Ulysse Nardin - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2024 Geneva Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 010-88
    Case No: 165
    Model Name: Freak
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UN01, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Ulysse Nardin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial , movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Ulysses Nardin Certificate, product literature, polishing cloth, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - While a staple within the Ulysse Nardin collection for the past 20 years, the Freak can be considered today as one of the most iconic models of the brand. Originally launched in 2001, at the time it was the first wristwatch to incorporate silicon components, a peculiarity which - in the conservative Swiss watchmaking circles - created nearly as much controversy as its unusual design.

    - Originally conceived as a central carrousel "tourbillon" project, the Freak was designed by Carole Forestier Kasapi and executed by genius watchmaker Ludovic Oeschlin, Ulysse Nardin’s technical director. The direct outcome was truly extraordinary with the rotating movement visible on the dial side, and the gear train and escapement revolving once every hour, serving as both the minutes hand.

    - Technically impressive, Ulysse Nardin's dual direct escapement involves two escape wheels working in alternation, providing two impulses per oscillation. To achieve optimal performance, these escapement wheels had to be lightweight, leading to the innovative and groundbreaking use of silicon, which also eliminated the need for lubrication. The watch is additionally wound using the back bezel, and time adjustments are made using the grooved top bezel.

    - The present example, part of the "first series" model incorporates a balance wheel that oscillates at 21’600 V/h boasting an alleged power reserve of approximately 1 week. In 2005, a second series was released with a balance wheel oscillating at 28’800 V/h, providing an accuracy comparable to that of mechanical chronometers.

    - Preserved in excellent overall condition the timepiece is further accompanied by its full set of accessories.

    - Please note that the proceeds of the present timepiece will be donated by the consignor to various charities.

  • Artist Biography

    Ulysse Nardin

    Swiss • 1846

    Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin is a widely acclaimed Swiss watch manufacturer that earned recognition for its precision chronometers during the early to mid-twentieth century. Ulysse Nardin himself was a trained watchmaker under the guidance of his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin, as well as master watchmakers Frederic William Dubois and Louis Jean Richard-dit-Bressel. Collectors in particular seek this brand's oversized vintage chronograph wristwatches, including the reference 7536-2.

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Ref. 010-88
An interesting, unconventional and very fine white gold wristwatch with carrousel "tourbillon", dual escapement, seven days power reserve, guarantee and box, with proceeds going to charity

Circa 2003
42mm Diameter
Case, dial , movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€15,800-31,600
$17,000-34,100

Sold for CHF22,860

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com
 

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2024

5 - 12 March 2024