u-boat 316

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

Italo Fontana U-Boat’s Flightdeck CAS BE is a wonder in watch***. The thick stainless steel case is either 43 mm or 50 mm in diameter with a beige face, brown hands and Arabic numerals. The automatic self-winding chronograph rests firmly on your wrist with an alligator strap. The easy to read dial is accented by the less than usual placement of the stem and push buttons on the left side. And if you have to ask, yes, it is depth-rated to 1,000 feet. 78 Uniqueness There are many quartz-powered watches out there with the likeness of the U-Boat Flightdeck CAS BE, but none have the intricate and complex automatic movements of a chronograph. This is a lot of watch, so be prepared for its size out of the box; however, the beige face and brown alligator strap keep it from being either too massive or predictable. Read more 88 Durability Huge time-keeping instruments are in at the moment, so you won’t have to worry about looking out of place and the small production cycles of the U-Boat Flightdeck CAS BE ensure that you won’t have that awkward moment of sitting next to another guy wearing the same thing. But you might long for a slim stainless steel watch after lugging this one around town. One thing is certain: The U-Boat name has a unique position in the watch world. It is Italian and focused on the extreme flight and dive watch style and market. Even if the large watch face craze disappears, the allure of this watch will always be in style.