Without a doubt, U Boat has remained loyal to its unique case design throughout its entire collection. However, the Flightdeck series carries some sportier design elements that have helped to make it one of the more sought after lines that this Italian watchmaker offers today. Italo Fontana has been a true visionary after taking the helm of the brand. U Boat is definitely one of the shining stars in watchmaking today.
The Flightdeck referenced 6117 features a case, which is crafted solely from solid, stainless steel. The steel is completely satin finished, making for a very rugged and robust looking timepiece. This endeavor is helped along nicely by the massive case size of 50mm. This is the largest collection in the U Boat production line up. As with all U Boat timepieces, the main crown is located on the left side of the case and is protected by a distinguishing screw down, canteen cap crown guard, which is affixed unto the main case body. The very thick case middle carries the inscription “U Boat” in capital letters. The case back is exhibition styled so that the wearer can enjoy the view of the movement which drives the watch.
The movement is self-winding mechanical and it features a standard 44 hours of power reserve. Automatic movements power the watch through an oscillating mass, which spins and winds the mainspring. This energy is then transferred to the balance wheel or regulating organ which moves a gear train, which in turn moves the hands. U Boat personalizes the oscillating mass with an inscription of its name.
The dial on the 6117 is black with large luminous Arabic numeral hour markers and hands. This timepiece is also fitted with a chronograph function, which can time events by activating the two pushers at the 10 and 8 positions. The pusher at 10 starts and stops the chronograph, while the pusher at 8 resets it for future use. The chrono minutes and hours are displayed using subdials at 12 and 6. The register at 3 indicates the true seconds, while the central seconds hand is responsible for the chronograph. At 9 is a conservative date aperture. The dial is covered by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
The U Boat Flightdeck 6117 is outfitted with a stunning and luxurious black perforated leather strap. This model is water resistant to a depth of 100 meters or 10 ATM, which makes this timepiece an excellent choice for daily wear.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Chronographs, Date, Exhibition Case Back, Flightdeck, Leather, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, U Boat