Mechanical Drama In Carbonium: The New Freak X Gumball 3000
With the 2026 edition of Gumball 3000 titled “Road to the World Cup,” Ulysse Nardin unveils a bold new interpretation of its avant-garde Freak concept. Limited to 150 pieces, the Freak X Gumball 3000 – Edition 2 translates the rally’s high-energy, cross-continental character into a highly technical and visually striking timepiece.
Rather than leaning on nostalgia, this edition stands out for its mechanical architecture, innovative materials, and distinctive black-and-orange aesthetic.
The Freak Concept, Refined
Since its introduction in 2001, the Freak collection has challenged traditional watchmaking codes by eliminating conventional hands and turning the movement itself into the time display. The Freak X retains this defining concept while making the watch more practical for daily wear. Unlike the early crownless Freak models, the Freak X incorporates a traditional crown, simplifying time-setting and winding without altering the collection’s core identity.
Time is indicated through a rotating hour disc that completes one full revolution every 12 hours, while the minutes are displayed via a flying carousel movement that rotates once every 60 minutes. Notably, the carousel has no upper bridge, preserving the open, architectural aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Freak. This rotating movement construction remains one of the most unconventional and recognizable mechanical layouts in contemporary haute horlogerie.
43mm Black DLC Titanium Case
The watch is housed in a 43 mm titanium case treated with a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. This finish enhances surface hardness and scratch resistance while reinforcing the stealth-like appearance of the piece. The dark case provides a strong visual contrast to the vibrant orange accents, a color scheme that reflects the energetic spirit of the Gumball 3000 rally.
Despite its technical complexity and bold presence, the Freak X maintains balanced proportions and modern ergonomics, making it more versatile and wearable than earlier iterations of the Freak concept.
Carbonium Hour Disc with Orange Epoxy
One of the most technically interesting elements of this edition is the Carbonium hour disc. Carbonium is an ultra-light carbon fiber composite sourced from the aerospace industry and upcycled for use in watchmaking. Its production process allows unused aerospace materials to be repurposed, reducing waste while maintaining exceptional strength and lightness.
For this model, the Carbonium is infused with vivid orange epoxy resin. The fusion of these materials creates a layered, three-dimensional pattern reminiscent of Damascus steel. Each hour disc features a unique marbled structure, ensuring that no two watches are visually identical. Beyond its aesthetic impact, this material choice reinforces the high-performance theme associated with motorsport and advanced engineering.
Super-LumiNova and Legibility
For the first time in the Freak X line, the balance wheel is framed by an orange Super-LumiNova ring. This addition enhances visibility in low-light conditions while visually emphasizing the regulating organ at the center of the rotating movement.
White Super-LumiNova accents are applied to the hour indexes as well as to key structural elements of the bridges. Although the Freak dispenses with traditional hands, these luminous details significantly improve legibility and contribute to the watch’s bold, graphic appearance, especially at night.
Strap and Finishing Touches
The watch is paired with an open-worked black rubber strap featuring orange inserts and matching stitching. This combination not only reinforces the color theme but also enhances comfort and flexibility on the wrist. The interplay between DLC-coated titanium, aerospace-grade carbon composite, and luminous elements results in a cohesive design that feels both technical and contemporary.
Limited Edition
The Freak X Gumball 3000 – Edition 2 is limited to 150 pieces worldwide and is priced at € 41,000. With this release, Ulysse Nardin continues to position the Freak X as a bridge between experimental haute horlogerie and modern lifestyle expression. The watch remains mechanically unconventional, materially innovative, and visually assertive — qualities that align naturally with a 3,000-mile rally that celebrates automotive culture on a global scale.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Freak X Gumball 3000
Reference: 2303-270LE-2B-GUM/3A
Dial: Carbonium hour disc
Case Material: Black DLC-treated titanium
Case Dimensions: 43 mm Diameter, 13.78 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with orange stitching
Calibre: UN-230
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Vph)
Jewels: 21
Components: 405
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Price: € 41,000
Limited Edition: Yes, 150 pieces
Availability: Now
