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 Black Vision ref. 2503-250, launched in 2019. Offered as a 45mm variant of the Freak, the Freak Black Vision boasts a dark black dial to match its PVD black titanium construction. As with all Freak variants, and as whacky as it may seem, the Freak Black Vision uses its own movement, the automatic cal. UN-250, 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 PVD-coated titanium case design that is rich with unique character through its distinctive shape, the Freak Black Vision 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 Black Vision couldn’t be a better mascot for that deep-rooted sense of innovation.

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, and this lightweight PVD-coated titanium variant is certainly no less incredible than its sibling variants.