The Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition : A Fitting Tribute

Marking an extraordinary milestone in the world of luxury retail, Watches of Switzerland is celebrating 100 years of retailing the most iconic and masterfully crafted timepieces. To honor this centenary, the retailer continues its tradition of collaborating with renowned watchmakers, unveiling a spectacular limited-edition watch: the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition. This exclusive release, limited to just 10 pieces, is a tribute to one of the most revolutionary designs in 21st-century horology—the Ulysse Nardin Freak.

About Watches Of Switzerland

Founded in 1924, Watches of Switzerland has built its reputation by curating an exceptional selection of the world’s finest timepieces. For generations, the company has introduced its discerning clientele to not only classic designs but also the groundbreaking innovations that define modern horology. Among the most celebrated relationships is its long-standing partnership with Ulysse Nardin, a collaboration built on shared values of craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep appreciation for avant-garde watchmaking.

The Collaboration

Back in 2001, Watches of Switzerland was one of the first retailers to recognize the Freak's visionary design and its subsequent collectability. Now, in its centenary year, Watches of Switzerland revisits this icon by partnering with Ulysse Nardin to create the Freak S Centenary Edition, a timepiece that celebrates both their shared heritage and the cutting edge of horological art. Like the original, this limited edition features no dial, hands, or crown—allowing the movement itself to indicate the passage of time.

The most striking feature of the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition is the crystalium plate beneath its movement. Crystalium is made from crystallized ruthenium, a rare metal that’s produced at a rate 10 times lower than platinum. To create it, ruthenium undergoes a process lasting several days, where it is vaporized onto a surface to form an organic, crystalline texture. This crystalium is then colored using a PVD treatment, giving it a rich purple-violet hue that reflects light in unique shades of blue and red. Because of how it’s made, no two crystalium plates are identical, making each of the 10 limited-edition watches truly one-of-a-kind.

At the heart of this horological marvel is the Calibre UN-251 Manufacture, an automatic flying carrousel movement that rotates on its own axis every 60 minutes. A pointed, lume-coated section of the main bridge serves as the minute hand, while the complex movement architecture is left exposed for the wearer to appreciate from every angle. This technical prowess allows the Freak to maintain its position as a masterpiece of contemporary watchmaking.

The watch’s 45mm case, made of anthracite PVD-coated titanium, pairs with a matching grey titanium bezel. A clever locking system at 6 o’clock allows the bezel to rotate and set the time. The grey titanium is echoed in the case back, which offers a clear view of the movement through a sapphire crystal window, engraved with the inscription: “Watches of Switzerland 1924-2024,” further cementing this watch as a tribute to a century of horological passion and expertise. The watch is set on an anthracite-colored ballistic rubber strap with a subtle weave pattern, further enhanced by striking violet stitching—a bold yet elegant contrast.

With only 10 pieces available worldwide, the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Watches of Switzerland Centenary Edition is an exclusive collector’s item, reflecting not only the artistry of high-end watchmaking but also the historical significance of Watches of Switzerland’s journey through a century of luxury.