The Italian moments in life are (also) called U-BOAT
How is it that most of us find our eyes lighting up when the names of Italian fashion designers, film directors or delicacies are mentioned? Admittedly, the combination is a little odd. But Italianità – the artistry of the Mediterranean way of life - is also, in part, not quite of this world. Far removed from standardised normality. One has to be born into it, or try to share in it a little – the incomparable branded products that reach us from Italy make that possible. In the 1950s it was Chianti wine, straw hats and Sophia Loren films that came over the Brenner Pass, and today it is extravagant fashion brands and luxury watches from Italian master manufactures. Our southern neighbours are elegant above all in the simplicity they celebrate with unmatched assurance. Watches from U-BOAT are no exception. They appear simple and are nevertheless a complex universe, one that puts out new shoots from historical roots.
HORANDO and U-BOAT belong together
In terms of its function, the U-BOAT is an all-rounder. The grandfather of today's owner, Italo Fontana, developed it on behalf of the Italian Ministry of War for front-line use by naval officers and the air force. In terms of character, it unites Marcello Mastroianni, Giovanni Agnelli and Gianni Versace in a single piece. Its hallmarks: outstanding design, XXL-sized and unmistakably present, a bezel on the left-hand side and an extra-tall case, clear contrasts within an apparently plain composition, bold and distinctive with a small measure of elegant arrogance, charming and sexy at the same time. How does that fit together? Size, strength and resolve, a pronounced chin and a high forehead – these are masculine features that women are said to value in men. A U-BOAT has everything a man needs.
The U-BOAT Classico – the one made for action
This deep-sea watch is a magnificent timepiece, and not only for divers. Here Italo Fontana gives free rein to his passion for unusual combinations of material and play of colour: precious metal meets rubber, carbon fibre and ceramic, tobacco brown answers yellow-green. The drive by way of the reliable Swiss ETA movement with automatic mechanism and manual winding is legendary. It is only a matter of time before the U-BOAT Classico attains the cult status of a Rolex, Omega or IWC, in HORANDO's view. That this specialist shop for luxury watches operates in hybrid fashion is directly connected with its official concession from the master manufacture U-BOAT.
The U-BOAT Chimera – the enigmatic one
Has Italo Fontana ever explained why he named the Chimera after the mysterious mythical creature of antiquity that is composed of three different animals? A flight of fancy? A mystery? Time and again, this watch with its many different faces manages to astonish the beholder. As original as its appearance is, so dependable is its technology. A power reserve of 28 hours, a 30-minute counter, a 60-second chronograph, a crown with special protection – the Chimera does not disown its U-BOAT lineage. Understatement is not its way.
The U-BOAT Thousands of Feet – the indestructible one
Depth. Substance. Many facets. Through the case back of anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the tirelessly ticking Swiss movement can be watched as it works. The retro look of these remarkable luxury watches should not obscure the fact that the technology is of the very latest kind. Italo Fontana's vision becomes especially apparent in the black-coated stainless steel version, which makes its case with gold screws and an 18-carat gold bezel. The portholes of the Thousands of Feet allude to its deep-sea capability. Everything about it invites interpretation and yet defies explanation. Bold colouring in red, gold and orange, rubber and steel details demand of the wearer a readiness to take a clear position.
The U-BOAT Flightdeck – the one that fell out of time
It evokes legendary epochs, bygone eras of the watch and the dreams of earlier generations. Italo Fontana dreams them anew for us. And he lets the wearer of the Flightdeck share in a myth that invites romanticisation while at the same time bringing us back down to earth with a stupendous technical perfection: automatic movement with mechanical winding, water resistance to 100 metres, a 44-hour power reserve. Arabic numerals in the warm tone of the leather strap. Practically feather-light despite the mega dimensions usual at U-BOAT. In the Diamonds version, a capricious silver execution with black diamonds and silver inserts. Too beautiful to be a watch? The U-BOAT Flightdeck carries off the balancing act with ease.
The U-BOAT U-51 – the object of desire
What is sex appeal? Who has it, and in whom is it missing? One senses it, yet it is hard to describe. A fascinating presence only half captures it. The U-BOAT U-51 is unquestionably sexy. Sensual. Tactile. Passionate down to its innermost sanctum. A U-BOAT U-51 is not merely worn; one enters into a relationship with it. Behind the straight-lined exterior lies the finest engineering. With the U-51, U-BOAT also reaches into the glamour chest, brings out what shimmers and gleams, and combines colour and solid bronze with rugged everyday usability. The ideal watch for business, sport, play, adventure and travel. Strictly limited, it makes itself scarce.
The U-BOAT U-1001 – the alpha
A genuinely rare luxury watch. Limited to 1001 examples, it awakens the desire of men who can take an extra dose of adrenaline in their stride. On women it has no less stimulating an effect. What does it have that the other U-BOAT watches do not? Even connoisseurs cannot answer that with any certainty. It is a feeling, an attraction that is hard to pin down. Cult-worthy, virile, powerful in its effect and in XXL. Wearing it, one stands at the open aircraft door in the moment before pitching forward and experiencing weightlessness in an incredible rush of exhilaration. Until the parachute opens. The futuristic touch also calls to mind adventures in space, aliens landing on Earth from distant galaxies. All the same, it is a dependable and thoroughly contemporary companion for every situation in life.
The U-BOAT U-42 – the collector's piece
Tracking down and buying this luxury watch online is in itself a special moment in life. The U-42 carries in its name the year in which the roots of today's U-BOAT collections were laid. In its appearance it mirrors the brand history of 1942 more strongly than any other U-BOAT collection. The plans for the "joint-service watch" of the Italian navy and air squadron, an exceptionally robust and reliable watch that functioned unerringly at every depth and altitude, lay in the drawer for many decades. Presented in a limited edition, the U-42 is a reverence to the past and the future alike. Its titanium, stainless steel or precious metal case, the marbled dial and the used-look leather straps take up the fashions of the period in which it originated. Luminous numerals and hands ensure that the wearer does not lose track of time even in dark depths down to 300 metres.
Real men, cool women or dedicated enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs
... they all love the U-BOAT for its original appearance, which reinvents itself again and again across the different collections. Even amid the lavish variety of exceptional luxury watches the market offers us, nobody can overlook a U-BOAT. That is one of the reasons why HORANDO signed on with U-BOAT and, alongside selling watches online, also invested energy in a bricks-and-mortar showroom. The remarkably attractive terms will remain unchanged, online or off.
Further U-BOAT model ranges: Italo Fontana, Gmt, Men, Women
