NEW: Ulysse Nardin Freak X Razzle Dazzle

Ulysse Nardin presents an audacious new geometrical version of its bestselling Freak X flying carrousel.




Freak X Razzle Dazzle, Ref. 2303-270LE-9A-RAZZLE/0B - $27'300


HIGH-TECH VIBRANT TAPISSERIE
The Freak X features a decorative movement plate integrating the minute gear train that is now fully "razzle dazzled" in a limited edition of just 30 pieces.

The watch is available in titanium with a black DLC case and a black openwork rubber leather strap with "point de bride" stitches and rubber, or a white openwork calfskin leather strap with "point de bride" stitches. This razzle dazzle vibrant tapisserie emphasizes the edgy carrousel movement, turning on itself every 60 minutes to indicate the time. In between an ornament and a technical interface, in between what's visible and what's hidden, this black and white pattern is a hypnotic combination of galvanic treatment, laser finishing & the razzle dazzle pattern.


Freak X Razzle Dazzle, Ref. 2303-270LE-9A-RAZZLE/0A - $27'300


RAZZLE DAZZLE INFLUENCE
"Razzle dazzle" is a marine camoflauge technique employed by British warships and Allied forces during World War I, and to a lesser extent, during World War II. The usual purpose of camouflage is to blend in or to conceal, but in this case, the dazzle pattern actually draws attention to itself. The crossing lines are meant to confuse German U-Boat gunners and distort a vessel's speed, direction and position, as well as deprive the enemy of the straight lines of a vessel used to calculate range.


HMS Kildangan in dazzle camouflage (via Wikicommons)


Periscope view of merchant ship in dazzle camouflage (left) and uncamouflaged (right). (via Wikicommons)

A division of Britain's merchant naval service was painted in dissonant stripes and swoops, and then intriguingly named "Dazzle Section". Of course, this distinctive pattern drew attention from cubist artists (such as Picasso) who erroneously boasted that the pattern was inspired by the cubist movement itself.


Freak X Razzle Dazzle pattern was famously used on British warships


FREAK X CODES IN POLE POSITION
The 43 mm sizing allows for an easy way to read and operate the watch. The freaky timepiece includes a crown for time correction but has no hands the central bridge acts as a minute hand and one of the wheels indicates the hours. Inside beats a super light balance wheel in silicium extra wide, with nickel flyweights and stabilizing micro blades. The movement itself, the UN 230 is a fusion of the manufacture calibers UN 118 and Freak Vision UN 250.



Caliber UN-230



Technical Specifications
2303-270LE-9A-RAZZLE/0A (Black strap)
2303-270LE-9A-RAZZLE/0B (White strap)

Movement: Caliber UN-230, self-winding movement
Functions: Flying carrousel movement rotating around its own axis, Extra-large diameter silicium oscillator, 3 Hz Silicium balance wheel, Index & bridges with Superluminova
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case: Titanium with black DLC, sandblasted & satinedfinish
Diameter: 43 mm
Case-back: Sapphire crystal
Strap: Black openwork rubber leather strap with "point de bride" stitches and rubber
White openwork calfskin leather strap with "point de bride" stitches
Water resistance: 50 m
Decorative plate: Razzle Dazzle pattern
Limited edition: 30 pieces
Price: 25'900 CHF / 23'800 EUR / 22'250 GBP / $27,300 USD