Swiss watchmaking firm Ulysse Nardin unveiled the newest model in its Freak series this spring. Called the Freak One, the model breaks new ground, but also stands as something of a paradox: the original Freak was an iconoclastic design, while the Freak One harkens back to its progenitor’s heyday.

The company is a specialist of high-end hardwearing watch manufacturing — the concern’s roots lie in marine-oriented timepieces — but it is also well known for its envelope-pushing and tradition-bucking designs. The Freak is undoubtedly Ulysse Nardin’s signature design of this century.

As conversation-starters, Ulysse Nardin’s Freak watches are naturals. The mechanical contrivances have no hands, no dial, and no crown. The Freak One keeps the DNA intact. The watch is driven by the company’s UN-240 Manufacture calibre, a ‘flying carousel’ design; it features a 72-hour power reserve. Materials involved in the build include rose gold, titanium and silicon. The strap is black rubber, 30% recycled.

The Ulysse Nardin Freak One is priced at 65K CHF, which translates as about $70K at the moment.