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U-Boat U 1001 Limited Edition Watch Review

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 07:01:38 +0000

U-Boat watches are a lot like classic American Muscle cars - expect for the American part that is. They are big, made with lots of metal, have cool designs on them, and make you feel good being around them. At the same time, they aren't very practical, don't always have what they look like they should under their hoods, and aren't the most comfortable machines to use on a daily basis. Italo Fontana's U-Boat brand has come very far since being a pure fashion brand of big watches with a design scheme that vaguely resembles its namesake German submarines. Public love and strong sales led to quality improvements for the brand and a series of designs so often copied, "original" U-Boat watches are a watch lover favorite and status symbol in the right circles.

U-Boat's momentum is only held back by its new designs and ability to continue to squeeze juice out of its theme. While there is a sweet spot case size and design for the brand, they have gone a good way beyond that a number of times - specially done for those who need a fresh fix of wild designs. Like a dress made specially for a model to show-off during a runway show only, this limited edition U-Boat U 1001 watch is a bold fashion item that has many hallmarks of being something function, but falls just short of actually being that. This isn't to say theÂ U 1001 isn't a watch or doesn't function well as one, but rather that it has some rugged features that are sort of misplaced on an "image" watch such as this.

Wearing the U 1001 I feel pretty cool. I don't know if this is because I keep hearing the cool music that U-Boat has on their website and pondering the sophisticated marketing campaigns they employ, or if I am genuinely moved by their clever designs. It is funny, because no matter how many silly things I find in the watch, I still like it. Which goes back to my concept of it being like a muscle car. It is totally unwise for me to think about driving in stop and go California traffic in that dream '69 GTO Judge, but I think I would look pretty kick ass in the process.

Speaking of big metal cars, the U-Boat U 1001 is a whopping 55mm wide in titanium. The metal case is cut very well, and the titanium has a very smooth bead-blasted feel to it. All over the case are branding details and information about the watch. Read the back and the sides of the watch to learn just about everything you'd like to know about it. The U 1001 name refers to the fact that it is water resistant to 1001 meters. Basically it is the same as a 1000 meter diving watch, but they decided to add another meter to the title. Watches are usually tested a bit beyond their stated water resistance, so adding that extra meter doesn't mean anything from a technical standpoint - all part of the built -in depth rating wiggle room. The watch is also limited to 1001 pieces (333 or so pieces of each color), and is available with a variety of colors trims for the dial. Here you have a lovely blue for the hand and some of the hour indicator. While the chic looking dial design, complete with the name of the watch is hip looking, it is pretty a-functional for diving purposes - given that this is a diving themed watches. U-Boat released the U 1001 watch completely devoid of lume, as omission from what have been a great looking watch in the dark.

It has more features for diving such as the helium escape valve beneath the crown, but again, how can you go diving in a watch that you can't really see underwater? Perhaps it is good for the sunny clear water of the topics. In that case, dive deep my friends. Speaking of the helium release valve, the quality and finish of the large connected crown cap and the surrounding parts is very good. Well machined, and each operates as they should without problem. I am happy to see that for the price of this watch U-Boat ensured high quality throughout the watch. Cause in the end, even if the watch is functionally silly, it is still well made and designed nicely. Under the super large crown cap is the actual crown - which is tiny in comparison. The crown cap screws down, and so does the crown. I just found that sort of humorous. So much water resistance security!

The dial of the watch is matte black with the blue hour indicators on a layer below the dial. You see an expose synthetic ruby from the movement - that is a hallmark of many U-Boat watches. The placement of the diagonally aligned date window shows you how small the movement is in the super big case. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic. A solid movement perfect for a dive watch, but perhaps a bit too petite for this case (and perhaps a bit too inexpensive for a watch that is over $6,000).

The watch has an adjustable rubber strap that has a titanium end piece on one side - which has a good style and makes the giant watch wearable. You can see the U-Boat name engraving on the butterfly style deployment also in titanium. Again you see the U 1001 logo on the deployment as well - indicating U-Boat's desire to show you how many custom parts went into this limited edition collection of watches.

Does the U-Boat U 1001 remind you of an Angler fish? It doesn't have a illuminated lure like the fish does. It isn't ugly like the fish, but it goes deep like the fish. Though I think an Angler fish can go much deeper. Angler fishes look pretty bad-ass and butt-faced, but they are actually really small fishes, did you know that? Size can be deceiving. It would probably swim away from a U 1001 if it saw it underwater as the watch might be larger than it! For style like a tattoo, U-Boat engraved an Angler fish on the rear of the watch as well as on the crazy watch case (I will get to that). It is a nice little touch that is all style, without having a lot of meaning. Cool image though.

And now the case. The big and heavy (really heavy) case contraption that almost makes the watch feel worth its price. Made from aluminum, the case looks like a diving vessel itself. Again you see an engraving of the Angler fish on it, and a thick porthole with a rounded crystal lens where the watch sits and stare at you as though it is safe while you are in the ocean. It is a serious part of the timepiece's presentation, and U-Boat makes you feel pretty darn special to have received this thing. I've never had a more lasting impression of a watch's presentation box. I think it must have cost U-Boat almost as much as the watch itself to make.

