It’s only in the luxury watch market that both fine artistry and ingenious engineering come together. To make this business work, a product cannot bear one without the other. Although there are some models that have an imbalance of both, they’ll easily be pushed aside for other watches that are as functional as they are fashionable. Fortunately, there are numerous timepieces of such caliber, quite like Ulysse Nardin’s El Toro 326-00 watch.
Release Date and Price
Amazon
$37,951.79
Amazon Discount Codes
Jomashop
$34,695.00
Jomashop Discount Codes
Ebay
$44,500.00
Ebay Discount Codes
Release date: Fall 2012
Price when reviewed: $25,995
Released during that latter months of 2012, the El Toro 326-00 was one of the standouts of its time. Critics and collectors loved it for various reasons—some liked it for its technological advancements while others were attracted to its regal design. At a whopping $25,995 a piece, it’s still one of the most luxurious models to ever come out of the premier Swiss luxury watch manufacturer.
Specifications:
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Automatic
- Water Resistant: 100 meters
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vph
- Strap: Alligator leather or vulcanized rubber
- Buckle: Folding clasp with push button
Pros
Ulysse Nardin’s El Toro 326-00 model features a stunning perpetual calendar with such clear legibility. From the large date window at the top right side to the 2-digit year window by the 6 o’clock position, this watch is clearly a majestic piece of machinery. Not to mention its beautiful colorway of gold and blue, creating a sense of unmatched regality around it. The shimmering dial is encased in an 18-karat rose gold case that is beautifully contrasted against the deeper tone of azure blue-hued that colors its bezel and strap.
Cons
This timepiece is one fit for royalty, that is, except when it’s offered with the vulcanized rubber strap. Although the model also has a premium alligator-leather strap, the rubber variation is much more common. This strap relatively downgrades the luxuriousness of the watch, which is more or less relegated to a sports watch. For some, this may not pose as a problem, but for the very discriminating class that embraces luxury timepieces, they may not favor such a look.
Compare with:
- Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision
- Rolex New GMT-Master II (Pepsi)
- Patek Philippe Nautilus Men’s Chronograph Watch – 5980
- Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 114
Image Credits: Unwatch (featured image), Chrono24, Watchbox Studios, Pinterest, Chris Blight (article images).