Bewerbungen » Ulysse Nardin Freak One OPS

Ulysse Nardin launches military-style colorway Freak One OPS

Ulysse Nardin is no stranger to camouflage watches. In fact, it's safe to say they've gone too far in the past, such as with 2021's dazzling Freak X Razzle Dazzle, a dazzling camo version of the Freak X. Now, though, we have the new Ulysse Nardin Freak One OPS, a military style take on the Freak One that comes in traditional military tones of black and khaki.

Freak One OPS (which stands for "Operations") gives the Freak One a complete visual and material update, replacing the original black and gold colorway with military-grade khaki and olive. The most obvious change is that the watch's bezel – which in traditional Freak fashion is rotatable and is how you set the time display – is now made of Carbonium®.

Carbonium®, despite what it sounds like, is not actually the latest MacGuffin in the MCU, but a carbon composite material recycled from offcuts produced during aircraft manufacturing. It's ultra-light and durable, which along with the 44mm diameter black DLC-coated titanium case really helps sell the military aesthetic.

This new, darker look is also reflected in the Carrousel display, where the bridges of the rotating movement are now black instead of gold. The grooved background and outer hour track are in khaki green, which reminds me of those military-style pullovers with pronounced vertical ribbing and patches on the shoulders. Finally, it comes in two different black and khaki green rubber strap options.

I really like the aesthetic reimagining of the Freak One OPS, which manages to change the overall visual impact of the piece without changing any of the mechanics (it continues to be powered by the UN-240 caliber with a 90-hour power reserve). Rather than being color-matched for color's sake, it executes a specific design philosophy that completely moves away from the vague space-themed futurism of the original and turns it into a gritty military piece.

Model: Ulysse Nardin Freak One OPS
Reference number: 2403-500-8A/3A
Case: Diameter 44 mm, black DLC-coated titanium
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Ulysse Nardin UN-240 movement, automatic winding
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 90 hours
Function: hours, minutes
Strap: black and khaki rubber with black DLC-coated titanium and black ceramic folding clasp