Upon the first glance at the Uboat watches, you can think of only one thing – these toys for boys look fascinating! Every single watch from Uboat celebrates a bold, rugged look with a hint of steampunk design aesthetics!
The style Uboat watches would even make the top-end jewelers shy with the over the top styling. As you can guess, I’m taking a deeper dive into the Uboat watches today. I hope the Uboat watch review would help you make a better purchase decision.
But first, we’d take a look back at the history of the watch brand.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | rating | price |
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Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton |
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Uboat Stratos 45 BK |
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Uboat U-42 50 GMT |
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Uboat Capsoil DLC |
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Uboat Doppiotempo Chrono SS |
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Uboat Sommerso Blue |
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Uboat Darkmoon 44 Red SS |
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The History of Uboat Watches
Technically, Uboat is a new name in the watch industry. But the foundation of the watch goes way back in the WWII days. It all started with Ilvo Fontana, an Italian designer. The Italian Government commissioned him to make watches for the Italian Navy in 1942.
Ilvo came up with some exceptional and unique designs, but by that time, the tides of war weren’t in favor of fascist Italy. So, the designs of Ilvo never saw the light of the day.
Until the year 2000!
Ilvo’s grandson, Italo Fontana, discovered the watch designs of his grandfather in 2000. Italo was fascinated as the designs were very different from the watches in the market back then.
With the vision and determination of Italo Fontana, the masculine designs finally came to being. Thus, the Uboat watches started the journey.
And within a very short time, the Uboat watches saw the lights of mainstream success.
Now, you can an Uboat watch in the hands of movie stars like Nicolas Cage, Silvester Stallone, Tom Cruz, David Beckham, Till Lindemann, and Arnold “Terminator” Schwarzenegger! Among all the watches, the Chimera collection is most favored by the celebrities.
Like I said, Uboat watches are the perfect “toys for the boys!”
Best Uboat Watch Reviews in 2020
Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton
As you know, the Chimera collection watches are the most popular watches from the Uboat brand.
And, why wouldn’t?
The Chimera watches come with all the premium features and design choices that Uboat offers to market. And, Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton is “the watch” in this collection. There are only 499 copies of this bad boy roaming in the wild. Also, this special limited-edition watch doesn’t come cheap.
Let’s talk about what you’re getting with Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton.
The most fascinating thing about the watch is the design. Of course, Uboat uses the signature oversized crown and the patented protective release system on the left side of the watch. But Special Squelette Automatic Chronograph is the ultimate showstopper.
This special movement offers a unique skeleton design that is based on the Valjoux 77 with a custom-made 925 Argent rotor on the back.
What’s more?
All these special design elements are tucked inside the hard shelling made of grade 5 titanium case. The buckle is also made of the same grade 5 titanium. With such a robust casing, the watch becomes more durable and lighter.
Then, the genuine alligator leather and curved sapphire crystal enhance the premium looks even more.
However, the $10,000-ish price tag might concern you! I’d call this watch to be the ultimate offering from the Uboat with a price tag that compliments the top-shelf materials and design elements.
Product Specification – Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton
- Movement: Special Squelette Automatic Chronograph
- Base Caliber: U-77 Valjoux (Special 925 Argent Rotor)
- Frequency: 28,800 BPH, 4 Hz.
- Power Reserve: 48 Hours
- Case Diameter: 46mm
- Band Width: 20/22mm
- Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Band Material: Alligator Leather (Handmade and Hand Finished)
- Luminosity: White Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
- Clasp Type: Titanium Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Treatment
Uboat Stratos 45 BK
I understand that the Chimera might hurt your wallet pretty bad! In that case, Uboat Stratos 45 BK should suit your taste and budget quite well.
Uboat Stratos 45 BK tries to marry formal design with sporty rugged finish into one watch. The U-29 caliber based on the ever-popular ETA 2824-2 can offer you reliable accuracy. Of course, Uboat has modified the caliber for better utilization of the movement.
