In a moment that feels both inevitable and quietly radical, URWERK and Ulysse Nardin unite for the first time to unveil the UR-FREAK—a timepiece that stands as a manifesto for modern independent watchmaking. More than a collaboration, it is a meeting of philosophies, where two pioneers converge to question how time can be measured, displayed, and ultimately perceived .
The UR-FREAK draws its intellectual lineage from two icons: URWERK’s wandering hour satellite display and Ulysse Nardin’s legendary Freak, a watch long regarded as one of the most disruptive creations in contemporary horology. By fusing these concepts into a single, fully integrated in-house calibre, the watch does not merely combine signatures—it creates an entirely new mechanical language, one that challenges convention while remaining deeply rooted in horological substance.
At first glance, the design communicates purpose through mechanics. A sandblasted titanium case, sculpted bezel, and architectural depth frame a kinetic dial where time is read through a rotating carousel and satellite hours. Accents in URWERK’s unmistakable electric yellow punctuate the technical composition, guiding the eye while reinforcing the watch’s avant-garde identity. There is no crown; instead, interaction is intuitive and fluid, reinforcing the Freak philosophy of redefining how a watch is worn and adjusted.
Technically, the UR-FREAK represents a milestone. Its movement integrates a three-hour rotating carousel with a wandering satellite system, driven by an oversized silicon oscillator placed at the centre of the dial. This beating heart remains visible, turning constantly as part of the regulating organ, echoing the Freak’s historic decision to place innovation front and centre rather than hiding it behind tradition.
Material innovation remains central to the story. Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering use of silicon—first introduced into watchmaking at the turn of the millennium—finds new expression here through advanced components engineered for efficiency, durability, and precision. The Grinder® automatic winding system further elevates performance, converting even the smallest motion into stored energy, reinforcing the watch’s emphasis on mechanical intelligence over excess.
Beyond engineering, the UR-FREAK is also a cultural statement about independence. Both Maisons share a belief that true creative freedom comes from resisting trends and refusing compromise. For URWERK, independence is artistic autonomy; for Ulysse Nardin, it is the freedom to invest deeply in research and radical ideas. In the UR-FREAK, these values align seamlessly, producing a watch that feels intellectually rigorous and emotionally charged.
Ultimately, the UR-FREAK is not designed to please everyone—and that is precisely its strength. It exists for collectors and enthusiasts who value originality over familiarity and innovation over nostalgia. As a limited expression of shared vision, it stands as a reminder that the future of haute horlogerie is being written not only by heritage, but by those bold enough to rethink time itself.
