Jean-Christophe Sabatier, Chief Product Officer of Ulysse Nardin, on why he thinks the Freak is still ahead of its time
The khaki green palette is a distinctive feature of the Freak ONE OPS. The Freak X OPS also embraces a tactical aesthetic with its design. Could you elaborate on the decision toincorporate the “Operations” title and how the choice of materials aligns with this theme?
The green colour is currently trendy in the Haute Horlogerie field. We wanted to be part of that trend but with a twist. Ulysse Nardin is known as a brand of explorers, and pioneers with a technical and sporty touch. The Freak One has been designed to encapsulate all the technical know-how accumulated in the Freak collection during the last twenty years, but also to be very ergonomic, comfortable, light, and playful. In a few words, sportier than its predecessors. Therefore, the khaki green came as a natural choice for us.
The Freak design has maintained its appeal for over two decades. What do you believe sets the Freak OPS timepieces apart for collectors, and how do you ensure that each newiteration retains the freshness and uniqueness that collectors value?
Collectors come to the Freak because they know that this timepiece is revolutionary and iconic. The first generations were considered concept watches, laboratories on the wrist. Today, people value the uniqueness of the concept, and the cutting-edge technologies loaded within it, but they also appreciate the direction we are taking in creating more “wearable” versions. The Freak has progressively become a multifaceted product to be worn every day.
As a complex concept, where do you see the Freak heading in terms of materials, designs, and technical innovations? Are there specific challenges in evolving a timepiecewith such a unique architecture?
I would not say that the concept is complex. This architecture principle is unique, with no equivalent in the industry. So yes, is it complex to conceive, or to counterfeit, but just because it is so different. When you look at a Porsche 911, you see an incredible engine combined with a unique design language. I would say that it is quite similar to the Freak. You cannot enlarge the concept indefinitely, but you can dig deeper and deeper into it over time. I believe that Freak is still ahead of its time. In my opinion, it will soon be considered a “must-have” by any watch enthusiast. This recognition started a few years ago. The prestigious prize, won by the Freak in the Iconic Watch category at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Geneve in November, is a new step in that direction.
