Ulysse Nardin teams up with Gumball 3000 for new Freak X

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Gumball 3000 Rally (it’s not a race), and to celebrate, the organization has teamed up with Ulysse Nardon to launch a new limited edition Freak X. The two are natural partners, as both embrace the unconventional and are known for their uncompromising attitudes in their respective fields. The Freak is a special watch that has almost blazed its own trail since its launch in 2001, featuring a new movement architecture designed by Carole Forestier-Kasapi (now TAG Heuer’s Movement Director). The watch houses the movement’s entire transmission within the minute hand that rotates around the dial. This was groundbreaking at the time, and it still is today.

The Freak has existed in several different forms, and the Freak X is a modern take on the concept, stripped down to its core components. As such, it’s the most popular of the Freak family. While the Freak One and Freak S are still pushing the boundaries of horology in the spirit of the originals, the Freak X is looking to connect with a slightly different audience. Rather than putting the entire gear train on the minute hand, it moves the balance wheel and hairspring to the counterweight, keeping the same dynamic elements while being more traditionally legible.

This is a remarkable watch with a serious heritage that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The Freak X represents a slightly more approachable overall design, with a 43mm Carbonium case. Don’t let that number fool you, the lugs here are very short, and the reasonable lug-to-lug distance coupled with the lightweight case makes this a very comfortable cheap swiss watches on the wrist.

The watch world is no stranger to automotive racing, and enthusiasts have found a lot of intersection between the two fields. This Freak X is right at that crossroads. This watch adds bright orange to the black base, and the Gumball 3000 logo is printed on the caseback. It’s not over the top in terms of representing rally racing, which is always appreciated. In fact, seeing this approach makes me wonder what other bright colors will be here.

The Gumball 3000 Rally takes place around the world, bringing together car enthusiasts and owners to outfit their rides in unique ways to make the most of each venue. This year’s event will take place this month, starting at the Cairo Pyramids and ending at the Singapore Grand Prix on September 22. fake luxury watches