U-Boat Classico AB 4 : the Original "Carbonio"

The "Carbonio" was introduced by U-Boat watches years ago as part of the Classico Automatic Series. For the first year or so, it was a considerable success, and had built up a strong following. Then for reasons unknown to me the Carbon fiber-clad watch was discontinued, making it very difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain for our clients. Finally, the watch is once again available. Because it is produced in smaller quantities then other Classico models, and is the only Classico to offer a dial made entirely of carbon fiber, it will continue to make an important impression on enthusiasts of U-Boat watches.

What makes the Classico AB 4 the "Carbonio" is its carbon fiber dial. It is made entirely out of genuine carbon fiber and contrasted sharply by its bold, white hour markers and hands. Carbon fiber is used often for its light weight and strength, but on the Carbonio it is its stylish qualities that prevail. The Carbonio conjures visions of powerful concept sports cars and automotive racing.

The Classico AB 4 Carbonio is available in a 45 or 53 mm case. The case is of stainless steel and is blackened via the PVD process. The shape of the sturdy case is the same as those used for the basic Classico AS 1 and Classico AS 2. It is equipped with a thick sapphire crystal and a black rubber strap. The movement is the Swiss made automatic 2824 calibre, which is a definite winner when it comes to quality and reliability. A see-through back makes it possible to admire the mechanism.

Straps on the U-Boat Classico Series Suddenly Improved

The most recent Uboat watches to arrive at Matt Baily were fitted with the new version of the Classico Straps. Many aspects of the straps have improved.

The most important improvement is the construction of the strap. The leather used for the body is still very thick, but it is a lot softer and supple then its predecessor. This means that the straps of a new watch will take a lot less 'breaking in' then before.

The lining on the underside of the strap has also improved. Its now made with a very soft and lightly tanned Italian leather. The Classico straps are now stamped with the phrase 'Hand Crafted in Italy.'

An other very important improvement can be found at the buckle with the new push-button-operated, deployante folding clasp. Although this clasp was released a few months ago, it had problems. Those problems have been resolved, and the new clasps are sturdy and convenient.

The only thing that I will miss about the old straps is the engraved plate at 6 o'clock. Because I have come to love the traditional curved plate, the new flat one strikes me as cold and industrial.

The new straps are now available on all Classico models and for sale on their own.

A Closeup of the Classico Chronograph and the Classico 1001

At the last Baselworld exposition in Switzerland, U-Boat released several new models. Now that two of these models are on the verge of being delivered, it is a good time for me to introduce them to you.

The first is an old Classico revisited. A chronograph model has been added to the Classico series. The watch, which will be available in the standard Uboat sizes of 45 and 53mm, is similar in style to the old Left Hook Cronos that the company manufactured during their first few years of production. The quality of the new chronographs far surpass that of their ancestors. The watch runs on the infamous ETA (Valjoux) 7750 chronograph movement and sports a saspphire crystal and sturdy stainless steel case. The dial revives the linear-style subsidiary seconds of the Left-Hook, and stays true to the simplistic design of the Classico series while offering 30-minute and a twelve-hour counters for the chronograph.

With the Classico 1001, Italo Fontana evolves the Classico series visually and technically. The 1001 gets its name from the fact that it is rated to withstand pressures of 100ATM. That is the pressure found at 1000 meters below the surface of the water. To achieve this, the sapphire crystal has to be extra thick, the watch has to be equipped with a pressure release valve - seen on the side of the case at 8 o'clock - and the crown and case back have to be extremely well engineered and assembled. The 1001 will only be available in a 55mm case, which is probably why U-Boat chose to construct the watch using titanium. Despite its large size, the watch is not very heavy and sits comfortably on the wrist.

Both these models will be available in the coming months. A limited quantity of the 1001 models can be pre-ordered at Matt Baily.

The multi-talented, home-town hero Alexandre Despatie was spotted by one of my clients wearing a 53mm, beige U-Boat Classico. Alexandre was speaking at a recent public appearance when my client noticed the bold, oversize design that U-Boat watches are known for. I find it even more fitting that I'm writing an entry about the world champion and Olympic medalist, as his twenty-fourth birthday on the eighth of June quickly approaches.

Alexandre Despatie started diving at the age of five and has since captured many titles as well as the hearts of many fans in his native Montreal and Laval and in the rest of the world. He offers his time to charity work and played his first role in a feature film as Olivier Duclos in the 2006 Quebec teen flick À vos marques! Party!. Alexandre is a well dressed, young, up-and-coming star. The perfect fit for a 53mm beige Classico.

The large watch fashion trend is still going strong. It makes quite the fashion statement when you see an elegantly dressed woman or celebrity wearing a large sporty timepiece. It exudes confidence and attitude, while still being functional and incredibly easy to read.

Watches that have been great sellers with the ladies, are the Bell & Ross BR01 and BR03 Instrument models, the U-Boat Flightdeck and Classico models even up to 55mm if you can believe that, as well as the Alpina 48mm Avalanche Extreme and Corum Admirals Cup 48mm Competition.

Imagine your husband or boyfriends face when he sees you wearing a watch that is bigger than his.

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