I do like U-Boat’s ‘solid’ line of watches, but for the most part I just can’t pull off the outrageous sizes of most of them (Saint Honore take note – U-Boat know a true XXL watch :-) ).

However, if you find yourself in the same (U) boat as me, salvation may be at hand in a model available in a tiny .. 47mm .. form factor.

Well, we’ll take what we can – thanks U-Boat ;-)

[Press Release] U-1942 and the U-42 are with no doubt based on a watch developed by Italo Fontana’s grandfather for the Italian Navy. At last year’s Baselworld Italo Fontana unveiled the U-42 watch inspiring awe amongst U-Boat watch enthusiasts.

The limited edition U-42 was based in fact on the U-1942 but scaled down to 53mm. One year later, same place, Italo introduces the chronograph version in the same size (53mm) and in the smaller size of 47mm, both in black dial and limited edition of 999 pieces each.

Automatic mechanical chronograph modified and personalized at U-BOAT specifications for date display and stem position at 9 o’clock. Frequency 28.800 vibrations per hour; 4 Hz. Power reserve 44 hours. 25 Jewels. Height 7mm.

Back case fixed on case with 6 encapsulated hexagon screws. Watertight on axis reset and assured charge by PTFE gasket. Bi-directional rotating bezel lockable with a lever on the right side of the case. Fixing of revolving bezel by 3 screws encapsulated in the back case; the bezel removal, for maintenance and washing obtained by removing the three screws, does not affect the watch watertight.

All engravings on this piece are carried out by mechanical pantograph, including the brass dial with plate located, which is galvanised and finished with a bright enamel paste. The pressure resistance of this piece is tested in an autoclave at 40 bar before the final assembly is completed.

The winding crown was built in two parts: one is attached to the movement stem whilst the other is hinged to it with a pivot. This gives a flexible joint configuration which allows the crown to protrude considerably from the watch itself for winding and setting, yet returning it to a protected, hidden position – diminishing the side clutter when in action.

The water-tight crown protection attached to the stem is assured by a clipping gasket in energised Polytetrafluoroethylene and by an O-Ring twin-arrangement.

The dial is made with a slab in brass. All engravings on this piece are carried out by mechanical pantograph, including the brass dial which is galvanized and finished with a bright enamel paste.

MSRP starts at $5,600 to $7,000.