Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Freak X Enamel Gold, a limited edition timepiece that combines the brand’s signature flying carousel movement with traditional enamelling craftsmanship. The exclusive release is restricted to 120 pieces worldwide and incorporates rare decorative techniques alongside the manufacturer’s distinctive rotating movement design.

The Freak X Enamel Gold builds upon the mechanical principles established by Ulysse Nardin’s original Freak collection. The timepiece displays hours through a pointer on a rotating disc, while the entire movement completes a full revolution every hour to indicate minutes. This flying carousel complication operates without an upper bridge, creating the visual effect of the movement “flying” above the hour disc.

The 43mm case features blue PVD titanium construction enhanced by rose gold side components, creating contrast between materials. The watch includes a rose gold-coloured minute bridge and hour markers treated with white Super-LumiNova for visibility in low-light conditions. Power reserve extends to 72 hours, with the timepiece paired with a blue alligator leather strap featuring rose gold stitching and a blue titanium and rose gold folding buckle.

The distinguishing feature of this limited edition lies in its enamelled rotating hour disc. Enamelling, an ancient decorative art practised for over 3,000 years across civilisations including Egypt, China, and the Roman Empire, became associated with watchmaking during the 17th century. The technique produces vibrant colours with exceptional depth that resist fading over time, distinguishing it from conventional surface treatments.

Ulysse Nardin’s dedicated enamelling facility, Donze Cadrans, typically produces static enamel dials. However, the Freak X’s rotating disc presents significantly greater technical challenges due to its dual function as both a decorative element and an integral mechanical component. The disc incorporates multiple screw fittings and operates as a mobile part of the movement, requiring exceptional precision during the enamelling process.

The hour disc utilises 22-carat rose gold composed of 917 parts gold and 83 parts copper, selected specifically for thermal stability during kiln firing. This composition enables the component to withstand extreme temperatures required for proper enamel application. The disc features a subtle sunray pattern that enhances the visual impact of the rotating carousel mechanism.

Each rotating disc requires approximately eight hours of individual craftsmanship to complete, with production limited to one piece per day. The manufacturing process ensures that no two discs are identical, with each displaying unique depth and tonal characteristics.

The Freak X Enamel Gold represents one of the most intricate decorative arts in contemporary watchmaking, with enamelling expertise maintained by only a select number of workshops globally. Ulysse Nardin’s investment in preserving these traditional techniques through Donze Cadrans reflects the brand’s commitment to maintaining historical craftsmanship methods within modern timepiece production.

The limited edition Ulysse Nardin Freak X Enamel Gold is available through authorised retailers at a recommended retail price of RM221,400. The restriction to 120 pieces worldwide positions the timepiece as a collector’s item that combines mechanical innovation with traditional decorative artistry.

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Visual credits: The Hour Glass