On September 11, 2025, Revolution and Ulysse Nardin welcomed collectors and friends to Bucherer’s TimeMachine in New York for an evening dedicated to the Freak.

Tracing the Evolution of the Freak

The watches on display covered the full arc of the collection, beginning with the 2001 original — the first watch to use silicon — and ending with the newly launched Freak X Crystalium. Guests had the opportunity to handle pieces from across the range, tracing how the design has developed while retaining its core identity.

The center of the evening was a conversation with François-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas. The discussion looked at the impact of the Freak, once described as a watch that “changed everything,” and asked whether that label still applies nearly 25 years on.

François-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas, shares insights on the Freak’s enduring impact and future.

Freak X Crystalium Steals the Spotlight

Unsurprisingly, the Freak X Crystalium prompted particular interest. Each dial is created through a crystallization process that produces a different pattern every time, ensuring no two watches are alike. This raised the question of whether the piece should be considered primarily a mechanical watch or something closer to wearable design.

The new Freak X Crystalium, each dial uniquely crystallized to create a one-of-a-kind work of mechanical art.

The dialogue also returned to Ludwig Oechslin’s original concept. Intended as a simplification of watchmaking, the Freak has often been regarded as one of the most complex watches available — a contradiction that continues to shape its reputation.

Guests ended the evening comparing views on who the Freak speaks to today: collectors who prize innovation, enthusiasts interested in design, or simply anyone willing to wear a watch that sits outside convention.

Almost a quarter of a century after its debut, the Freak still invites debate and that in itself shows its continued importance within contemporary watchmaking.

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