Ulysse Nardin Freak S Howlite: Natural Stone Beneath Two Oscillators
White howlite with gray veining serves as the new backdrop for the Freak S’s three-dimensional mechanics. Ulysse Nardin is using this mineral for the first time in the rotating hour disc. Above it are two inclined oscillators and a flying carousel mechanism that doubles as the minute hand. The Freak S Howlite is limited to 15 pieces for North America.
An hourglass from Nova Scotia
Natural howlite comes from Nova Scotia, Canada. Its light base color is interspersed with veins ranging from gray to dark; as a result, each cut slice has a unique pattern. Unlike a printed design, the pattern arises from the material itself. In the Freak S, it provides a calm backdrop for the movement above it.
The stone disc also serves to indicate the time: it rotates once every twelve hours and displays the hours via a reference point. The flying carousel above it is responsible for the minutes. It completes one rotation per hour. There are no conventional hour and minute hands; nor will you find a crown on the side. The time is set using the rotating bezel.
Two inclined balance wheels and a vertical differential
The UN-251 automatic in-house caliber consists of 373 components and features 33 jewels. Its two oscillators, each inclined at an angle of 20 degrees, operate with silicon balance wheels and a frequency of 2.5 hertz each. A vertical mechanical differential with ball bearings synchronizes their rates. The design also includes two DIAMonSIL escapements.
Power is supplied by the patented Grinder winding system. It is designed to harness even the slightest movements of the wrist for automatic winding. When fully wound, the movement offers a 72-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal case back provides an additional view of the technical architecture.
- Flying carousel with one complete rotation per hour
- Two oscillators, each tilted by 20°, with silicon balance wheels
- Two DIAMonSIL® inhibitions
- Vertical Mechanical Differential with Ball Bearings
- Patented Grinder® lifting system with scoop technology
- 373 parts, 33 bearing blocks
- 2 × 2.5 Hz (2 × 18,000 half-cycles per hour)
- 72-hour power reserve; water resistance to 30 meters
25 Years of Freak, 180 Years of Ulysse Nardin
Since its introduction in 2001, the Freak has turned timekeeping into a design experiment: the movement is visible and simultaneously serves as the hands. In 2026, the Freak’s 25th anniversary coincides with Ulysse Nardin’s 180th anniversary. The Howlite version extends this story through the use of a natural material, while retaining the mechanical concept of the Freak S.
The gray titanium case measures 45 millimeters and is water-resistant to 30 meters. It comes with a white rubber strap featuring a textile-like texture and a titanium folding clasp. Reference 2513-500LE-9A-HOW/3A is available exclusively in North America. The listed price is $190,700, excluding taxes.
