Ulysse Nardin is best known for its unusual designs and the Freak X Razzle Dazzle doesn’t disappoint.
Strange as it may seem, this watch’s design does have a link to the sea. In WWI, British warboats were frequently painted with black and white ‘razzle dazzle’ camouflage to confuse enemy gunners at sea. The technique was phased out as radar and other technologies improved, and now the tactic is used by Ulysse Nardin to stand out.
The watch’s 43-mm titanium case has a black DLC coating and a sandblasted finishing; its shape follows the template of previous Freak designs, with layered elements and a slightly recessed crown on the right side contributing to its substantial appearance. The watch, which is water-resistant to 50 meters, is available in two references, distinguished by their choice of strap, either in black rubber and leather or white calfskin.
The freaky timepiece includes a crown for time correction but has no hands – the central bridge acts as a minute hand and one of the wheels indicates the hours.