ULYSSE NARDIN, LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM AND TITANIUM 'FREAK NEXT', REF....
CIRCA: 2019
CASE MATERIAL: Platinum and titanium
CASE DIAMETER: 45 mm.
DIAL: White
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Silicium flying oscillator with virtual pivot axis
CLASP: Titanium Ulysse Nardin double deployant clasp
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Limited edition of 12 pieces
Lot Essay
The Ulysse Nardin Freak neXt represents one of the most technically ambitious developments in the history of the manufacture’s groundbreaking Freak collection. Created following a decade of research and development in collaboration with Sigatec, the specialist in silicium micro-components co-owned by Ulysse Nardin, the watch introduced the remarkable ‘neXt’ flying oscillator, further developing the principles explored with the Ulysse Anchor flying escapement.
At the heart of the Freak neXt is an extraordinary three-dimensional regulating organ based on the elasticity of flexible silicium blades. Rather than relying upon the conventional pivots, jewels and balance bridge of a traditional oscillator, the system eliminates the central axis of the balance entirely, creating instead a virtual pivot point that allows the oscillator to appear suspended within the movement. Its multi-layer architecture consists of 32 silicium micro-blades, each measuring just 16 micrometres in width, arranged as 16 superimposed triangles across four parallel layers and combined with a solid layer acting as a flywheel.
By eliminating conventional pivots and bearings, the system dramatically reduces mechanical friction, with the oscillator effectively encountering only air resistance. The resulting absence of contact also considerably reduces wear and eliminates the need for lubrication within the regulating organ. Oscillating at an exceptionally high frequency of 12 Hz, the mechanism nevertheless achieves an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
The technical sophistication of the Freak neXt is matched by its distinctly futuristic architecture. Crafted in platinum and titanium, the watch is dominated by immaculate white surfaces and phosphorescent details. The slightly trapezoidal bridge of the baguette-shaped movement is framed by four Super-LumiNova-filled tubes, creating a striking nocturnal display, while the multi-layer silicium oscillator produces shifting blue, purple and green reflections according to the angle of the light.
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Time, Location
Auction House
CIRCA: 2019
CASE MATERIAL: Platinum and titanium
CASE DIAMETER: 45 mm.
DIAL: White
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Silicium flying oscillator with virtual pivot axis
CLASP: Titanium Ulysse Nardin double deployant clasp
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Limited edition of 12 pieces
Lot Essay
The Ulysse Nardin Freak neXt represents one of the most technically ambitious developments in the history of the manufacture’s groundbreaking Freak collection. Created following a decade of research and development in collaboration with Sigatec, the specialist in silicium micro-components co-owned by Ulysse Nardin, the watch introduced the remarkable ‘neXt’ flying oscillator, further developing the principles explored with the Ulysse Anchor flying escapement.
At the heart of the Freak neXt is an extraordinary three-dimensional regulating organ based on the elasticity of flexible silicium blades. Rather than relying upon the conventional pivots, jewels and balance bridge of a traditional oscillator, the system eliminates the central axis of the balance entirely, creating instead a virtual pivot point that allows the oscillator to appear suspended within the movement. Its multi-layer architecture consists of 32 silicium micro-blades, each measuring just 16 micrometres in width, arranged as 16 superimposed triangles across four parallel layers and combined with a solid layer acting as a flywheel.
By eliminating conventional pivots and bearings, the system dramatically reduces mechanical friction, with the oscillator effectively encountering only air resistance. The resulting absence of contact also considerably reduces wear and eliminates the need for lubrication within the regulating organ. Oscillating at an exceptionally high frequency of 12 Hz, the mechanism nevertheless achieves an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
The technical sophistication of the Freak neXt is matched by its distinctly futuristic architecture. Crafted in platinum and titanium, the watch is dominated by immaculate white surfaces and phosphorescent details. The slightly trapezoidal bridge of the baguette-shaped movement is framed by four Super-LumiNova-filled tubes, creating a striking nocturnal display, while the multi-layer silicium oscillator produces shifting blue, purple and green reflections according to the angle of the light.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