For the privilege of having one of these limited edition fashionable watches from U-Boat, you'll need about $6,800 and a lot of gumption. Fans of the brand will easily gobble them up, and people who want the wow people like it was 2005 will also be attracted to the U 1001. Does it make for a fun addition to your collection sure? Is it a pain to wear daily and offer limited functionality? Yes. For all the crap I give this watch, I still really like toting it around on my wrist, and get particularly stylish in the process, even if I didn't know why.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

New U-Boat Classico 925 Series Limited Edition Silver Watches

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:28:48 +0000

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. 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. 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.

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. Silver, however, has been somewhat excluded from the production of luxury wrist watches for men. The metal has mostly been used on pocket watches and ornamental jewelry watches for ladies. 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. 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.

The U-Boat Classico A925 is based on the basic 53mm Classico watches. The case is entirely made of .925 sterling silver and is finished with a fine brushed polish. 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. More silver is present in the dial's numeral and index hour markers. A black plate, placed on top of a silver one, has the hour indicators cut out of it to reveal the precious metal bellow. Basically the time is indicated on what is sometimes referred to a "sandwich" dial. A black leather strap finishes the simple monochromatic look of the watch. Combine this with the lustrous qualities of sterling silver and you got yourself as elegant a U-Boat watch as you can get.

The CA925 is part of the new Classico automatic chronograph collection. These run on ETA's 7750 calibre. This silver chronograph watch is available in 53mm as well as the more accessible 45mm size. The tan leather strap shows how these watches can be dressed more casually. The strap retains its luxurious feel with an alligator leather lining. The "sandwich" dial on the CA925 is made up of a beige plate revealing carbon fiber hour markers.

The U-Boat 925 sterling silver watches are for U-Boat watch enthusiasts, who demand a little extra. 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 metal's softness and susceptibility to oxidation is an important aspect to note. 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.

Pictures: Two images of the Classico A925 with black dial and silver hour markers, and engraving on its side. Two images of the CA925 with a beige face and with see-through-back displaying the 7750 automatic movement.

Written by Marco who sells U-Boat watches at Matt Baily.

U-Boat U-1942 Limited Edition Watch: Giant Retro Italian Diver

admin — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:34:26 +0000

Apparently based on a never actually made design from 1942, the limited edition U-Boat U-1942 watch is an Italian blast from the past. The story goes that the Italian Navy commissioned a special watch to be made, but it never made production. This U-1942 watch is based directly on that design - and it is really sharp looking. The oddest part of the watch is of course the crown. It extends out.. maybe too far.Â It is kind of silly and phallic to be honest. I mean it works, and looks cool, but you know.... Lets just say that it looks like a periscope...yea that's it. The crown is meant to have a functional use though. The idea is that it is meant to be easy to use with gloves. Easy to use meaning winding it and adjusting it. Not sure how easy it will be to release the crown while in the locked position with gloves though, but probably pretty simple. Further, I believe that the crown can be adjusted and wound underwater... which should be nice.

The watch is big! Really big with a grade 5 titanium case of 64.4mm wide and over 18mm thick. What a beast! At least being in titanium it won't be too heavy. This takes massive watches to a new level. The sweet looking diver's bezel rotates in both directions and has a special lever that locks it into position and keeps it from rotating. The design certainly has a lot of Ennebi in it, which itself is based on retro Italian looks. So all in all this is cosmetically "very Italiano." The darkened case is water resistant to 400 meters, with a great looking dial that shares a design theme with Panerai watches. Interestingly enough the watch hands are done in German Silver (which does not actually contain any silver).

Nothing completes a traditionally styled Italian diver watch like a rich brown thick cordovan leather strap - with a large titanium buckle. Inside the watch is a Swiss Unitas 6497 manually wound movement. It is a solid movement, and ideally decorated a bit, though a really simple movement. U-Boat, and other brands like this movement a lot, but I'd like to see them mix it up a bit with a little more variety. For the serious collectors, this movement is not as exciting as the outside of the watch is. Still, buyers of this U-1942 watch will be proud owners due to the cool design - which it certainly is. I do like how U-Boat always places in the cute little subsidiary seconds dials. They just sorta look charming don't they? Of course the dial is covered with lots of lume, and is quite legible.

The U-Boat U-1942 watch is a limited edition of just 29 pieces - really not that many to satiate the U-Boat fans out there, of which there are a lot. Not sure about pricing, but given standard U-Boat watches, I would say that we are talking at least $5,000, probably more.

See U-Boat watches on eBay here.

See U-Boat watches on Amazon here.

