U-Boat Classico Titanium 8060 Automatic Chronograph, Ltd Edition of 299 Pieces, circa 2017

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

U-Boat is a relatively young name in Italian watchmaking, but its distinctive design language has made the brand instantly recognisable. Founded by Italo Fontana in 2000, U-Boat drew inspiration from watch designs originally conceived by his grandfather, Ilvo Fontana, for the Italian Navy during the 1940s. The Classico collection became central to the brand, combining oversized cases, industrial styling and U-Boat’s unmistakable left-hand crown arrangement. The large crown and protective locking system are not merely functional details – they have become part of U-Boat’s visual identity. Reference 8060 takes that characteristically bold approach further with a lightweight titanium case and a complex transparent dial, allowing much of the mechanical architecture beneath to become part of the design. What’s on Offer Here we have a Ltd Edition (299) U-Boat Classico Titanium, reference 8060, dating from approximately 2017 and presented in very good pre-owned condition. Its substantial 45mm titanium case delivers the imposing wrist presence expected from U-Boat while keeping weight down compared with a similarly sized steel watch. The case measures approximately 52.5mm lug-to-lug and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The black transparent skeleton dial is undoubtedly the centrepiece. Rather than concealing the mechanics beneath a conventional dial, U-Boat exposes much of the watch's construction, creating a layered, highly technical appearance. Chronograph displays, bold hands and the oversized 12 o'clock marker maintain legibility against the intricate background. On the left of the case sits U-Boat's signature oversized crown and protective locking system, accompanied by the chronograph pushers. The rear offers another view of the automatic movement through the distinctive exhibition case back. Inside is a customised Dubois Dépraz automatic mechanical movement, with 25 jewels and an approximate 38-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted to a black leather strap and comes complete with its original U-Boat box and papers.