U-Boat Watches
Back to Year 1942 the "Officine Fontana" was poised to produce a professional watch for the distinguished officers of its navy’s U-Boats. Though the project was ultimately scrapped, the distinctive original drawings, color samples and innovative materials were lovingly preserved for more than 60 years.
" Resurrecting drawings from his grandfather originally commissioned for the Italian Navy, Italo Fontana has brought these 1942 visions to life in instrument watches that are as gallant in size as they are exceptional in workmanship. "
In 2000, Italo Fontana, a cousin of the watchmaker’s late founder, made a long held company dream come true with the launch of today’s inspired U-Boat brand. He's realized a longtime dream of launching his own luxury watch company. U-Boat watches embody the force and style of the professional instruments and luxury sports cars that represent the passions of the man behind the brand. 'It took me seven years to develop and refine the U-Boat watches.
Inspired by eighteenth-century craftsmanship and intricate made-by-hand detailing, we can now produce a timepiece of rare artisanal quality that reaches toward a new dimension in watchmaking.'
U-Boat watches, just like their original namesake, are bold, aggressive and oversized. These timepieces embodied force and style and revealed the unique personality of the man behind the revival, Italo Fontana: “
Character and strength is a hallmark of the U-Boat brand. All Timepieces in the line are designed with the crown on the left side of the case. It's a unique element making this timepiece extremely comfortable to wear despite its extreme size. This distinctive signature is the brand statement "Classic yet Powerful."
All items in the collection are made with either automatic or manual Swiss ETA mechanical movements. Each are housed in full-bodied, oversized, steel cases. PVD treated crystals, and precious metals beautifully merge with rubber and steel details, challenging traditional design standards in the world of timepieces.
From the Thousand of Feet Collection with its particular dodecagonal shaped case, to the latest Nightvision Collection that allows you to replace the colored glass, each watch express a singular personality.
In 2005, Italo Fontana joined forces with Mounir Moufarrige, an acclaimed tastemaker known for breathing new life into Montblanc and Chloé. Together they are bringing U-Boat into the limelight of today’s watch industry. Found only at the most discriminating of international retailers, U-Boat watches are earning worldwide appreciation from connoisseurs of rare and beloved timepieces.
U-Boat Watches