Stéphane Von
Gunten, Research &
Innovation Director
at Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin made this Executive
Exo-Skeleton X for the Only Watch
charity auction in November. The watch
has a special exoskeleton formed from
four flexible blades fixed to the case.
The Ulysse Nardin
Skeleton X Magma
The Ulysse Nardin
Marine Mega Yacht
DURING THE ULYSSE NARDIN POP-UP DISPLAY HELD
THIS PAST SUMMER AT THE WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND
SOHO BOUTIQUE IN NEW YORK CITY, IW SPOKE WITH
STÉPHANE VON GUNTEN, THE WATCHMAKER’S RESEARCH
& INNOVATION DIRECTOR. VON GUNTEN HIGHLIGHTED
THE INNOVATIONS HE AND HIS STAFF HAVE BUILT INTO
THE MOST RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE FREAK FAMILY.
Von Gunten not only explained the differences and similarities within the
Freak family (including the groundbreaking Freak NeXt) but he also hinted
at upcoming additions to the Tourbillon Free Wheel collection.
Visitors at the pop-up display saw watches from the newest Freak collec-
tions such as the Freak X (including one model with a stunning marquetry
dial) and the Freak Vision. Many also tried on examples from Ulysse
Nardin’s Executive Skeleton X collection (including the volcanic Skeleton X
Magma), the Executive Tourbillon Free Wheel and the Marine Mega Yacht,
a $310,000 platinum timepiece that sails thanks to a host of patented,
marine-themed displays.
CAN YOU GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF THE THREE FREAK FAMILIES?
The idea is to have one family with fathers and brothers and sisters. The
Freak X, which I call the baby Freak sometimes, can be a daily use Freak, the
everyday Freak. It is quite impressive because you have the minute gear train
visible and it is easy to set using the crown.
If you want something more elegant, look for the Freak Vision models or
FALL 2019 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 47