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Lot #4576

Ulysse Nardin Freak 2305-270 Titanium 18k RG

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Introduction

Originally released in 2001 as perhaps one of the most unique and distinct pieces of horological design in the modern era, the Ulysse Nardin Freak boasts an incredible array of design motifs, impressive engineering and excellent craftsmanship. Here we have the Freak X Rose Gold ref. 2305-270. Offered as a 43mm variant of the Freak, the Freak X Rose Gold boasts a dark black dial to match its 18kt rose gold and DLC-treated titanium construction. As with all Freak variants, and as whacky as it may seem, the Freak X Rose Gold uses its own movement, the automatic cal. UN-230, to indicate the time, as the movement physically makes up the timepiece’s minute hand with the hour hand occupying the lower plate that the movement sits on top of. With its black base plate, its finely finished movement/minute hand and wonderfully unique case design, the Freak X Rose Gold is perhaps the distillation of what original design and genuine out-of-the-box thinking within the horology industry should be. While other brands are quick to rehash old designs, Ulysse Nardin constantly seeks to innovate, and the Freak X Rose Gold couldn’t be a better mascot for that deep-rooted sense of innovation.

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Grade

M 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Box and Papers, Additional Strap

Est. value range

$15,000 – $20,000

The Details

Brand

Ulysse Nardin

Dimensions

43mm x 13.8mm

Model

Freak X Rose Gold

Movement

Automatic cal. UN-230

Reference

2305-270

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 2020

Condition

Very Good

Material

Titanium and 18kt rose gold

Included

Watch, box, papers, and additional strap

Dial Color

Black

THE DISPLAY
THE DISPLAY

Lacking a traditional dial, the Freak X uses a black baseplate to house its indices and hour hand, which also serves to contrast the automatic cal. UN-230 movement that is its minute hand.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Offered with a slightly more traditional case shape than other Freak variants, the Freak X Rose Gold boasts a traditional winding crown and fixed bezel. However, it still features plenty of different angles and a mix of different finishes to highlight its avant-garde design, especially when it is in an exotic material combination such as titanium and 18kt rose gold.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

Due to the nature of the movement, we are unable to get a timing machine readout that accurately reflects the state of timekeeping. This is due to limitations of the machine and not because of a defect with the watch. We have wound and set the watch over the course of 7 days multiple times and it appears to be keeping good time.

Condition

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows some surface wear, and a visible large ding along the left side of the case near the lower left lug. The rest of the case remains excellent, with minor surface wear and dings visible. Watch comes with original deployant buckle, additional strap, as well as original papers and box set.

Our Perspective

Perhaps one of the most unique timepieces to be released in decades, the Freak explores so many new concepts within watchmaking that it is simply mindblowing. With its movement doubling as its minute hand and avant-garde design, it is a truly exceptional watch.

Eric Ku

Co-founder