The New Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2 is here, and it proves that collaborations between watchmakers and lifestyle events can feel deliberate and well-muited rather than forced. Since its 1999 launch, the Gumball 3000 rally has evolved into a traveling showcase of performance, individuality, and spectacle, rather than a strict race. This year, the 100 chosen cars will traverse a route from Miami to Amelia Island, then through New Orleans, Austin, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende before finishing in Mexico City. Brands have tapped into the event before, such as Armin Strom in 2015 with three technically ambitious, skeletonised Gumball 3000 models, and now Ulysse Nardin returns with the Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2. This new version reinterprets the existing Freak X with updated materials, improved legibility, and a more assertive visual identity.
The watch presents in a 43mm black DLC-coated titanium case, satin-finished, with black DLC side components. Titanium keeps the watch comfortable to wear despite the substantial diameter. The case is fitted with sapphire crystals on both front and back, and the open caseback is secured by a DLC titanium frame. A personalized orange side plate with the serial number ties the piece to the rally. Unlike earlier Freak iterations, the Freak X uses a conventional crown for winding and setting the time, preserving the fundamental concept while making it more user-friendly. Water resistance remains at 50 meters, consistent with other Freak X models.
As with all Freak watches, there is no traditional dial—the time is indicated by the movement itself. Hours are displayed by a rotating hour disc that completes a full revolution every 12 hours, while minutes are shown by a flying carousel that makes one rotation every hour.
For Edition 2, the hour disc is crafted from Carbonium, a aerospace-grade carbon fiber composite infused with orange epoxy resin. The resulting surface is highly irregular and three-dimensional. In a first for this series, the minute wheel is framed by an orange Super-LumiNova ring, while the indexes and bridges receive white Super-LumiNova for better legibility in low light. The black, white, and orange color scheme nods to Gumball 3000’s visual identity while also serving practical purposes in terms of contrast and readability.
Powering the watch is the in-house calibre UN-230, a self-winding movement designed specifically for the Freak X line. It features a flying carrousel construction without an upper bridge, an oversized silicon balance wheel, a silicon escapement wheel and anchor, and a silicon balance spring. The movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 72-hour power reserve.
The Freak X Gumball 3000 Edition 2 is worn on a black rubber strap with orange inserts and stitching, secured by a black DLC titanium folding buckle. This limited edition is issued in a run of 150 pieces and carries a price of EUR 41,000 (ex VAT) or USD 46,400 (ex VAT). For more information, visit the official Ulysse Nardin site.
Technical snapshot
- Case: 43mm, black DLC titanium, satin finish; front and back sapphire crystals; orange-engraved serial-number plate; 50m water resistance
- Dial: Carbonium hour disc with orange epoxy resin; flying carrousel minute display with orange Super-LumiNova ring; white Super-LumiNova on indices and bridges
- Movement: Calibre UN-230, in-house automatic; flying carrousel around its axis; silicon components including balance wheel, escapement wheel, anchor, and balance spring; 206 parts, 21 jewels; 21,600vph; 72-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black rubber with orange inset and stitching; black DLC titanium folding buckle
- Reference: 2303-270LE-2B-GUM/3A
- Availability: Limited to 150 pieces
- Price: CHF 37,700 (incl. VAT), EUR 41,000 (incl. VAT), USD 46,400 (excl. VAT)
If you’d like, I can condense this into a shorter comparison vs. the Edition 1 or convert it into a shareable social post with a punchy opener. Would you prefer a more technical or a more editorial, reader-friendly version? And do you want this reformatted for a product page, a blog post, or a social post?