While the watch face is all about minimalism and formal aesthetics, the watch’s back is bold and masculine. You can even see the jewels through the u-shaped cutout in the back.
Italo Fontana, the founder and main designer of Uboat, thinks this model is meant to be worn with design tuxedos!
On a personal note, I loved the use of tungsten ring on the bezel. Like I said in the first place, the watch comes with an “affordable” price tag making the watch even more lucrative.
Product Specification – Uboat Stratos 45 BK
- Movement: Automatic Mechanical
- Base Caliber: ETA 2824-2
- Frequency: 28,800 BPH, 4 Hz.
- Power Reserve: 42 Hours
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Case Thickness: 11.7mm
- Band Width: 20/22mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (Tungsten Bezel)
- Band Material: Alligator Leather (Handmade and Hand Finished)
- Luminosity: Beige Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
- Clasp Type: SS Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating
Uboat U-42 50 GMT
I think that Uboat U-42 50 GMT is the sportiest looking watch from Uboat. The titanium casing with the bezel made from ceramic is the winning element for me.
There are tons of things to love about Uboat U-42 50 GMT. For example, it comes with “workhorse” ETA 2824-2 caliber. But it’s a GMT watch that lets you read time from three different time zones.
And, just like the Chimera collection, you’d get titanium case and the buckle. Plus, it comes with a crown design that you don’t see any other watches in the market.
And, it’s always great to see 30 ATM water resistance in a watch. Overall, Uboat U-42 50 GMT is a great steampunk watch and we all know how popular steampunk designs are!
Product Specification – Uboat U-42 50 GMT
- Movement: Automatic Mechanical
- Base Caliber: ETA 2824-2
- Frequency: 28,800 BPH, 4 Hz.
- Power Reserve: 42 Hours
- Case Diameter: 50mm
- Band Width: 23mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Band Material: Calfskin Leather (Handmade and Hand Finished)
- Luminosity: Beige Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 30 ATM
- Clasp Type: Titanium Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Treatment
Uboat Capsoil DLC
Uboat Capsoil DLC comes with a design that you’ve never seen in any watch. This latest masterpiece from Uboat has special oil under the crystal. The movement is lubricated with the oil bath.
The oil bath offers two things – gives a 3D feel to the watch and makes the dial even darker.
The Swiss electro-mechanical movement is also quite new in the watch industry. Tag Huer takes the credit for bringing in the newly developed electro-mechanical movement in the market with the Calibre S.
However, the name of this movement might be a bit misleading. You might think that this is a special type of mechanical movement. But in reality, it’s an upgraded quartz movement!
So, you can face some accuracy issues.
But you wouldn’t mind because of the “killer looks” of the watch. Plus, it’s packed with all the goodness from Uboat.
More: Check our guide to WeWood Watch Review here
Product Specification – Uboat Capsoil DLC
- Movement: Swiss Electro-Mechanical
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Band Width: 22/20mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Ultra-Resistant Vulcanized Rubber
- Luminosity: Beige Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
- Clasp Type: SS Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
Uboat Doppiotempo Chrono SS
If you’re a fan of dual time watches, Uboat Doppiotempo Chrono SS should make you quite interested. Doppiotempo is an Italian word that translates to “double time.”
The best part of the watch is the Valjoux 7754 caliber, which offers chronograph features with dual time.
On top of these two special features, you’re getting all the premium features like genuine handmade calfskin leathers, Super-LumiNova luminosity, and sapphire crystal.
However, I feel that price tag is quite a bit high for the features you’re getting in the watch.
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Product Specification – Uboat Doppiotempo Chrono SS
- Movement: Swiss Automatic Mechanical
- Base Caliber: ETA/Valjoux 7754
- Frequency: 28,800 BPH, 4 Hz.
