U-Boat Classico Watches

Titanium offers many extraordinary characteristics. Its colour, its strength, and mainly its light-weight are the material's main advantages. The low density of the metal makes it particularly useful when manufacturing large watches. It is therefore not surprising that U-Boat, a company very familiar with large watches, is accustomed to using titanium. Thanks to the metal's structural properties, and to U-Boat's advanced Italian manufacturing capabilities, the Classico Titanium is as robust as it is stylish.The case of the Classico is no less then 53mm in diameter. It offers a decisively military look with instrument-like characteristics. The six structural screws visible on the bezel are an example. As can be imagined, the weight of this oversize case is surprisingly light thanks to the use of titanium. The case is also extremely solid, continuing the parallel between the watch and high-tech military instrumentation. The cap or crown cover, placed on the left of the watch for comfort, actually protects one of the sturdiest crown systems I have ever encountered. Even at the last position ? when changing the time ? the crown feels very sturdy and does not wobble as it would on most other watches. The sapphire crystal's diameter would usually affect its strength, but its considerable thickness makes up for this potential vulnerability. The infamous 7750 calibre movement that powers the watch is also known for its resilience and dependability. Finally, take into consideration the timepiece's water resistance and it is evident that the Classico Titanium does not just play the part, but is actually suited to professional use.Also influenced by military technology is the style of the Classico Titanium Chronograph. Black watch cases are an Italian tradition originally used by the military. The dark metal avoided reflecting light and giving away the position of camouflaged personnel. Italo Fontana's design is stealthy, but the watch is still highly legible thanks to the bold design of the dial and wide hands. When the lights are out, the time is even more visible due to the photo-luminescence of its elements.The Classico Titanium chronograph is a culmination of several of Italo Fontana's specialities. It captures U-Boat's roots in military watch design, as well as the very oversize style of watches that Fontana played a role in popularizing. The CAB Titanium sports the necessary aspects of a high-end, high-quality sports watch, and packs them into a modern, unique, and impressive package. Written by Marco Gagliano. Marco specializes in U-Boat watches at Matt Baily. Retail $5,600

A few years ago, U-Boat jumped in the gap – at that time – of big watches. A Panerai wasn’t affordable for everyone, so U-Boat produced large quartz watches and had a wide network of resellers. You could even get them at most clothing stores for men. Clever marketing made U-Boat a big name and even people who didn’t care about watches, seem to know this brand. Heck, someone in a clothing store even asked me whether I was wearing a U-Boat, while it was a Panerai.Perhaps not fully justified, but I’ve never given U-Boat watches a proper look. Dimer send me a few of his pictures that he took of this U42 model and telling me that he was very impressed by the watch and the watch box. Since I know Dimer is serious about watches, I am tempted to examine this U-Boat as well.For now, I have to base my opinion on Dimer’s pictures and to be honest, it actually looks like it has been well crafted by these guys in Italy. The price is also impressive, 3700 euro for this limited edition U42, only 999 pieces made. It is a 53mm watch and has a 3rd party movement (ETA or Sellita, U-Boat doesn’t tell).Let me know about your experiences or thoughts on U-Boat, by leaving a comment below this post.