The Astrology of Horology Series
Taurus 2010 (April 20-May 21)
Leo is in the fifth house and his ruling sign is the sun. He’s supremely confident, bold in his decisions and enjoys taking center stage, particularly when he’s basking in glory. Magnetic and ambitious, the Leo likes to make an impression wherever he goes. The Ulysse Nardin Executive Dual Time provides all the right elements for this King of the jungle.
For starters the Executive Dual Time is an eye catcher. A bold rectangle on the face is set off by the round contours of the rest of the dial and case. In most watch aesthetics, shapes and lines stay consistent within one family for a flowing seamless integration. This bold configuration demands a look and the Leo will take pleasure in the fact that his watch garners so much attention.
The Executive Dual Time collection includes a model in a 43mm rose gold case with a white dial and rose gold Roman numerals, and this year expanded to include a stainless case and silver dial and numerals. While both are handsome, I prefer the monochrome sophistication of the silver dial and numerals.
Since the Leo is extroverted and enthusiastic, he will enjoy pointing out the glossy black ceramic bezel, pushers and screw down crown, explaining how ceramic is a wonderful scratch-resistant material that is increasingly being incorporated into watch construction.
Because Leo is an ambitious fellow and has a lot to accomplish, he doesn’t want a watch that needs a lot of pampering or patience to do its job. The Executive Dual Time gets straight to the point. Roman numerals stand guard around the dial, while substantial sword-shaped hands circle round for easy reading of the hour and minutes. The hands also have strategic lume placed towards the tips for visibility in low-light conditions.
When the lion needs subsidiary details that impact upon his decisions, such as how many days he’s got left on a project deadline, whether it’s too late to pick up the phone and reach his office a continent away, or ticking off the last seconds he’s going to listen to an explanation, he’s got the information tucked into what I call the rectangular control panel. Here’s where the geometric choice of rectangle and circle reveal their function.
Because Ulysse Nardin is all about cool and functional solutions. You will find a lot of Leos as captains of industry, blazing a trail in cutting edge technology. Therefore, Ulysse Nardin is a brand that aligns with the Leo’s sensibilities. The company subscribes to the art of simplicity born from the tricky. The Executive Dual Time represents a premier example of this concept. Complexity isn’t expressed in twisty solutions that leave your thumbs fumbling to get the time zones and date in alignment. The leader of the pack has better things to attend to like lining up the next important deal or basking in the sun appreciating the fruits of his labor. Ulysse Nardin understands this well and has the easiest and most practical Dual Time on the market.
Ulysse Nardin first introduced their patented GMT system back in 1994. With just a push of the buttons located at 8 and 10 o’clock, Leo can make adjustments to the local and home time (located in the window at 9 o’clock) without having to remove the watch from his wrist. Leo’s are notorious for wanting excellent service and can get rather crotchety when they don’t receive it. You really don’t want to be on the other end of their roaring tirades. Never fear, the large date, in synch with the local time, will even accommodate moves forward and backward over the midnight hour. How’s that for smooth?
Anyone who knows a Leo knows he has a passion for luxury. Though a few give in to their lusty and impetuous side, the majority of them have the bearing and majesty to comport with restraint. Leo is attracted to the finer things for sure, but generally acquires with wisdom and intelligence.
Ulysse Nardin powers the Executive Dual Time, which is water resistant to 100 meters, with a self-winding mechanical movement. The look is completed with either an alligator leather band or rubber strap with folding buckle.
Though not a limited edition, the Executive Dual Time is individually numbered. At $8400 for the stainless model, the Leo gets a lot of value in a sleek and technical package. If Leo feels the need to preen a bit more, he can choose the rose gold version for around $19,500. And that’s something he can take pride in.
Meehna Goldsmith's fascination with timepieces began with her parents' antique grandfather clock, whose harmonious ticks and chimes echoed throughout the house during her childhood. 
