Ulysse Nardin modifies the Freak One watch model

Here's the new 2024 Ulysse Nardin Freak One Navy Blue—a refined version of the original one

By Nathan S.R Published October 22, 2024

UN Freak One Navy Blue — UN Freak One Navy Blue Ulysse Nardin / Ulysse Nardin

Launched into the market in 2001, the Ulysse Nardin Freak was the first timepiece to come with an escapement that’s manufactured from silicon elements. Apart from the unique escapement, it was also the first timepiece to use its movement to denote the time.

Just like the first model to be launched into the market, the 2024 UN Freak One Navy Blue is constructed from sophisticated materials and comes with more refined features—from the automatic winding system to the bezel. As the name hints, the dial has a blue hue that blends smoothly with black elements featured on the watch’s movement.

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This new timepiece pays tribute to the first-ever watch with a silicon escapement, thanks to the blue dial, which is quite similar to the one fitted in the pioneering piece. Apart from that, it is fitted with a stain-polished, black 44mm casing that complements the blue dial, accentuating elements found on the watch’s calibre.

The bezel features a unique pattern that, due to the beautiful details, makes the watch look more stylish. Since the watch is not manufactured with a crown, time can be easily adjusted by moving the bezel.

When it comes to the overall build, different elements, such as the anchor and escapement wheel, are manufactured from the UN’s signature material–DiamonSil. While the bezel is built from a carbon-fibre-based material, the 44mm casing is constructed from DLC titanium.

That said, the watch is available in different strap options, each with unique attributes.

The watch will cost some $73,000.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…

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Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d'Art promo shot

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The collection represents the pinnacle of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship, combining 270 years of watchmaking heritage with innovative decorative techniques. Each 39mm white gold case is set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 3.87 carats, creating an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.
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Fashion & Style

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The four colorways represent different times of day and their interaction with ocean light. "Sunrise Orange" features a yellow-orange dial with burnt orange bezel and dark gray hands. "Daytime Blue" showcases a crystal blue dial with light blue bezel and steel hands. "Late Afternoon Green" presents an emerald dial with dark green bezel and gold hands, while "Sunset Red" displays a fire-engine red dial and bezel with gold hands.
Early social media reactions suggest "Afternoon Green" as the front-runner, though Seiko recently released a similar green variant through its ongoing PADI collaboration. The fan poll represents part of a year-long celebration honoring the 60th anniversary of the 62MAS, Seiko's first professional-grade dive watch.
Originally introduced in 1965, the 62MAS marked Seiko's entry into serious diving timepieces. While the company produced waterproof watches before 1965, none possessed true SCUBA diving capabilities. The design established fundamental elements that continue influencing modern dive watch aesthetics.
Seiko revived the 62MAS design in 2020 under its Prospex collection of sport and tool watches. Since then, over a dozen references beginning with SPB have been released, making it one of Seiko's most successful modern dive watch lines.
The contemporary 1965 Diver features 300-meter water resistance and classic styling that rivals established competitors like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. This combination of heritage design and modern capabilities has made it highly sought after among collectors and dive watch enthusiasts.
The winning colorway will launch sometime in 2026, though Seiko has not provided specific timing. The democratic approach to product development represents an unusual strategy for the traditionally conservative manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in its community engagement.
For collectors unable to wait for the poll results, the white-dialed 60th Anniversary Diver remains available as a 6,000-piece limited edition priced at $1,400. This version features the same 3D ocean wave dial texture that will appear on the fan-selected colorway.
The poll continues through July 2025, with results expected to influence not only the winning design but potentially future fan engagement strategies across Seiko's product lines.