At this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), luxury Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin unveiled the highly anticipated Freak Vision timepiece. The unusual wristwatch is the production version of the “Freak: the Innovision 2” concept watch UN showcased last year. Out of the original 10 ground breaking features (four patented, while six pending) on the concept watch, three have been integrated into the Freak Vision, including the recently launched anchor escapement design, large-diameter silicium oscillator, and ultra-efficient “grinder” self-winding system. The original Freak from 2001 is often credited as the timepiece that really redefined modern watchmaking.
Now, 17 years after the creation of the first Freak, the newest iteration continues with the same tradition with its incredible transparency based aesthetics and highly impressive technical innovations. The most important technical innovation in the Freak Vision is the escape wheel, which is made of a combination of silicon and solid nickel elements. The blades of the balance wheel are oriented in such a way that air resistance is exploited in order to ensure more constant amplitude. The 3D-carved upper bridge of the watch is inspired by a boat’s hull and is new on the watch. Additionally, a box-domed sapphire allowing for a thinner middle area and bezel, and an entirely new case in Platinum measuring 45mm differentiate it from the concept version. The Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision is priced at 95,000 Swiss francs (approximately $99,000USD).
[Via:Hodinkee]
