Carousel by Analog:Shift

Analog:Shift@analogshift

Created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Gumball 3000, the Freak X Gumball 3000 brings together two worlds united by a shared enthusiasm for mechanical performance and for breaking convention. Appropriately, production was limited to just 150 pieces worldwide. The watch is housed in a lightweight 43mm Carbonium® case with black DLC-coated titanium elements, giving the already futuristic Freak X an appropriately technical appearance. Against all that black, vivid orange accents reference Gumball 3000’s signature color, extending across the time display and onto the integrated orange rubber strap. Of course, the real action happens where you’d normally expect to find a dial. The Freak famously does without conventional hands. Instead, its rotating flying carousel movement serves as the minute indication, completing one rotation every hour, while a separate pointer indicates the hours. Orange Super-LumiNova accents make the unusual display surprisingly legible while emphasizing the watch’s mechanical architecture. Powering it is Ulysse Nardin’s self-winding Calibre UN-230, featuring silicon technology that has played such an important role in the manufacture's modern history. Its oversized silicon balance operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, while the movement delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The combination feels particularly appropriate. Gumball 3000 has spent decades turning the road trip into automotive theater, while Ulysse Nardin transformed a basic time display into mechanical theater. Neither has ever shown much interest in subtlety for subtlety’s sake. This example is number 137 of the 150 pieces produced and is paired with its original orange rubber strap and black DLC titanium folding buckle. Better still, it comes as a highly complete set with its inner and outer boxes, warranty card, and original hang tags. The Freak X Gumball 3000 isn’t a traditional sports watch, nor is it trying to be. Carbonium, silicon, a movement that doubles as the hands, and an electric-orange strap make that abundantly clear. 150 pieces. Not one more! #AnalogShift #MakeTheShift