The FreakX surprised the hell out of me and has every bit earned a spot in my collection and regular rotation. Some days I do consider reaching even deeper into the Freak line, but what I love about FreakX is how approachable a form factor it is; the other models don’t have crowns and wind from the caseback, for example. It’s the gateway drug to Freak land, apparently.

Ulysse Nardin watches are actually quite durable. Did you know they brought the silicon hairspring to the world of horology? Now even Patek is using them.

It gets comments and questions, and I can always tell who the watch collectors in the room are from the lingering gazes. I’ve never come across another guy wearing one. But most people, of course, don’t notice watches at all.

It’s light and made out of titanium, and has lots of fun and unusual hidden design flourishes. I wouldn’t say I “bang it around” but I wear it quite comfortably. Sometimes I long for even more of that visual intrigue and Freak DNA. But the restrained look does make it fly under the radar and makes it more daily-able.