Ulysse Nardin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 016-88
    Case No: P001
    Model Name: Freak Prototype N° 001
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Ulysse Nardin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial and movement signed, case engraved P001 indicating prototype and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, winding tool, International Warranty and Certification, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by a letter from Ulysse Nardin confirming the watch is the the very first and unique Freak prototype in pink gold.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While a staple within the Ulysse Nardin collection for the past 20 years, we cannot highlight enough that the Freak was - upon its release in 2001- one of the most forward thinking, ground breaking and influential watches of its era.

    The Freak started off as a central carrousel “tourbillon” project originally designed by Carole Forestier Kasapi and implemented by genius watchmaker cum philosopher and Ulysse Nardin’s technical director: Ludovic Oeschlin. The result was nothing short of the extraordinary with the Freak featuring a brand new dual direct escapement using – a first in watchmaking - silicon escapement wheels. The revolving movement was visible on the dial side, the gear train and escapement rotating once every hour doubling as the minutes hand.

    Ulysse Nardin’s dual direct escapement incorporates two escape wheels operating alternatively and giving two impulses per oscillation. To obtain the best possible results these escapement wheels needed to be as light as possible, thus the novel and groundbreaking use of silicon (which had the further advantage of not needing lubrication). The watch was further wound using the back bezel and time was set using the grooved top bezel.

    The present watch is the prototype P001 of this disruptive and historically relevant piece that changed the face of watchmaking as we know it.

  • Artist Biography

    Ulysse Nardin

    Swiss • 1846

    Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin is a widely acclaimed Swiss watch manufacturer that earned recognition for its precision chronometers during the early to mid-twentieth century. Ulysse Nardin himself was a trained watchmaker under the guidance of his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin, as well as master watchmakers Frederic William Dubois and Louis Jean Richard-dit-Bressel. Collectors in particular seek this brand's oversized vintage chronograph wristwatches, including the reference 7536-2.

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Σ224

Ref. 016-88
A historically relevant, unique and cutting edge pink gold wristwatch prototype with carrousel "tourbillon", dual escapement, seven days power reserve, guarantee and box

Circa 2001
44.5mm Diameter
Dial and movement signed, case engraved P001 indicating prototype and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€14,000-28,000
$16,300-32,600

Sold for CHF126,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021