U-Boat by Italo Fontana

What is the secret of Italian watch design?

In style-loving Italy, it is a must to make a “bella figura” with a wink. A wristwatch is therefore never just a timepiece, but an expression of a strong sense of style and fashion trendsetter. Even in ancient times, Rome created a way of life and fashions that the entire ancient world adopted. How could it be that How can things be different today when it comes to the design of unusual luxury watches? A certain desire for experimentation and rebellion, extravagance and ironic twists are also rooted in the Italian relaxed lifestyle, which we northerners envy Italy for.

Watches from the Italian brand U-BOAT are a powerful piece of pure Italianità

U-BOAT watches from the Florentine house of Italo Fontana , in which a Swiss movement does its job with the usual reliable high precision, are among the chronographs with the highest recognition values ​​in the world. Unique design and unmistakable style are aimed at pronounced individualists. A U-BOAT luxury watch already marks its territory with its unusual size of between 4.3 (for ladies' wristwatches) and 5.5 centimeters. With its left-hand laser-cut bezel, extra-high case and glazed case back, it confidently occupies an unusual look. Its characteristics of energy, masculine power and daring suit extroverted people who are fully conscious of their external appearance. These rather offensive characteristics are balanced out by the use of fine materials and perfect technology. Although U-BOAT watches appear stylish, trendy and very sophisticated at first glance, they are nevertheless not fashionable in the sense of ephemeral. “ The future belongs to the brave” could be its core message – timeless and universal.

Rebirth from a Lost Time

It all began in 1942, in a turbulent era. The Italian government approached the respected, traditional Fontana watch workshops in Lucca. They were asked to design a timepiece for the air force and navy, robust, durable, shockproof and waterproof, accurate in all weather and controversial lighting conditions, great in functionality, terrific in comfort and, with a diameter of 6.5 centimeters, quite an impressive sight. No easy task! And Nonno Livo Fontana designed this little marvel for the officers of the Italian submarines. It met all the requirements and was met with enthusiasm by the clients. Why it didn't go into production? We don't know what circumstance prevented this in the chaos of the war years, but the fact that the well-kept original records ignited a fire in grandson Italo Fontana 5 decades later that led to the revival of his grandfather's watch creation was more than a happy coincidence. Meaningful innovation always finds its era. Italo Fontana took 7 years to create them. Then a masterpiece was perfected, which quickly became a cult object after its launch in 2000. Still oversized with a diameter of 4.3 centimeters (ladies' watch) to 5.5 centimeters, the U-BOAT model series between " Chimera " and "U-1001" find fans in the elegant displays of the most exclusive jewelers worldwide who want to powerfully express the high quality of time.

U-BOAT watches – every model series is a high-flyer

All models are limited, and the price ranges between 2,000 and 50,000 euros. It is therefore not surprising that they are preferred by stars such as David Beckham and his wife Victoria, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Nicolas Cage and Robert de Niro, and fashion designers such as Giorgio Armani. Made with the most complicated hand-crafted details, all models are comfortable to wear despite their oversized size. Inside the steel case beats the heart of the Swiss ETA movement with automatic transmission and manual winding. Clear colors, straightforward design language and reduced dial are all indicative of Italo Fontana's signature. "Chimera" in captivating bronze captivates with its sporty charm, the U-42 ​​collection evokes ship's portholes, the noble " Classico " is presented in gold, titanium or set with diamonds and crystals in changing colors. With the “U-42” you can dive to a depth of 300 meters and from the “Flightdeck” you might launch into a new galaxy – who knows?

HORANDO or the love of the wristwatch

As an online shop for buying luxury watches on the Internet, HORANDO has built up a very good reputation in recent years. Trust and customer satisfaction are the parameters for excellent business relationships. In the luxury segment of the finest brands, no compromises are made. As an official concessionaire and exclusive U-BOAT dealer, HORANDO is supplementing its online business activities with an exclusive showroom in a prime downtown location at Lange Strasse 37 at the company headquarters in Bamberg. In the former business premises of the ROLEX concessionaire Schmitt, where a discerning clientele has been making their exquisite watch selection for four and a half decades, exclusive watches and many other exclusive dream objects can now be viewed in person and up close.

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