Freak X Carbonium

Over the last few years, a number of brands have popped up providing unique and innovative timekeeping displays. Alternatives to the conventional two handed display bring a playful spin to collecting. Wandering hours, jump hours, mechanical digital displays, and more have challenged watchmakers to provide new approaches for collectors with modern tastes.

Take this Ulysse Nardin, for example. Manufactured with no true dial, the Freak X Carbonium tells the time with the movement rotating around itself. Unconventional hands are connected directly to the movement, with an exposed balance wheel that travels with the minutes hand around the dial once per hour. The barrel also shifts with the hours hand, making for a really unique and automated dial display. This is a truly dynamic watch dial, with a movement that is always changing — literally.

The 43mm case is made from ultralight aeronautical-grade “Carbonium”, making the watch nearly disappear on the wrist in spite of its substantial size. This piece features an almost vintage aesthetic domed sapphire crystal, and is paired with an automatic winding, black-coated movement that complements the tactical theme of the watch. The piece is completed with a double folding “Carbonium” pin buckle and a perforated blue leather strap.

Only the timekeeping components have received contrasting light luminous material to separate them from the dial, case, and standard movement parts. This lets the watch maintain legibility and practicality, even with the alternative, and potentially otherwise distracting, dial.

As a complete package, this watch is unique, comfortable, legible and FREAKishly good — a combination that makes for a fantastic everyday piece.