It was Baselworld 2009 edition when U-BOAT without any sort of formality and rule unveiled its U-1942 model, 29 pieces limited edition with a 65mm grade 5 titanium case reproducing the distinctive characteristics of Italo’s grandfather’s draft from the 40s.
Throughout the years the considerable dimension of the watches despite few pieces occasionally in smaller sizes became the brand’s DNA allowing the Maison to boast itself with the earned “A New Dimension in Time” payoff. Today Italo Fontana applies the extra-large measure to one of his most iconic designs the Chimera watch with a 60mm bronze case edition.
With chronograph functions the watch features a patented crown cap placed on the left side of the case. Bezel and caseback are held together by external tie rods specific screws with a custom head type.
A domed sapphire glass treated with anti-reflective coating overlays the wide dual-layer dial the matte brown upper layer displays laser cut hands numbers and indicators in bronze colour while granting a view on the lower one also in bronze colour metal. The latter, also in bronze colour, comes in with a flat sapphire glass allowing a glimpse on the automatic movement which can also be seen through the loopholes still in sapphire glass on the case’s sides.
With a water resistance of 100mt (10 ATM) the watch is firmly held around the wrist by a handmade brown cordovan strap aged through natural process and trimmed with waxed cotton seams. Coming in 10 pieces limited edition, available on-line in the official U-Store or alternatively in the Rome and Florence boutiques, Chimera 60 celebrates Italo Fontana’s passion for large-sized watches along with the most pure and recognisable identity from U-BOAT’s design.
U-Boat Chimera 60MM
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Movement: swiss automatic mechanical, chronograph, modified and personalized at U-BOAT specifications. Personalized rotor. Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz. Power reserve: 48 hours. 25 jewels; Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date.
Case: 60 mm diameter case in naturally aged bronze. The bezel and the back of the case are locked together by external tubing and a customised key that ensures absolute water resistance. Distinguishing crown on left side, with a patented protective device. A sapphire crystal side window offers the display of the balance; Back: sealed by 5 external tubing, flat sapphire crystal opening with movement view.
Dial: two superimposed dials, higher part in painted metal, matt brown color and laser cut on the counters, indexes and numbers; the lower one in bronze-colored metal;
Hands: laser cut hour and minute hands made of bronze-colored light metal, painted and brushed on the surface. Hands of the chronograph counter and of the seconds counter, in hand-brushed bronze-colored metal;
Crystal: very thick domed sapphire on the front, with anti reflective treatment, and flat crystal on the back of the timepiece. Water resistance:100 mt, 10 ATM.
Strap: handmade and hand finished cordovan leather strap, carefully selected and processed following the U-BOAT specifications with waxed cotton finishing. Tongue buckle in bronze. Width: 26/26 mm.
Price: 9900.00 €
