Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2: Ulysse Nardin’s Bold Watch for the Maverick Spirit

When horology meets high-octane adventure, the result is nothing short of spectacular. For the third consecutive year, Ulysse Nardin and Gumball 3000 have teamed up to create a timepiece that doesn’t just tell time – it tells a story, a philosophy, and a lifestyle all at once.

The Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2 is a mechanical marvel that embodies freedom, energy, and movement, reflecting the shared spirit of two brands dedicated to pushing boundaries. With a daring black-and-orange design, ultra-light Carbonium components, and a striking three-dimensional texture, this watch makes a statement both visually and mechanically, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate bold design and technical innovation.

Launched in 2001, the Freak broke every rule of traditional watchmaking. Without a dial, crown, or hands, the movement itself became the time display, transforming how collectors and enthusiasts perceived horology.

It also introduced silicon components that revolutionized precision, reliability, and magnetic resistance – a true technological gamechanger that reshaped the industry. Over two decades, the Freak has accumulated 35 patents and inspired generations of horological innovation, influencing countless contemporary timepieces.

The Freak X, which debuted in 2019, simplified this icon for daily wear, adding a crown for convenience while maintaining the signature rotating hour disc and flying carrousel minute indicator, preserving the watch’s revolutionary DNA.

This maverick character is carried forward in the new Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2, merging cutting-edge mechanics with a bold, visually striking aesthetic that mirrors the excitement, speed, and thrill of the Gumball 3000 rally and the lifestyle it represents.

The Gumball 3000 rally is more than a high-speed adventure: it’s a cultural and lifestyle phenomenon celebrating movement, individuality, and creativity. Founded in 1999 by Maximillion Cooper, the rally has evolved into a global festival of cars, music, and culture, attracting some of the world’s most dynamic artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

The 2026 North American route spans from Miami to Mexico City, covering 7 days and thousands of kilometers across diverse landscapes that will provide participants with a multitude of experiences, challenges, celebrations, and memories unlike any other automotive event.
 

The Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2 captures this energy in horological form. Its bold black DLC titanium case, orange-accented Carbonium hour disc, and three-dimensional texture reflect the rally’s culture of speed, individuality, and adrenaline.

By weaving ultra-light carbon fibers with vivid orange epoxy resin, Ulysse Nardin ensures that each hour disc is entirely unique, a perfect tribute to the rally’s spirit of personal expression, freedom, and creativity.

At the heart of the Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2 is the UN-230 Manufacture automatic movement, featuring a flying carrousel that rotates around its own axis, an oversized silicon balance wheel, and escapement components designed for ultimate precision.

Moreover, with 206 components and 21 jewels, the movement operates at 3 Hz (21,600 vph) and offers a 72-hour power reserve, combining high performance with reliable day-to-day wearability.
 

Legibility is enhanced with an orange Super-LumiNova ring on the minute wheel and white Super-LumiNova across the indices and bridges, ensuring the time is easy to read even in low-light conditions. The openworked black rubber strap, accented with orange inserts and stitching, offers comfort and durability while keeping the watch’s overall weight low.

Measuring 43mm in diameter and 13.78mm in height, the watch strikes a perfect balance between presence on the wrist and everyday wearability, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts of mechanical ingenuity.

Ulysse Nardin and Gumball 3000 have limited the Freak [X Gumball 3000] – Edition 2 to 150 pieces, each personalized with a serial number to highlight its rarity. Available exclusively through Ulysse Nardin boutiques and authorized dealers for CHF 37,700, it represents the perfect fusion of horology and lifestyle.

For more information, please visit the Ulysse Nardin website.