Ulysse Nardin

Freak 1 service question. Freak 1.5 or not 1.5...

Mar 29, 2024,09:12 AM

My early Freak 1 has stopped keeping good time and I've sent it to Switzerland for service. The answer from the manufacture is that I've got 2 options at the same price:

1 replacement of some parts using parts from Freak 2, and thus converting my watch to Freak 1.5. In this case the manufacture is happy to provide the usual warranty.

2 trying to keep the watch as original as possible but giving me no warranty at all.

What would you do?
This topic has been discussed a lot since 2006-7 and back then many forum members voted for not allowing changes and thus against Freak 1.5. What do you guys think in 2024?
Thanks,
Semyon.
PS To refresh on the topic pls see a fantastic write up from Marcus Hanke back in 2007:

www.watchprosite.com

Comments: view entire thread

I think it depends on whether you want the warranty or not

By: indignantdenial : March 29th, 2024-09:22

If you are happy to take the watch on, warranty-less, then keeping it original seems to be nice. However, if you prefer the insurance of the warranty, then I would suggest opting for that. Of course, the choice should be yours based on what makes the most...

+1 on the warranty.

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-10:57

Speaking as an Engineer and not as a watch collector...

By: fmc000 : March 29th, 2024-10:30

... I would say go for 1.5 . It would probaly devalue your watch in the secondary market, though.

Not that much, if UN doesn't have the parts anymore, to service and repair it...

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-10:59

A serious and capable manufacturer would then produce the parts, wouldn’t they?

By: shortys home : March 29th, 2024-11:30

One of the best things about the world we live in is that nearly anything is possible with enough money.

By: BigFatPauli : March 29th, 2024-12:37

That said, that option would certainly be more expensive than the two presented.

Yep. And not sure it is doable.

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-13:36

We are speaking of the Freak, here, and its uber special escapement...

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-13:36

I would go for 1.5. To insure you a certain peace of mind.

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-10:58

I like my toys to work reliably, so 1.5 for me. Not really a vintage/all original kind of guy

By: JustaGuy : March 29th, 2024-11:57

Thanks, all, appreciate your views.

By: smironov : March 29th, 2024-12:45

I personally would prefer the icon remaining unchanged, but looks like all of them will go through this step sooner or later, and thus there is little point in dragging this. Especially if only a very very knowledgeable eye would be able to see the differ...

Do you mind sharing the estimated cost for the 1.5 upgrade?

By: Jay (Eire) : March 29th, 2024-12:56

Preliminary estimate of the service cost

By: smironov : March 29th, 2024-13:13

Is 2270 EUR

have they listed the parts that need changing(and availability) to arrive at the 2270 euro?

By: golden hands : March 29th, 2024-13:36

knowing which parts would help you in deciding which way to go.

It is a preliminary estimate

By: smironov : March 29th, 2024-14:32

with no details.

Comment from the manufacture:

By: smironov : April 2nd, 2024-09:39

The estimate issued by the Ulysse Nardin manufactory is the sum of the master watchmaker’s labour and spare parts considered indispensable for the proper functioning of the watch.

I would have expected it to be more expensive...

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-13:37

Me too. That sounds almost reasonable.

By: Jay (Eire) : March 29th, 2024-18:58

I was thinking around 3 / 4K Euros...

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-21:14

Wise decision.

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-13:38

Thanks!

By: smironov : March 29th, 2024-14:34

Pleasure!

By: amanico : March 29th, 2024-15:26

Congrats for your new watch!

By: fmc000 : March 29th, 2024-16:59

😄 thanks

By: smironov : March 29th, 2024-18:02

https://monochrome-watches.com/in-depth-ulysse-nardin-freak-20-years-watchmaking-innovation/#:~:text=The%20second%20version%20of%20the%20Freak%20incorporates%20several,a%20variable%20inertia%20balance%20with%204%20adjustment%20screws.

By: golden hands : March 30th, 2024-11:40

see this write up by xavier markl

Great article, thanks

By: smironov : March 30th, 2024-12:48

I've seen it before, of course, Xavier did a good job here. It is good to see all models of Freak on one page. As for me - I am a huge fun only of the very first one. Others I like more or less, but the first is the King! IMHO, despite made 20y ago it is ...