Urwerk And Ulysse Nardin Drop The UR-Freak Collaboration 

Independent watchmaking has always had a wild side. Brands like Urwerk or Ulysse Nardin (not really independent, but still) have shown us that subtlety isn’t really their thing. Still, I don’t think anyone predicted that these two would join forces. Yet here we are, with the UR-Freak, and yeah... it works way better than it has any right to.

On paper, combining the Freak’s boundary-pushing mechanics with Urwerk’s wandering-hour satellite system sounds like the watchmaking equivalent of genetic malpractice. But in reality, the piece feels surprisingly coherent, like both brands handed each other their favourite toys and said “go and play.”

Source: HypeBeast

A Dial That Looks Like A Sci-fi Universe Map

If you’re familiar with the Freak line, you’ll recognise the vibe immediately - the whole concept is built around exposing the movement instead of pretending the dial matters. Urwerk took that idea and injected its signature satellite-hour system right into the centre.

What you get is this controlled chaos formula:

• a noticeably oversized silicon oscillator sitting right in the middle
  
  

• Urwerk’s three-armed, three-hour carousel rotating beneath it
  
  

• and a visual layout that feels more like a sculpture than anything remotely related to traditional watch design
  
  

It’s not the kind of watch you just quickly look at. There’s always something spinning, sliding, or shifting. And yet, the time is surprisingly easy to read once your brain adjusts to the different logic.

Source: HypeBeast

The Case - Titanium, Bold Shapes, And A Freak-Style Control System

The case lands at 44mm, though its design keeps it from looking like a hockey puck. It’s crafted in sandblasted titanium, which gives it this matte, utilitarian finish. The fluted sections running along the bezel are a clear nod to Urwerk’s design DNA, while the Freak lineage shows up in how you interact with the watch.

Just like other Freak models, there is no crown. You set the time by rotating the bezel, which is locked in place by a flip-style switch at six o’clock marked with UR-Freak branding. It’s one of those little details that makes you smile because it’s so unnecessarily cool.

Even the caseback gets involved. If you want to manually wind the watch, you do it by turning the back of the case itself. It’s one of those oddball features that Freak collectors already know and love.

Source: HypeBeast

The Engine Inside - UN Calibre 241 Comes Out To Play

Ulysse Nardin handled the movement side of this collab with the UN-241 calibre, which was developed specifically to coexist with Urwerk’s carousel system. That alone is impressive. Movements are usually designed for one brand’s idea of space, functionality, and architecture. Here, two very different movements basically had to merge into one.

Some key bits worth calling out:

• Automatic winding through UN’s Grinder mechanism, which collects energy from even the tiniest wrist movements
  
  

• Manual winding available through the caseback
  
  

• 90-hour power reserve, which is more than respectable considering the rotating satellite system isn't exactly light
  
  

• Three-hour rotating carousel that carries the satellite hours
  
  

• 3 Hz beat rate, keeping things steady and reliable
  
  

It’s not chronometer certified, but honestly, nobody buys a watch like this expecting it to behave like a laboratory instrument. This thing is about the experience.

Source: HypeBeast

A Collaboration That Actually Feels Natural

What I really appreciate about this piece is that neither brand tried to dominate the other. It isn’t an Urwerk with a Ulysse Nardin cameo, and it isn’t a Freak with satellite hours slapped on as an afterthought. The two approaches just go together.

The Freak has always been about structure - showing you how the watch works while breaking a bunch of traditional rules. Urwerk’s identity is tied to reinventing how time is displayed. Put those philosophies together, and the result feels surprisingly organic.

I also like that both brands went all in on this being something fresh, not a mashup of existing parts. The movement is purpose-built. The case is fully reworked. Even the straps feel specially chosen for the personality of this watch rather than recycled from either brand’s catalogue.

Source: HypeBeast

How It Wears - Big, But Not Ridiculous

Big watches are always tricky to talk about because wrist size, confidence, and personal style change everything. But the UR-Freak is one of those watches that looks oversized on paper and far more manageable on the wrist.

Part of that comes from the titanium construction - it keeps the weight way down. Part of it comes from the short, curved lugs that don’t extend beyond the case the way some sports watches do. And part of it is the aesthetic. When a watch is this visually complex, the brain focuses on the details rather than the footprint.

Is it discreet? Absolutely not. But if you’re wearing a watch called the UR-Freak, I assume “discreet” isn’t really your goal.

Source: HypeBeast

Straps, Options, And Limited Production

The watch comes with two strap choices:

• a yellow ballistic-textured rubber strap, which is loud and playful
  
  

• a black integrated rubber strap, more low-key but still very modern
  
  

Both straps attach to a titanium deployant clasp. The integrated design helps the watch sit tighter to the wrist, which is crucial for something this visually heavy.

Production is limited to 100 pieces, which feels right for a watch this niche. You’re not going to see it often, and that’s exactly the point.

The retail price is listed at around €113,000, which is a lot, yes, but also perfectly aligned with high-end independent collaborations.