The world of high-end horology steps into a new era as two of the most daring Swiss watchmakers, URWERK and Ulysse Nardin, join forces to create the UR-FREAK. This collaboration merges futuristic engineering with bold design, giving watch enthusiasts a mechanical spectacle unlike anything before. For collectors in the Gulf region who appreciate innovation, rarity, and avant-garde craftsmanship, the UR-FREAK arrives as a statement piece that symbolizes independence and technical artistry.
The UR-FREAK brings together Ulysse Nardin’s rotating Freak movement with URWERK’s wandering hour satellite system, forming a fully integrated mechanical caliber never seen before. By reshaping the perception of time through movement and mechanics, the piece offers a unique dial layout where rotating carousels and satellite hands work in harmony. This fusion highlights both brands’ radical approach to watchmaking, capturing the essence of innovation and technical daring.
Both brands share a deep-rooted belief in creative freedom. Ulysse Nardin has long treated the Freak line as a laboratory for experimental materials and complications, while URWERK thrives on futuristic interpretations and boundary-breaking ideas. Their collaboration celebrates independence by merging expertise, design philosophies, and engineering visions to push mechanical watchmaking into new territory. The UR-FREAK stands as proof of what happens when two uncompromising creative minds align.
The UR-FREAK houses the new in-house UN-241 movement, a mechanical powerhouse built specifically for this watch. It features a central silicon oscillator, a three-hour rotating carousel, and jumping-hour satellite discs that turn with the movement itself. With over 150 newly developed components, the mechanism blends Freak DNA with URWERK’s satellite display. The result is a calibEr that rotates, shifts, and balances itself like a kinetic sculpture designed to show time through constant motion.
Ulysse Nardin pioneered silicon in watchmaking back in 2001, long before it became widely adopted. In the UR-FREAK, the silicon oscillator operates with extreme accuracy, low friction, and resistance to temperature and magnetism. The movement’s escapement incorporates DIAMonSil, a proprietary diamond-coated silicon that increases durability and reduces wear. These advanced materials ensure long-term performance, smoother mechanics, and extended service intervals ideal for collectors who value longevity and cutting-edge technology.
The UR-FREAK embraces the aggressive, futuristic style of URWERK with a deep anthracite titanium case, electric yellow accents, and a crownless design. Signature fluted bezel sections, a rubber strap in URWERK’s iconic yellow, and a visible rotating movement reinforce its mechanical personality. Measuring 44mm, the watch commands presence without sacrificing wearability. Limited to only 100 pieces, it holds the exclusivity that appeals to Gulf collectors seeking a standout addition to their horological lineup.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.