This high-tech limited edition watch is perfect for daring rallies
Gumball 3000 kicks off in Saigon on September 14 and ends in Singapore on September 22. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this rally-style event that combines exotic cars, celebrities and five-star treatment, and the Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 is the official watch of the event. Enthusiasts will have a chance if participants do not purchase all 150 pieces.
I have never been to a Gumball 3000 event, but since British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper founded the event, maybe I will get the chance if the event returns to London. The event will feature about 120 cars, a mix of first-time entrants and veterans. Exotic cars and their drivers complete a 3,000-mile journey in different cities over the course of a week. This year, the event moved from Saigon to Singapore, with stops in Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Five-star accommodations and gourmet food every night sound like fun. It’s been 25 years since the first rally, so naturally the merchandise is hot. One example is the new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000
The new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 is limited to 150 pieces. It’s a DLC-coated titanium watch measuring 43mm x 49.5mm with Carbonium case sides and a 50-meter water resistance rating. Since orange and black are the official colors of the event, these tones really stand out on the watch. For example, the dial is made of black DLC-coated material, which contrasts nicely with the white Super-LumiNova on the minute markers, hands, and movement. The orange Super-LumiNova then extends all the way to the tips of the hands. This is by far my favorite detail!
Interestingly, this limited edition Freak X uses an orange Delugs Rubber CTS, similar to the one I reviewed last summer. It’s a “cut-to-size” strap with a black DLC-treated titanium folding clasp. This is a nice detail, as Delugs offers a variety of color options.
UN-230 Movement
The concept of the Freak is almost as old as the Gumball 3000. In 2001, Ulysse Nardin introduced this original model with an atypical hands and rotating satellite movement. Surprisingly, it has become a hallmark of the brand’s collection. Today’s version is related to the 2019 Freak X, which is a smaller version with a traditional crown. Inside is the in-house UN-230 automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. It uses a silicon balance spring and is made up of 206 parts! Note the Gumball 3000 logo on the sapphire crystal on the case back. cheap swiss watches
The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 is undoubtedly a modern-looking watch. However, it should be comfortable to wear thanks to its reasonable dimensions (only 10mm thick). Don’t forget the lightness that comes with titanium and carbon. The look may be polarizing, but I think it’s relatively understated compared to other haute horlogerie on the market.
The Ulysse Nardin Freak × Gumball 3000 will be available to rally participants before being sold to the public. Drivers will have the opportunity to have their license plate number engraved on the side of the case, which is a nice touch. The understated branding on the back of the case won’t deter public buyers who like this color combination. It’s much more fun to drive and buy one of these as a souvenir, though! fake luxury watches
Brand
Ulysse Nardin
Model
Freak x Gumbo 3000
Reference
2303-270LE-2A-GUM/3A
Dial
Black DLC hour dial, white Super-LumiNova hands, orange Super-LumiNova hands
Case material
Satin-finished black DLC titanium and matte carbon
Case dimensions
43mm (diameter) × 49.5mm (lug to lug) × 10mm (thickness)
Crystal
Sapphire
Back
Black DLC titanium and sapphire crystal
Movement
Ulysse Nardin UN-230: self-winding Flying Carolina calibre, rotating on an axis, frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz), 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, silicon balance wheel, oversized oscillator and escapement, 206 parts
Water resistance
5 ATM (50 meters)
Strap
Orange rubber by Delugs Made for Ulysse Nardin, black DLC-treated titanium folding clasp