zelin0802 / November 20, 2025

The unexpected collaboration between Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin was, in fact, something we should have predicted.

The UR-Freak is a creative fusion of Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin, blending the iconic timekeeping and technical elements of these two avant-garde manufacturers.

Urwerk’s signature satellite hour markers surround the central balance wheel and escapement, rotating around their own axis in a truly Freak style.

The UR-Freak watch features a 44mm titanium case.

Whenever new collaboration announcements pop up in my inbox, I’m usually eager to see what these two brands have created together and how they justify the partnership. But with the Urwerk x Ulysse Nardin UR-Freak, my feeling is more like, “Is it even necessary to say?”—the synergy between these two brands is simply divine. I didn’t even need to see official images or press releases to imagine what the watch would look like, and the final product certainly didn’t disappoint. In short, the press release succinctly summarizes the UR-Freak’s philosophy as “the technological optimism of the 2000s, coupled with an unprecedentedly advanced watchmaking system.” I simply cannot find a more fitting description.

This is Urwerk’s first collaboration with UN, and the results are immediately apparent on the dial. The position usually occupied by the Freak One’s complex regulating system (which also functions as the minute hand) has been replaced by 150 entirely new components developed specifically for this UR-Freak watch. Like any noteworthy Urwerk collaboration, the new UN-241 movement (an improvement on the Freak One’s UN-240 movement) features a satellite time display, a signature design element of the Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner brand. The minute markers are located on the right side of the dial—convenient for checking the time while peeking out from a shirt cuff—but most surprisingly, it remains a pure Freak copy watch.

What does this mean? Ulysse Nardin improved the movement, employing a centrally mounted silicon balance wheel that rotates once every three hours. Thankfully, the design limitations did not affect its performance. This balance wheel is 25% larger than the one in the Freak One, which should improve timekeeping stability; it oscillates at 3 Hz and can operate for up to 90 hours. UN’s Grinder winding system and crownless design are retained; the case back is used for winding, while the bezel (locked via the “UN-FREAK” logo clasp at 6 o’clock) is used for time setting.

Whether it’s the Freak or the Urwerk, you should expect a very avant-garde and bold design. This watch features a 44mm sandblasted titanium case, its surface covered with facets, ridges, and grooves, and indeed it is. Remarkably, this collaboration successfully blends two design philosophies; although they may share the same pioneering goals, perfectly combining them still requires exceptional skill. This fusion isn’t just reflected in the physical shape of the case: the hour hand tips and the strap both use Urwerk’s signature Pantone 395 C luminescent yellow, giving it a familiar feel.

I do have one minor complaint about this design—the 1/100 scale plate secured to the side of the case with screws. I’ve never been a fan of alphanumeric decorations on the side of the case, and I think it would be perfectly acceptable to place it on the case back. best quality replica watches

The press release also mentions a “perceived thickness” of 12mm, which is actually watch marketing terminology, meaning “thicker than 12mm.” Frankly, I usually complain about watches being too thick—but this isn’t an ordinary watch for everyday wear. It’s an extremely limited, complex, and high-end timepiece created through a collaboration between two brands. Considering its name includes “Freak,” I doubt anyone would complain about its thickness, but I digress. Regarding its everyday wearability, despite its complex case structure, the UR-Freak is still water-resistant to 30 meters, meaning you don’t have to worry about rain.

Brand: Urwerk x Ulysse Nardin
Model: UR-Freak
Reference Number: 2413-500LE-2A-UR/3B
Case Size: 44mm (diameter) x 12mm (perceived height, whatever that means)
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Crystal: Box-shaped cabochon sapphire crystal on the front, flat sapphire crystal on the back.
Dial: Open gunmetal grey with fluorescent green accents
Lug Width: Fusion
Strap: Yellow and black rubber strap with titanium folding clasp
Movement: UN-241, internal, automatic
Power Reserve: 90 hours
Functions: Satellite time display, tourbillon movement, automatic winding system