- Power Reserve: 48 Hours
- Case Diameter: 46mm
- Band Width: 22mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Calfskin Leather (Handmade and Hand Finished)
- Luminosity: White Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
- Clasp Type: Steel Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Treatment
Uboat Sommerso Blue
Do you fancy the Rolex Submariner? Are you planning to get one recent future? Well, let me present you with a great alternate option – Uboat Sommerso Blue.
Uboat Sommerso Blue comes with the same 30 ATM (1,000 feet) water resistance. Even it offers some water resistance features that you wouldn’t get in a Submariner! Check the table below!
I am a bit biased about this watch due to the blue lume. It’s very rare to find a watch with blue lume on it.
Product Specification – Uboat Sommerso Blue
- Movement: Swiss Automatic Mechanical
- Base Caliber: ETA 2824-2
- Frequency: 28,800 BPH, 4 Hz.
- Power Reserve: 38 Hours
- Case Diameter: 46mm
- Band Width: 22/20mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Ultra-Resistant Vulcanized Rubber
- Luminosity: Blue Super-LumiNova
- Water-Resistance: 30 ATM
- Clasp Type: Stainless Steel Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Treatment
Uboat Darkmoon 44 Red SS
We’re on the last watch in the list and guess what it’s the most affordable beauty from Uboat!
This beauty also features the same “oil-bathed” display that’s you’ve seen in the Capsoil watches. But Uboat Darkmoon 44 Red SS cost less, way less!
Uboat cut corners with the choice of movement. Rather than going for any premium movement, Uboat included a Ronda 712.3. I’m not saying that Ronda 712.3 is a bad movement, but it feels a bit underwhelming after seeing all these elegant options.
Also, it doesn’t come with anything extraordinary in terms of features. It’s a plain “basic” option. Moreover, 5 ATM WR and lack of lume are major letdowns for me.
What do you think?
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Product Specification – Uboat Darkmoon 44 Red SS
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Base Caliber: Ronda 712.3
- Case Diameter: 44mm
- Band Width: 22/20mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Ultra-Resistant Vulcanized Rubber
- Luminosity: None
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang & Buckle
- Crystal: Curved Red Mineral
Is Uboat a Good Brand?
Let’s dissect the Uboat brand in details now in the U-boat watch review section.
So, is it a good brand?
Yes, Uboat is probably one of the top brands coming from Italy. The watches are unique looking and broke the stereotypical view on how watches should look like. The sales numbers also suggest that Uboat has already become a major player at the international level.
It’s also clear that Uboat is here to stay and not going anywhere in the near future. In fact, Uboat is one of the few traditional watch brands that can challenge the massive growth of the smart wearables.
So, if you’re wondering about the brand value, let me assure you that Uboat is one of the best.
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What Did We Like About Uboat Watches?
The designs, my friend, the designs!
Uboat has some of the most unique looking watches in their collection. To complement the design, they have used the best quality materials.
Uboat is one of those that doesn’t cheap out on anything to make the watches more budget-friendly.
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What Didn’t We Like About Uboat Watches?
The Uboat watches’ prices are way too much to the point it’s no longer affordable for the common bread earners!
Also, some of the watches’ prices are way too much against the features and the specifications. I mean, some of the watches with ETA 2824-2 caliber costs more than a few thousand dollars.
Some cheaper watches in the market come ETA 2824-2 and costs only a couple of hundreds.
Sometimes, it feels like Uboat is charging more for the brand value only!
More: Best Skeleton Watch Under $500: The Sweet Budget Spot!
Conclusion
We’re in the finishing line of the Uboat watches review. Before I finish, I want to talk about the best Uboat watches.
Uboat Chimera 46 Titanio Skeleton certainly is the best Uboat watch on my list today. It comes with uncompromising quality.
Uboat Stratos 45 BK takes second place, and Uboat U-42 50 GMT is in third place.
What do you think? Which of these is the best Uboat watch, in your opinion?
Let me know below!
