How did it all begin?
All models from the Classico, U-42, 1001, U-52 and Flightdeck series are dive watches. But you do not have to be a deep-sea diver to make one your very own personal timepiece. You enter into a liaison from which you expect great things. At the same time, you love their strong character – robust, shock-resistant and water-resistant. These were exactly the requirements the Italian Ministry of War set for the ancestor of today's owner back in 1942. He was to equip naval and air force officers with a multifunctional yet simple chronograph for military operations. Not an easy task, even for grandfather Ilvo, a gifted inventor of technical instruments and timepieces. The plans he delivered were perfect. But it was not until 60 years later that his grandson was able to bring them to life. Infected by the chronograph virus, he gave himself 7 years of development time before declaring his creation ready for the brand and the market. When it appeared on the market, the U-BOAT brand made quite a splash.
U-BOAT Classico – the revival of a classic way of life
Dedication to ultimate perfection can be felt in every feature of the U-BOAT Classico. Like all Fontana model lines, it is clearly identifiable as a member of the U-BOAT family – not only to enthusiasts: The oversized proportions of many models, the exceptionally tall case, the clearly contrasted, understated design and the left-hand crown leave no doubt about its origins. Italo Fontana is also never at a loss for an original model name – the Chimera has puzzled more than one wearer. Incidentally, the latest addition to the Chimera line shone as a novelty at BASELWORLD 2015 with a 46 mm case in pure bronze. The Italian watch manufacture with the reliably ticking Swiss heart has a special flair for unusual combinations of materials and colours. It boldly combines rubber with precious metal and gemstones, as in the Classico 40 Black (or White) Diamonds, or pairs carbon fibre with ceramic (in the Chimera Carbonio GMT). Looking at the Classico 53 Shinny Bezel, you are fascinated by the dial, reduced to the essentials. The striking Arabic numerals at 12/4/8 and the elongated, rounded hour markers seem to come from the powerful brushstroke of a painter. The distinctive colour scheme catches the eye: The tobacco-brown, sporty yet elegant leather strap with accentuated stitching and precious metal buckles harmonises with the greenish yellow tone of the dial.
U-BOAT Classico – a luxury watch for alpha males?
Not only, but more and more often. In Germany, the land of sports watches, U-BOAT watches are not yet among the top 10 luxury men's wristwatches given their still relatively short history. Only a matter of time, says HORANDO. The specialist for selected luxury watches at attractive prices is convinced that more and more cultivated, style-conscious men will discover the Italian moments in life. My Segafredo, my Brioni, my U-BOAT. Buying a watch online can be exciting in itself. But your heart is sure to race when you hold a U-BOAT Classico in your hand for the first time, feel its crown and look at the dial through the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. By the way: Online specialist HORANDO goes offline and also presents the U-BOAT model lines in its own showroom in Bamberg.
