Two pioneering names in modern watchmaking have joined forces to create the UR-FREAK, a limited-edition timepiece that merges Ulysse Nardin’s advanced Freak technology with URWERK’s signature satellite display system.

The collaboration brings together two brands that helped define contemporary luxury watchmaking. URWERK was founded in 1997 by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, while Ulysse Nardin debuted its original Freak watch in 2001. Though Ulysse Nardin dates back to 1846, the company began investing heavily in modern wristwatch technology and design starting in the 1980s.

The UR-FREAK combines complex mechanisms from both manufacturers into a single integrated in-house calibre. The watch’s development required over 150 entirely new components to accommodate the distinctive wandering hours satellite display and bezel design.

Time is displayed through three connected hands that travel along a minute indicator scale on the right side of the dial. Each hand features a turning domed disc serving as a jumping hour display. As the active hand completes its journey along the 60-minute marker scale, the hour disc changes and the next hand begins tracking the following hour.

The wandering hours satellite system connects to the regulation system, featuring a silicon-based balance wheel oscillator and escapement assembly at its center. This assembly rotates with the satellite system, completing a full rotation every three hours. Like a traditional tourbillon or carousel, the constant change of orientation helps reduce timing errors.

The 44mm case is based on the Ulysse Nardin Freak [ONE] design, rendered in URWERK’s signature deep anthracite gray sandblasted titanium. Three distinct fluted sections on the titanium turning bezel and caseback represent URWERK’s hallmark design language. The titanium is accented with URWERK’s emblematic electric yellow Pantone 395 C, highlighting the satellite pointers, minute markers, and bespoke fitted rubber strap.

Following Freak tradition, the UR-FREAK omits a traditional crown. Instead, the watch employs a turning bezel and caseback for adjustments. A small tab called the “locker” at the six o’clock position secures the bezel when not in use, bearing a special “UR-FREAK” label for this limited edition. Lifting the locker allows the bezel to turn freely, adjusting the time by moving the hands. The caseback can be turned to manually wind the movement, which also features a Grinder-based automatic winding system. Despite its complex construction, the case maintains 30 meters of water resistance.

Powering the watch is the new in-house Ulysse Nardin caliber UN-241 movement, based on the GPHG-winning Freak [ONE] UN-240 caliber. The silicon oscillator operates at 3Hz frequency and provides 90 hours of power reserve.

The oscillator is positioned centrally and prominently displayed on the dial, measuring 25 percent larger than standard versions thanks to advanced silicon technology. This unique layout required designing the movement and dial simultaneously, breaking from traditional sequential watchmaking approaches.

The URWERK x Ulysse Nardin UR-FREAK is limited to 100 pieces, with a retail price of RM 555,000 in Malaysia.

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Visuals courtesy of The Hour Glass