthracite ballistic rubber strap, accented with violet stitching for a subtle but striking contrast.
Limited to only 10 pieces, the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition is not just a celebration of the past 100 years—it’s a glimpse into the future of haute horlogerie.
Ulysse Nardin Freak S WOS Technical Specifications
Movement & Functions:
Calibre UN-251 Manufacture
Automatic movement
Flying carrousel movement rotating once per hour
Double silicon oscillator and DiamonSil® escapements
Grinder® automatic winding system
373 components, 33 jewels
Frequency: 2x 2.5 Hz (18,000 V/H)
Case:
Anthracite PVD-coated titanium
Grey titanium bezel
Sapphire crystal case back with "Watches of Switzerland 1924-2024" engraving
Diameter: 45mm
Strap:
Anthracite ballistic rubber with violet stitching
Titanium folding buckle
Limited Edition: 10 pieces
With this one-of-a-kind collaboration, Watches of Switzerland and Ulysse Nardin celebrate a century of watchmaking excellence, blending bold innovation with timeless craftsmanship.
Learn more about the Ulysse Nardin Freak S WOS below.
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