Freak Diavolo Only Watch
Ulysse Nardin, the Leader in Timepiece Invention and Innovation,
Demonstrates Breakthroughs in Watchmaking with the Freak Diavolo Only Watch.
Press Release
June 17, 2011
An evolution of the iconic Freak – a
game changer in haute horology – the Freak Diavolo
follows in its predecessor’s footsteps,
showcasing unrivaled advancements in technology,
materials and design.
Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watchmaker acclaimed for
its thousands of “firsts” in watchmaking,
takes the lead in ingenuity, once again with the
new Freak Diavolo Only Watch,
a progression of the groundbreaking 2001 Freak.
Due to the ultramodern, minimalist and unconventional design
of the Freak’s tourbillon carrousel – one that possessed no true dial,
crown or hands – and being the first timepiece to successfully present
escapement wheels constructed of silicium,
a revolutionary material at the time,
the Freak forever changed the course of haute horology.
Now, like its siblings – the Freak DIAMonSIL®,
Freak Diamond Heart and Freak Blue Phantom – the Freak Diavolo
pays tribute to the original Freak’s pioneering spirit by expanding
its use of silicium and taking its tourbillon to new heights.
Named after its devilish-in-appearance power-reserve backing,
with its “horns” and black cloak-like backdrop,
the Freak Diavolo Only Watch is the cleverest of timepiece creations.
Case in point, silicium is used in its patented hairspring (Si 1.1.1.)
and throughout the majority of its escapement – the heart and most
delicate part of the watch. Through the introduction of silicium in the original Freak,
Ulysse Nardin transformed haute horology manufacturing and continues to
perfect the use of this technologically advanced material with the Freak Diavolo.
Performance is further amplified through its application of cutting-edge technology,
such as photolithography. And, the Freak Diavolo Only Watch reveals
another development in the Freak family -- a flying tourbillon that indicates the seconds,
as well as two new ball-bearing systems and a balance-wheel concept and design.
Its tourbillon carrousel (developed entirely in-house) does one complete rotation
around the center in 60 minutes. The Freak Diavolo’s frequenc y of 4 Hz (28'800 A/h)
in association with its 8 mg*cm2 inertia balance wheel make this instrument exceptional,
as no other tourbillon is regulated by such a powerful oscillator and benefits from such
a long power reserve (more than eight days). Its outstanding performance is
the result of the perfect application of new technologies, such as photolithography,
and the use of the best and latest-developed materials, like silicium and LIGA nickel,
at core locations.
Ulysse Nardin’s expertise in watchmaking is further exemplified
by the Freak Diavolo’s seconds indicator, which is nothing else
than a flying tourbillon replacing the usual oscillator of the
other members of the Freak family. Its cage is equipped with an
arrow indicating the seconds on a blue half-circle, rotating in
one minute on itself, with the zero position holding steady
on the axis of the minute indicator.
The two specially conceived ball bearing systems enable
the “flying” function of the minute movement and of the
seconds-indicator tourbillon without the need for a supporting bridge.
So simple and user-friendly, the Freak Diavolo can be wound
by turning the lower bezel, and the time can be adjusted by
turning the upper bezel; while the direct gear link crafted
between the three “hands” averts dephasing, or the throwing
of hours, minutes and seconds out of step when adjusting or
readjusting time.
Not only brilliant in function, the Freak Diavolo Only Watch
is also stunning in aesthetic with its clean lines, robust
black and charcoal tones, accents of vibrant color, a stainless steel
case and elegant crocodile strap. The Freak Diavolo Only
Watch is the ultimate symbol of unwavering imagination and unusual style,
staying true to the inventive character that
defines the Freak timepiece collection.
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