Ulysse Nardin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin
    Year: Circa 2010
    Reference No: 026-88
    Case No: 183
    Model Name: Freak 28'800 V/h
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, jeweled
    Bracelet/Strap: Ulysse Nardin leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Ulysse Nardin double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and Movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Ulysse Nardin undated International Guarantee Certificate card signed by retailer Asia Jewellers, instruction booklet with leather cover, International Guarantee booklet, fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Rolf W. Schnyder led the group that acquired Ulysse Nardin in 1983, one of the first decision he took was to hire genius watchmaker Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. A true visionary, he is the spiritual father of virtually all subsequent Ulysse Nardin creations, to which he imparted his eclectic view of watchmaking. The playfully-named Freak is indeed one of such creations, possibly today the most iconic and a true symbol 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.

    The model however turned out to be a success, and soon an upgrade was devised: the Freak 28’800 V/h. Launched in 2005, the new model incorporates a balance wheel vibrating indeed at 28’800 V/h, providing an accuracy comparable to that of mechanical chronometers. Furthermore, the dual escapement already employed in the previous iteration was upgraded to a new version named “Dual Ulysse Escapement”. It has the peculiarity of having two escapement wheels, with the result of natural force transmission: the impulse is always provided in the same direction as the motion of the wheel; this is made possible by constantly alternating the active escapement wheel.

    Beyond the technical refinement, the Freak 28’800 V/h maintained the electing and eye-catching style of the previous model: no hands are present, instead the entire movement rotates and gives time indication. As the balance wheel rotates with the movement, the system is effectively a 1 hour tourbillon. Further expanding on its design uniqueness, the Freak does not feature a crown: it would not be feasible to fit a fix crown into a constantly revolving movement. Thus, the back and bezel act as crown: the watch is wound by revolving the case back, and the time is set by revolving the bezel. Interestingly, due to the nature of the movement, adjusting time also winds and unwinds the mainspring, although at a much smaller rate than the back. One counterclockwise bezel revolution will add one hour to the power reserve, one clockwise revolution will subtract one hour.

  • 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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Σ831

Ref. 026-88
A very fine and highly unconventional pink gold wristwatch with carrousel tourbillon, dual escapement, seven days power reserve, Guarantee and box

Circa 2010
44mm diameter
Case, dial and Movement signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 240,000 
€17,600-26,400
$20,500-30,800

Sold for HK$337,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018