#UBOAT ITALO FONTANA SERIES#

I’m dubbing the U1001 a suck you in and knock you down piece. Where’s the perlage finish? This was a huge turn off for me and was a cheap move by U-Boat. The U-1001 is being sold as a limited edition piece and for this price, collectors should expect something more exciting behind the facade. What we’re left with is a huge amount of space between the movement and oversize case, with no pizazz or effort put into camouflaging the gap. Let me shoot ya straight, I would wear the hell out of this timepiece (not diving) and I do like it, but for the readers and the people that buy a great deal of watches and flip them, this is a watch that will hit the pile sooner than others.ĭespite the grand appearance, heavy duty 47mm case, and that striking hint of orange – but for $5,100, no way (the 55mm is even more ridiculous at $7,150)! The outer perimeter of the bezel boasts a calibre U/28, but let’s face it, all they did was toss in an ETA 2824-2 with minimal modifications and replace the oscillator with some cutout U-Boat signage. It was all down hill from there, real quick. Then came time for dissection, examination, and evaluation. While some may shy away from a watch that changes color slightly over time, the vintage style created by the “patina” (color created by the oxidization of silver) is the exact reason why many people have chosen these particular watches over their stainless steel counterparts.When I first saw the U-Boat U1001, I thought wow! Colors that complement each other, huge crown power with cool helium escape valve, and very nice visual appearance. The metal’s softness and susceptibility to oxidation is an important aspect to note. They will be produced in limited quantities and, as with the gold Classico models, offer the opportunity of customization with an engraving on the back of the case. The U-Boat 925 sterling silver watches are for U-Boat watch enthusiasts, who demand a little extra. The “sandwich” dial on the CA925 is made up of a beige plate revealing carbon fiber hour markers. The strap retains its luxurious feel with an alligator leather lining. The tan leather strap shows how these watches can be dressed more casually. This silver chronograph watch is available in 53mm as well as the more accessible 45mm size. The CA925 is part of the new Classico automatic chronograph collection. Combine this with the lustrous qualities of sterling silver and you got yourself as elegant a U-Boat watch as you can get. A black leather strap finishes the simple monochromatic look of the watch. Basically the time is indicated on what is sometimes referred to a “sandwich” dial. A black plate, placed on top of a silver one, has the hour indicators cut out of it to reveal the precious metal bellow. More silver is present in the dial’s numeral and index hour markers. The A925 is equipped with a thick sapphire crystal and see-through exhibition back that offers a view of the infamous ETA 2824 calibre through a skeletonized silver plate. 925 sterling silver and is finished with a fine brushed polish. The U-Boat Classico A925 is based on the basic 53mm Classico watches.

#UBOAT ITALO FONTANA SERIES#

Available in November, U-Boat’s Classico 925 series consists of the CA925 chronograph with a beige dial, and the A925 with a black a silver dial. Perhaps this has been due to its inclination to oxidize and low hardness, but thanks to today’s obsession with vintage items, the unique look that the silver’s “patina” offers works perfectly. The metal has mostly been used on pocket watches and ornamental jewelry watches for ladies. Silver, however, has been somewhat excluded from the production of luxury wrist watches for men.

On their own, or coupled with more modern materials, precious metals like gold and platinum have been linked to high-end watches since the start of horology. The new Classico 925 series is the perfect example of how the Italian watch manufacturer has taken advantage of the precious metal’s unique properties to offer its clients rare and extraordinary versions of their popular models. While many companies have focused on high-tech materials, U-Boat’s Italo Fontana has been breaking ground with a more traditional metal: sterling silver. One aspect of watch-making that has made a huge impact on the luxury watch market during the past three or four years has been the materials used.

Uboat italo fontana