The “Cool Stone” Freak
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Freak collection, Ulysse Nardin continues to unveil new special editions. The latest addition, the Freak S Howlite, features a rotating hour disc inlaid with natural howlite sourced from Nova Scotia. The Freak S is powered by the in-house UN-251 self-winding movement, which incorporates two silicon oscillators inclined at a 20-degree angle, linked by a vertical differential. Beyond the “Super Freak,” the Freak S is arguably my favorite model in the collection. I have a personal fondness for dials crafted from natural stone, so this particular Freak resonates with me deeply—I’m a huge fan!
In 2026, Ulysse Nardin launched the limited-edition Freak S Howlite to commemorate the brand’s 180th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Freak collection. Designed specifically for the North American market, this edition is limited to just 15 pieces. The release coincides with both the brand’s 180th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Freak (which first debuted in 2001).
The Freak S Howlite—reference 2513-500LE-9A-HOW/3A
marries the iconic mechanical architecture of the Freak S with a natural howlite hour disc—a material used by Ulysse Nardin for the very first time. First introduced in 2022, the Freak S features dual inclined oscillators, a vertical differential, and a flying, rotating minute display; these core mechanical elements remain intact in the Freak S Howlite. The most striking change lies in the surface material: the white howlite, crisscrossed with irregular gray and dark veins, replaces the base finish found on earlier versions, ensuring that the pattern on each of the 15 timepieces is unique. The hour disc is cut from Canadian howlite and undergoes final processing in Switzerland. Furthermore, the Freak S’s distinctive method of displaying the hours has been preserved. The Freak S timepiece eschews the traditional dial-and-hand configuration; instead, it indicates minutes via a rotating movement, while hours are displayed on an independent, rotating disc. Its 45mm-diameter, 16.65mm-thick titanium case perfectly houses this architecture, which includes a deeply domed crystal.
Case and Dial
The most significant evolution in this model lies in the hour disc. It is crafted from howlite—a relatively soft white mineral characterized by natural grey-black veining—sourced from Nova Scotia, Canada. Each piece of howlite is drilled and wire-cut into thin slices, which are then ground to their final thickness, polished, and finished with a protective lacquer. During the selection process, approximately 60% of these slices are discarded based on their color, veining, and overall appearance. Because the veining pattern is unique to every piece of howlite, the background of each watch is one-of-a-kind, even though the movement layout remains constant.
The howlite component is not a static decorative dial; it functions as a disc that completes one full rotation every 12 hours, displaying the current hour beneath the operating movement. Above this, a rectangular “flying” carousel rotates once every hour, with a pointer at its tip indicating the minutes. Raised, rectangular hour markers line the outer edge of the dial. Mechanical components are stacked atop the howlite, featuring two open-worked blue oscillators positioned on either side of the central assembly, with gears visible near the lower section of the dial. online replica watches
The case, rotating bezel, locking mechanism, and case back are all crafted from grey titanium. The broad, upper surfaces of the case and lugs feature a brushed finish, while beveled, light-reflecting edges soften the otherwise sharp, angular silhouette. The bezel is defined by distinct facets, and the domed sapphire crystal rises well above it—creating a subtle, intentional distortion of the bezel’s edge when viewed from an angle. While the watch has an overall thickness of 16.65mm, its “visual thickness” is officially stated as 13.66mm. The watch weighs 116.11 grams and is water-resistant to 30 meters.
The timepiece features no crown. To set the time, the wearer must release a safety lock—marked with the word “FREAK”—positioned at 6 o’clock, and then rotate the bezel in either direction. Located beneath the lug, this safety lock serves as a visual separator between the watch case and the white strap. Through the sapphire crystal case back, one can observe the self-winding mechanism, while the titanium ring surrounding the case back bears an engraving indicating its limited-edition status. Even setting aside the depth of the exposed movement, the 45mm diameter and the prominent, high-arched crystal give the watch a substantial physical presence.
