The Freak: the mechanical marvel by Ulysse Nardin that keeps precise time with no hands, crown or dial

For generations, Swiss watches have been the pinnacle of luxury and mechanical timekeeping exactitude.  Within that world of Swiss watch makers, one name symbolizes mechanical precision, scientific progress and artistic originality: Ulysse Nardin.

Ulysse Nardin was a Swiss watchmaker who learned his craft under the tutelage of his father Leonard-Frederic Nardin and two of the most celebrated watchmakers of the nineteenth century: Frederic William Dubois and Louis JeanRichard-dit-Bressel. In 1846 at the age of 23, he opened his own watch making company in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Seeing sailors’ need for accurate navigational aids, he perfected the chronometer with the half-second mark, allowing seamen to decipher the precise longitude during a sea voyage. Ulysse Nardin grew to be one of the premier manufacturers of marine chronometers world wide. Today, Ulysse Nardin’s watch making superiority has earned it 18 international gold medals and 4300 awards in the field of chronometrical distinction. Ulysse Nardin marine chronometers are prized by discerning watch collectors all over the world and have been commissioned by naval forces in 50 countries.

Ulysse Nardin has been an exemplar of mechanically precise and aesthetically innovative timepieces for more than 160 years

Continuing to create and develop unique timepieces of exceptional artisanship and precision, Ulysse Nardin invents mechanical complications entirely new to the world of watch making. For the last 160 years, Ulysse Nardin has striven to lead the pack in technological innovation, the employment of unique materials and the encouragement of original design concepts. The Unveiling of The Freak, Ulysse Nardin’s prize winning piece that was the first to use silicon, synthesized the hallmarks of the Ulysse Nardin philosophy. The Freak has no hands, dial or crown; yet it is able to keep time via its crystal and bezel movement. The entirely in-house developments like the tourbillion carousel propel Ulysse Nardin to the forefront of technological achievement.

With thousands of awards, accolades and the invention of game-changing scientific complications, the dispassionate chronicle of Ulysse Nardin’s achievements seems more extraordinary than the overblown superlatives describing its fellow watch makers. Since Ulysse Nardin’s humble beginnings more than 160 years ago, this titan of mechanical watchmakers has proved time and time again that scientific challenges, revelations and innovations combined with unparalleled artistry provide the basis for the exceptional crafting of timepieces.

Watchmaker's Tools

Ulysse Nardin, famous for cutting edge timekeeping breakthroughs and a heritage of fine watchmaking, has recently launched the Watch Academy Foundation and the Korpela Hofs Watchmaking Competence Centre. The foundation’s purpose is to preserve the storied tradition of watchmaking.Ulysse Nardin, perfectly situated as an authority due to is 164 years of operation in this industry, seeks to proliferate their passion and science. Based on the careers of watchmakers Henrik Korpela and Willen-Jan Hofs, from Sweden and Holland respectively, the foundation and its center seek to educate up and coming watchmakers.
Both Korpela and Hofs recognized the need and benefit of challenging young watchmakers to think creatively yet scientifically. They eventually partnered with Ulysse Nardin to create a place of learning that has no parallel.
“With our combined experiences, we created a synergy that is unique in the field of horology”, said Korpela and Hofs. “We are very happy to announce to you that our dream has come true, and that thanks to the help of the Foundation Watch Academy Ulysse Nardin, we are able to teach, work freely and highlight subjects that need more attention in schools and in the industry. To our knowledge, there are no other schools offering the programs the Korpela Hofs Watchmaking Centre provides. We are pleased to be able to enhance students’ knowledge in watchmaking in a truly efficient and intensive way.”

Ulysse Nardin El Toro Watch

The El Toro men’s timepiece by Ulysse Nardin is a take-no-prisoners functional powerhouse of a watch. It has features that timebuffs will want to get their hands on. Handsome and functional, it pairs perfectly with time travellers, globe trotters and trail blazers. The perpetual calendar on the El Toro is an incredible feature, exclusive to Ulysse Nardin, which can be set backwards or forwards in a matter of seconds using a single crown corrector.

A striking arrow keeps a reference spot always pointed home, and the over sized day, month, date and year displays change instantly in time with the hour hand and the new local time zones.

Ulysse Nardin The Chairman phone

Watch  company Ulysse Nardin is turning heads with their high-end mobile phone. Once only the domain of companies like Sprint, T-Mobile and Motorala, Ulysse Nardin has joined the fray with The Chairman. This luxury phone, from a true luxury company, spares no expense and neither will you if you decide to purchase it.

Ulysse Nardin Executive Dual Time Watch

The Executive Dual Time men’s watch (243-00) by Ulysse Nardin is a classic, handsome timekeeper. Refreshed from an earlier edition, this beloved design features distinct Ulysse Nardin features including in-house-manufactured movement, and the patented Dual Time system which tracks two time zones at once. The time zones are easily changed with the press of the ceramic button, and the home indicator shows you where your heart is. Ulysse Nardin is famous for providing incredible style with unexpected functionality. This watch is no exception.

Ulysse Nardin moonstruck

If you think a timepiece is just a way to know what hour of the day it is, you will be awestruck by the new offering from luxury timepiece house Ulysse Nardin. Moonstruck for men (1062-113) is a foray in to astronomical timekeeping that is unmatched and unparalleled. Ulysse Nardin’s “Trilogy of Time” was the first shot in the dark using astronomy and timekeeping together. And now, Dr. Ludwig Oechslin has created another revolutionary design, Moonstruck. It can accurately depict the moon phase, lunar and solar gravitation and the ebb and flow of the tides.

Moonstruck features two rotating discs and the disc indicating the moon phase and is ridiculously precise. In fact, 100,000 years would pass before the display indicated the wrong moon (full or new). Moonstruck replicates the movement of the Moon around the Earth, and the Sun around the globe, indicated via a second disc.

In addition to these incredible features, Moonstruck also shows the tides based on the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. Great for oceanographers, travelers and even ocean enthusiasts, Moonstruck gives you all the global and universal details you could hope for with a style that is incredibly sophisticated. As you’ve probably guessed by now, Moonstruck is available in a limited edition of only 500 pieces.

Product Description

The 1062-113 Ulysse Nardin Limited Edition Moonstruck Watch is an astronomical wristwatch with moon phases, second timezone adjuster and date. It is a mechanical self-winding watch that runs on an in-house Caliber UN-106. The case measures 46 mm and the mother of pearl dial features an image of the earth that is hand-painted. The crystal and caseback are both anti-reflective sapphire. The crown screws down for security. This watch is made in Switzerland, is water resistant to 100 meters and has a power reserve of 50 hours. The strap is leather and made from alligator and has a folding buckle.

Highlights

This is a revolutionary watch; “the moon phase indication is so precise that more than 100,000 years will have to pass before it shows a full moon rather than a new moon (or vice versa).”