SimplyAbuDhabi XII

1 0 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I U lysse Nardin are nothing if not a pioneering company. This Swiss watch manufacturer have a well established penchant for creating ‘world-firsts’ – the brand is driven, constantly eager to be groundbreaking in the creations, ever on the quest to innovate and expand the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie. The Ulysse Nardin Dual Direct Escapement was launched in 2001 with the original Freak timepiece, the first wristwatch commercially outfitted with silicon components. Silicon, also known by its Latin name, silicium, is an element that has been frequently used in other high-tech industries for decades, but only arrived in the watch industry in the 21st Century. As an ultra-pure silicon wafer, it can be used for high-tech applications and electronics –including watchmaking – to manufacture particularly precise tolerances and geometry that would otherwise not be possible. It’s also a non-magnetic material that does not need lubrication when coated and so is even more suited to the micro-mechanics of fine watchmaking. Now the brand have released an updated Freak… the formidably named, Freak Phantom. A limited-edition timepiece that continues the evolution of this notorious family of watches. Due to the unconventional design of the Freak’s tourbillon carrousel – one that possessed no traditional dial, crown or hands – and being the first timepiece to successfully present escapement wheels constructed of silicium, the Freak forever changed the course of haute horology. The Freak Phantom pays tribute to the revolutionary Freak by expanding its use of silicium and taking its tourbillon to new heights. Covert-like in appearance, the Freak Phantom is a timepiece of true invention. A limited edition of 99, it uses silicium in its patented hairspring and throughout the majority of its escapement. The entire movement of the Freak Phantom, including the oscillator, is produced in house and offers a lengthy power reserve of more than eight days. Its performance is enhanced through its application of cutting-edge technology in the two ball-bearing systems; the balance-wheel concept and design; and the flying tourbillon that indicates the minutes with a tourbillon carrousel that does one complete rotation around the center in 60 minutes. The cage of the Freak Phantom is equipped with an arrow indicating the seconds on a transparent half-circle, rotating in one minute on itself, with the zero position holding steady on the axis of the minute indicator. The two specially conceived ball bearing systems enable the “flying” function of the minute movement and of the seconds-indicator tourbillon without the need for a supporting bridge. Simple and user-friendly, the Freak Phantom can be wound by turning the lower bezel, and the time can be adjusted by turning the upper bezel; while the direct gear link crafted between the three ‘hands averts dephasing, or the throwing of hours, minutes and seconds out of step when adjusting or readjusting time. Complementing its exacting function is its confident style. Boldly masculine, its movement, presented in a shade of black, conveys an identity of silent strength, while its 18-karat rose-gold case reveals optimal elegance. It is a juxtaposition of ingenuity and beauty, carrying on the unexpected character of the Freak collection. TECHNICAL FEATURES: Ulysse Nardin Freak Phantom Movement: Caliber UN-208 movement indicates the time 8-day Carrousel- Tourbillon Small seconds on flying tourbillon 60 Seconds Power Reserve more than 8 days. Case: 18-karat rose gold Glass: Sapphire Water-resistance: 50 metres Straps: Black alligator