I really enjoy writing articles about the luxury watch brand Ulysse Nardin and their sublime range of timepieces. Since Baselworld 2013 I have received several press emails from their marketing department showcasing their current models. On my own website I wrote an editorial featuring the sublime Freak Phantom. This incredible watch has an unconventional display that is devoid of hands and crown. The sensational Black Toro is the company’s latest and very exciting release.
In 1996 the extraordinarily talented Ludwig Oechslin created the Perpetual Ludwig, which at the time was the world’s most functional perpetual calendar watch. This technology was ground breaking as the calendar mechanism was driven by wheels and gears. Fast-forward to the year 2013 and the launch of the wonderful Black Toro. This watch promises to be the greatest perpetual calendar timepiece developed to date.
Generally I am a great admirer of Ludwig Oechslin and his approach to watchmaking. As well as developing masterpieces for Ulysse Nardin, he has also developed a boutique watch brand called Ochs & Junior. By contrast these timepieces are minimalistic and therefore have a completely different dynamic. The Black Toro has similar proportions (measuring a diameter of 43mm) but is far more opulent in appearance. I have reviewed a few watches offering the same dimensions and found them very comfortable to wear. This luxurious timepiece is encased in 18-carat rose gold and clearly designed for the connoisseur.
Like the exceptional Freak Phantom this watch exudes sophistication and charm. The black dial works in perfect harmony with the elegant gold hands. Overall the layout is bold, distinctive and highly functional. I love the bold date window and oversized gold numerals. Other successful components of the design include the calendar display and sporty ceramic bezel. Ultimately the finishing and attention to detail on the Black Toro is absolutely first rate.
Beneath the magnificent façade lays the technically brilliant Caliber UN-32. Ulysse Nardin have manufactured and assembled the self-winding 34 jewel mechanical movement entirely in house. This mechanism is COSC certified, which makes the timepiece incredibly accurate. Functionally the Black Toro has a list of very impressive features including hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT and perpetual calendar. It is also important to mention the watch has a second time zone, patented quick setting crown and is water resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
The marvelous Black Toro has a durable rubber strap with a titanium and ceramic deployment clasp.