Limited to 50 Pieces, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak [X Crystalium] Showcases Innovative Crystal Dial

Ulysse Nardin writes a new chapter in the story of its Freak collection, this time devoted to material science and high-tech decorative arts. Fresh from Geneva Watch Days is the Ulysse Nardin Freak [X Crystalium], whose most distinct feature is its rotating hour disc made of Crystalium, which was so complex to manufacture that the Freak [X Crystalium] is presented as a limited production of just 50 pieces.

The process of creating Crystalium took years to develop and perfect. Starting from ruthenium, a metal that is 10 times rarer than platinum and prized for its strength and shine, days of controlled crystallisation via vapour deposition methods results in shimmering, intricate and irregular fractal-like crystal structures, meaning each disc bears a unique pattern.

After a rose-gold PVD finish, and then subtle black shading to amplify the contrast, the result is striking and audacious, and even more so thanks to the aesthetic choice to dim the lights on other facets of the watch’s design: the 43mm case made of black DLC-coated titanium, the black hour indicator and minute bridge, strap options in black rubber or black alligator leather. All details are in service of enhancing Crystalium’s intrinsic features, by creating a spectacle of depth and detail.

Underneath the Crystalium hour disc sits the automatic calibre UN-230, which provides 72 hours of power reserve and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, while above the Crystalium one finds the flying carousel and the silicon balance wheel and escapement, made by the brand’s silicon lab, SIGATEC, and suspended by a bridge that doubles as the minute indicator.

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #81 Autumn 2025 Issue

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