U Boat Watch Thousands Of Feet 50 Black Steel Brushed Black and Red
$1,999.99
Time Remaining: 58m
Buy It Now for only: $2,199.99
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Welder by U Boat Chronograph Mens Sport Watch K25 4200
$545.00
Time Remaining: 4h 11m
Buy It Now for only: $545.00
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NEW U Boat Thousands of Feet 43 Black Automatic Watch 1886
$2,400.00
Time Remaining: 5h 44m
Buy It Now for only: $2,880.00
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Welder by U Boat K25B Chronograph Black Ion Plated Mens Watch Rubber K25B 4703
$375.00
Time Remaining: 5h 49m
Buy It Now for only: $375.00
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U BOAT ITALO FONTANA LEFTY 50MM AUTOMATIC MADE IN ITALY MENS WATCH
$356.00 (26 Bids)
Time Remaining: 6h 14m

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U Boat Thousands of Feet 50mm Automatic Chronograph Date Steel PVD ref 1890
$3,400.00
Time Remaining: 6h 15m
Buy It Now for only: $3,400.00
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Sylvester Stallone Oogles A Few New U-Boat Watches: Makes Panerai Jealous?

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:53:53 +0000

Like many celebrities Sylvester Stallone is a big watch lover. Unlike others he is attributed with making a brand popular in Hollywood (Panerai), and working closely with watch companies. Accordingly, Panerai has even released models with the "Slytech" name in honor of Stallone for his love and participation with the company. Stallone love's Panerai so much, he even proudly wears them in some of his movies most recently Rambo 4. See what watch Stallone wore in Rambo here.

Not to be a one watch brand man, Stallone has a fondness for big watches. A recent company that has interested Stallone is U-Boat, an Italian designer producing well made watches with distinct retro-military-nautical themes. Some might consider these watches "over-size," others think they are just right. See the video below of Stallone testing a few new U-Boat watches (to what I am sure must be to Panerai's dissatisfaction with their smaller, large watches at 44-46mm).

I love Stallone's remarks about Arnold Schwarzenegger in the clip. "Arnold is up to 60, I get a 55 and Arnold has to get a 60." Of course he is talking about the diameter of the watch face. 55 is really big, and 60mm, is well bigger. Regardless of the fact that large watches are in, there are more reasons to get one beyond trend conformity. Large watches make a bigger statement, are easier to read, and provide much more room for interesting complications or design themes. In order to compensate for their size, U-Boat watches place their crowns and chronograph pushers on the left side so that they don't dig in to one's wrist and are less prone to snag or get damaged. This is becoming more and more popular with large or activity orientated watches.

Be it known that Stallone is not particularly tall. He is a well-built guy, but he and Schwarzenegger both wold not be considered particularly tall. I mention this to impress upon you that you don't need to be a massive person to pull off the large watch look.

U-Boat has been releasing some impressive watches as of late. I have been taking more notice of them, and like where they are going. The sizes range from as low to 45mm and up to 55mm (likely more soon). While you can get watches in steel and gold, they now offer large ceramic cases on the Flightdeck models. Both the gold and ceramic models shown are 55mm and Flightdeck models, but another model U-Boat offer that I like a lot is the "Thousands Of Feet." I'll likely cover that more at a later time.

Inside are all Swiss automatic movements. The configuration looks like a Valjoux 7750, but the size of the watches would suggest use of the new ETA Valgranges movement which offers the same features as the Valjoux 7750, but is larger. Speaking of chronographs, you'll notice the large screw cap on the crown connected via a little clasp to the bottom side of the watch. This is a bit of a vestigial element on the watch, but is meant to assist with water resistance. It used to be that one method of ensuring a water-tight case was to seal in the crown. Since then, other effective means have come out, like crowns that themselves screw in, or tighter gaskets that don't allow water in at high pressures. If you want to adjust the crown on this watch, you unscrew the cap, it dangles on the little hinge so that it does not get lost, and a smaller crown is revealed underneath.

U-Boat watches are pretty study, and have a nice feel for such watches. They are undoubtedly the highest quality watches to display this theme, though they are not the only watches that combine retro military looks and with submarine conventions.

Stallone may have found a worthy compliment to his vast Panerai collection. I love seeing his reactions to watches and what he may pick up next. I wonder what an entire line of Rambo watches would look like. That is one way into relative movie retirement mode for Mr. Stallone if he is still wants something fun to do.

See U-Boat watches on eBay here.

See U-Boat watches on Amazon here.

U Boat Watch Thousands Of Feet 50 Black Steel Brushed Black and Red
$1,999.99
Time Remaining: 58m
Buy It Now for only: $2,199.99
Buy It Now | Bid now

EXACTIME EMPORIO OVERSIZED REX GTR GRAY 60X55mm U XXL boat
$15.72 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 59m

Bid now

Welder by U Boat Chronograph Mens Sport Watch K25 4200
$545.00
Time Remaining: 4h 11m
Buy It Now for only: $545.00
Buy It Now

NEW U Boat Thousands of Feet 43 Black Automatic Watch 1886
$2,400.00
Time Remaining: 5h 44m
Buy It Now for only: $2,880.00
Buy It Now | Bid now

Welder by U Boat K25B Chronograph Black Ion Plated Mens Watch Rubber K25B 4703
$375.00
Time Remaining: 5h 49m
Buy It Now for only: $375.00
Buy It Now

U BOAT ITALO FONTANA LEFTY 50MM AUTOMATIC MADE IN ITALY MENS WATCH
$356.00 (26 Bids)
Time Remaining: 6h 14m

Bid now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.