Movement
The UN-251 is an in-house, self-winding movement centered around the rotating display system characteristic of the Freak collection. Comprising 373 components and 33 jewels, the movement measures 42.15mm in diameter. Its “flying” rotating assembly completes one full revolution every 60 minutes, with the rotating component itself serving as the minute indicator. The hour indicator operates on a separate 12-hour rotating disc positioned beneath it, eliminating the need for traditional central hands. Due to this intricate rotating architecture, approximately 95% of the movement’s components are in motion. replica watches for sale
Two large oscillators are arranged at a 20-degree incline, each operating at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour). Both utilize silicon balance wheels and hairsprings, while the DIAMonSIL® escapement incorporates a diamond coating over a silicon base. A vertical mechanical differential integrates the rates of the two regulating systems. This differential consists of 47 components, including six ceramic ball bearings, and is integrated into a structure that spans six gear planes—far more than the two planes typically found in conventional movement layouts.
The dual-oscillator configuration places higher demands on the winding system. The Ulysse Nardin Grinder® automatic winding system harnesses the kinetic energy from the movement of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring barrel, providing a 72-hour power reserve. In addition to automatic winding, the watch can also be wound manually without using the crown: by rotating the case back counter-clockwise with both thumbs, energy is transmitted to the mainspring barrel via the base of the Grinder system. Consequently, time-setting and manual winding are performed using distinct rotating components on the best copy watch case.
The movement incorporates ten in-house silicon components, featuring a DIAMonSIL® escapement—a technology patented in 2007. The low mass and low-friction properties of silicon are particularly advantageous for a movement equipped with a dual-oscillator system and dynamic display components. Each Freak S Howlite timepiece is assembled from start to finish by a single Swiss watchmaker specializing in complex complications. The introduction of a stone-based hour-marker disc does not alter the fundamental display or regulating architecture of the UN-251 movement.
Strap
The Freak S Howlite is paired with a white rubber strap featuring a raised, ballistic-style texture. This woven pattern echoes the white hour markers, while the strap’s rectangular motifs provide a striking contrast to the irregular, organic texture of the stone. The strap tapers away from the angular titanium lugs and is accented with white stitching along its upper edges.
Clasp
The watch is fitted with a titanium folding clasp, matching the material of the case rather than introducing a different metallic finish. Robust lug attachments secure the strap to both ends of the case. The light-colored rubber creates a distinct transition between the strap and the substantial titanium case—most notably around the bezel-locking mechanism at 6 o’clock, which bears the “FREAK” signature. The underside of the strap is smooth and light gray in color, featuring an embossed brand logo near the attachment point. The Freak S Howlite (Ref. 2513-500LE-9A-HOW/3A) is an anniversary edition that retains the iconic dual-oscillator movement of the original Freak S. Its defining feature is a rotating hour disc crafted from natural howlite—a unique, stone-based element.
Technical Specifications
Case
Grey titanium case, featuring a rotating bezel, a safety lock, and a case back; domed sapphire crystal and transparent sapphire case back; 45 mm in diameter; 16.65 mm total thickness (13.66 mm visible thickness); weight of 116.11 g; water-resistant to 30 meters. Popular fake watches
Movement
Manufacture self-winding movement UN-251; flying carousel-style minute display with a rotating 12-hour disc; dual oscillators inclined at 20 degrees; 2 x 2.5 Hz (2 x 18,000 vph); silicon balance wheels and hairsprings; DIAMonSIL® escapement; vertical differential comprising 47 components with ceramic ball bearings; Grinder® automatic winding system; 373 components in total; 33 jewels; movement diameter of 42.15 mm; 72-hour power reserve.
Dial
Rotating hour disc made of natural howlite, sourced from Nova Scotia, Canada; the white stone features grey-to-black veining; includes an outer-rim scale and a movement-integrated minute display.
Strap
White rubber strap with a ballistic texture, equipped with a titanium folding clasp.
Reference Number
2513-500LE-9A-HOW/3A