THE REAL TIME

Ulysse Nardin includes technical innovations introduced in last year’s conceptual Innovision II into its new Freak Vision

LIKE MOST CONCEPT watches, Ulysse Nardin’s Innovision II from 2017 looked as if it were designed for the future. It debuted no less than 10 innovations, ranging from improvements to the escapement, the winding system and even the hands on the dial. While there are no plans to put the Innovision 2 into production, Ulysse Nardin has offered the second-best option, Freak Vision, a serially produced watch that employs some of these impressive features.

For starters, the Grinder self-winding system finds its way into the new watch. Comprising ball bearings, ratchets and a two-stage satellite reduction gear, the Grinder automatic-winding system represents more than just clever new tech: it’s also the first automatic movement to be fitted into a Freak since its debut in 2001.

Ensuring the watch runs efficiently is a silicon balance wheel that’s bonded with nickel mass elements instead of gold. The reduction in weight increases the balance wheel’s efficiency and improves its power-reserve capabilities. The addition of silicon micro blades stabilises amplitude and boosts the watch’s accuracy.

Taking this even further is the Ulysse

Nardin Anchor Escapement, a constant-force mechanism unveiled in 2014. Made entirely of silicon, it features a circular frame with a suspended pallet fork that moves without friction, supported by two microscopic blades mounted perpendicular to each other to ensure stability.

Aesthetically, the watch retains its signature baguette-shaped movement, which rotates on its own axis once every hour and functions as a minute hand. What’s new is a 3D upper bridge that’s inspired by a boat’s hull, as well as a slimmer redesigned case complete with a boxdomed sapphire crystal. In a 45mm platinum, titanium and rubber case, it has a sapphirecrystal case back that offers an unobstructed view of the UN-250 calibre.