U-BOAT watches, U-42 53mm Titanium (limited)

U-BOAT on Ebay
YouTube via HouseOfRam — May 17, 2010 — "The case of the U-42 is 53mm in diameter. This is equal to the size of the popular U-Boat Classico models. The U-42 is 3 mm thicker and the bezel is thicker, making it feel larger. Grade 5 natural titanium is used for the manufacturing of the case, which in my opinion is needed. Titanium is light and tough, great for the knocks a big watch will take. On the left of the U-42 is the very specialized crown system. The reason for a large, protruding crown is ease of use in all conditions. Even with thick gloves, one can grip it. To release the crown, a trigger is placed at seven o'clock. Once unfolded, the crown protrudes considerably, and can be pulled out like any other crown with positions for winding and setting.

Because it is inspired by a design from 1942, it is natural that the U-42 offers a vintage-like look. The dial plays an important role in achieving this style. The hour markers are bold and display a beige hue that recalls the spent, and discolored white luminescent paint on old watches. The beige paint on the U-42 is phosphorescent and is also applied to the hands. These thick, baton hands are made of sterling silver. The strap is cut and stitched by hand using thick, brown leather and beige thread. The grain of the leather is left untouched on the underside of the band and is only marked by the U-Boat logo that is burnt into it.

The U-42 is an automatic-winding watch runs on Swiss mechanics. The movement is a U-28 calibre. It is the first movement to be given a U-Boat calibre denomination. It offers a 40 hour power reserve. 999 or less of each variation of the U-42 will be manufactured. The U-42 fits in a more accessible price range than its big brother, the U-1942, of which only 28 were manufactured and offered at US $40K. This watch is destined for the wrists of watch enthusiasts with a liking for size. The 53mm, titanium case is rigorously engineered and true to military design principles of the forties. Originally the design offered unparalleled visibility in dark waters, and now a remarkable and unique look. Retail $7,000.

May, 2010.

-About U-Boat watches: In the year 1942, the Fontana workshop was poised to produce a professional timepiece for the distinguished officers of the Italian Navy's submarines (also known as U-boats). Though the project was ultimately scrapped, the distinctive drawings, color samples, and original materials were lovingly preserved for more than sixty years. In 2000, Italo Fontana, a cousin of the workshop's late founder, realized a longtime company dream with the launch of the modern U-Boat brand.

U-Boat watches have oversized cases. Character and strength are a hallmark of the U-Boat brand. All of the line's timepieces are designed with the crown on the left side of the case - a unique and unexpected element making this timepiece extremely comfortable to wear despite its extreme size.

Each of the U-Boat timepieces is powered by Swiss ETA movements, automatic and manually wound alike. All of them are housed in full-bodied, oversized stainless steel cases ranging in size from 45 to 55 millimeters in diameter.

PVD-treated crystals and precious metals meld beautifully with rubber and steel details. From the Thousands of Feet collection, with its particular dodecahedral-shaped case, to the latest Nightvision collection that allows the wearer to change out the colored crystal, each watch expresses its own singular personality.

All of U-Boat's timepieces are designed and assembled in Italy. U-Boat watches have earned worldwide appreciation. Other models are the Classico (Classic) and FlightDeck (Flight Deck).

(Japanese: ユーボート・イタリアの時計メーカー・サウザンズオブフィート・クラシコ・フライトデック・ナイトヴィジョン )
May, 2010.

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