In 2001, Ulysse Nardin unleashed the Freak, a watch that uses silicon escape wheels, which eventually became a signature of the manufacture. Eschewing the conventional approach with hands, crown and dial, this avant-garde timepiece continually explores the use of silicon in watchmaking. Over the years several new variations have appeared including the Freak InnoVision, Freak DIAMonSIL, and so on. The latest addition to the collection is the Freak Phantom where not only the escape wheel but also its hairspring and several other components within the escapement are all made of silicon. As it joins Ulysse Nardin’s esoteric family of Freaks, this might be the perfect watch for any member of the Addams family.

All parts of the Freak Phantom’s movement, Calibre UN-208, including the oscillator was produced in-house. Backed up by a power reserve of more than eight days, the movement uses two ball-bearing systems to allow the ‘flying’ function of the minute and the seconds-indication of the tourbillon without the need for a bridge. More specifically, the flying tourbillon with a tourbillon carrousel displays the minutes while seconds are displayed on the tourbillon cage of Freak Phantom with an arrow rotating within the cage in one minute.

Despite the complex mechanics, the Freak Phantom is extremely user-friendly as it can be wound by turning the lower bezel while the time can be adjusted by turning the upper bezel. In Singapore it is priced at S$240,500 and sold exclusively at The Hour Glass boutiques.