The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition: A Technological Marvel

The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 isn’t just any timepiece; it embodies the precision and audacity you’d expect from a device celebrating the most badass rally on the planet. This watch is a marvel of engineering, offering a bold aesthetic and a groundbreaking movement that pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

I caught wind of the Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition on its launch day and immediately wanted it. However, the limited release of just 150 pieces meant they were quickly claimed by those fast enough to act. It has, in my humble opinion, one of the most unique movements available today and a forged carbon case, priced surprisingly reasonably at 42k, which I realize is a chunk, but it really isn’t that bad for a watch of this caliber. If you compare it to an Audemars Piguet, for example, which is fetching north of 100k for a fairly standard movement, this is quite a bargain for such a unique piece.

With its black and orange color scheme that captures the raw energy of the Gumball 3000, it’s a 43mm black DLC titanium case coupled with badass forged carbon side parts that sit nicely alongside any modern hyper or supercar.

At its core, the Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition features the Manufacture UN-23 caliber, a movement that redefines how time is told. This isn’t just about innovation; it’s about setting a new standard in the watch industry, much like the Gumball Rally that it commemorates.

While I plan to join the Gumball 3000 in 2025, I’ll see if I can snag one of these watches before the next rally. I suspect the aftermarket price will be a bit over MSRP, given the demand and rarity.