Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin Year: Circa 2001 Reference No: 016-88 Case No: P001 Model Name: Freak Prototype N° 001 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Ulysse Nardin deployant clasp Dimensions: 44.5mm Diameter Signed: Dial and movement signed, case engraved P001 indicating prototype and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, winding tool, International Warranty and Certification, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by a letter from Ulysse Nardin confirming the watch is the the very first and unique Freak prototype in pink gold.
Catalogue Essay
While a staple within the Ulysse Nardin collection for the past 20 years, we cannot highlight enough that the Freak was - upon its release in 2001- one of the most forward thinking, ground breaking and influential watches of its era.
The Freak started off as a central carrousel “tourbillon” project originally designed by Carole Forestier Kasapi and implemented by genius watchmaker cum philosopher and Ulysse Nardin’s technical director: Ludovic Oeschlin. The result was nothing short of the extraordinary with the Freak featuring a brand new dual direct escapement using – a first in watchmaking - silicon escapement wheels. The revolving movement was visible on the dial side, the gear train and escapement rotating once every hour doubling as the minutes hand.
Ulysse Nardin’s dual direct escapement incorporates two escape wheels operating alternatively and giving two impulses per oscillation. To obtain the best possible results these escapement wheels needed to be as light as possible, thus the novel and groundbreaking use of silicon (which had the further advantage of not needing lubrication). The watch was further wound using the back bezel and time was set using the grooved top bezel.
The present watch is the prototype P001 of this disruptive and historically relevant piece that changed the face of watchmaking as we know it.
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.
Ref. 016-88 A historically relevant, unique and cutting edge pink gold wristwatch prototype with carrousel "tourbillon", dual escapement, seven days power reserve, guarantee and box
Circa 2001 44.5mm Diameter Dial and movement signed, case engraved P001 indicating prototype and buckle signed
