U-BOAT Classico U-1001 (2nd look)

By TLex At 55mm the U-1001 is largest deep diver ever made. Its case is constructed Grade 2 titanium, a purer grade of titanium that is non-alloyed, so not quite a tough as Grade 5, which is more commonly used in watchmaking. However Grade 2 is highly corrosion resistant, so suitable for marine applications, namely dive watches, and in my opinion has a more attractive finish.



The U-1001 may recall the look of the Classico, with its oversized case and canteen crown protector, but is a far more capable looking dive watch. It is water-resistant to 1001 meters, an achievement for a watch with a such a large dial to crystal ratio. The crystal itself still 5.5mm thick! It sports a large manual helium decompression valve (8 o'clock) as if it to remind as that this is a dive watch. ;)



The U-1001's bold dial, which is available in three photo-luminescent color options (beige, orange, blue), is multilayerd or what is know has a sandwich dial. Recessed numbers and index markers are set into the dual layers to create a lovely 3-dimensional aesthetic. The hands and Arabic numerals with Superluminova.



An engraved titanium plate (single lug attatchment) acts as bridge between the case (6 o'clock) and its specialized rubber strap, which is attached to a divers deployante buckle at the other end. More engraving can be seen on the case sides and fixed bezel, but the coolest work is on the caseback, where a Deep Sea Angler Fish has been appropriately engraved another reminder of the its high depth rating.



The U-1001 is fitted with Swiss made automatic mechanical movement, that has been modified and decorated. The watch is limited edition of 1001 pieces. It come presented in the amazing exhibition box below.

The U-1001is one of the most desirable watches on the blue planet, I want one badly . . .



MOVEMENT automatic mechanical, modified and
personalized to U-BOAT specifications for stem position
at 9 o'clock. Height 4,60mm, jewels 25.
Power reserve 40 hours.

FUNCTIONS hours, minutes, seconds, date at 4 o'clock.
Frequency 28.800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz.

CASE in grade 2 natural titanium, distinguishing crown on left
side, with a special protective device (protected as a Trade
Mark) and helium escape valve, serial number engraved on a
steel plate, set on the left hand side of the case.
Diameter 55 mm. Thickness 18,20mm. Weight 205 g approx.

BACK screwed in, limited edition 1001 units, serial
numbering engraved in bas-relief. Rotor with Côtes de Genève
decoration.

DIAL the dial of this model is made up of two superimposed
dials: one treated with superluminova and coloured pigments
added (beige, orange or blue) and the other one cut, treated
with composed opaque black pigments. Arabic numerals,
superluminova luminous hands. 1001 writing in high relief.

CRYSTAL high quality sapphire, scratchproof, 5,5 mm thick.

WATER-RESISTANCE 1001 metres - 100 ATM.

STRAP black, rubber (hypoallergenic) with plate in titanium,
deployante buckle. Width 23/22 mm. Fastened to the case with
screws.

Ref. Classico U-1001 (Limited edition 1001 units)