Introduction
Well, this is very exciting and humbling. Our good friends at U-Boat have kindly given us, Andrew Michaels Jewellers (amjwatches.co.uk) pre-sale access to their latest creations. Nine new Capsoils and five new Lady’s models.
The Capsoil was originally released as a four piece set in November 2018. Two time-only models in steel or DLC and two chronographs, again with steel or DLC cases (references 8110, 8108, 8111 and 8109, respectively). These radical new timepieces had one major difference over all other U-Boats, the case was filled with oil. Unlike the Bell and Ross Hydromax, which was filled with oil to allow it to withstand the pressures of the deepest part of the ocean at 11000 meters, the Capsoils used the oil, coupled with curved sapphire glass, to create a unique aesthetic that allowed the wearer to view their watch from incredibly acute angles. It was as if the dial was printed on the underside of the sapphire glass. The edges of the dial are in constant visual turmoil (or TurmOil?). It is unique to the point of being distracting.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, it is incredibly difficult and expensive to create a rounded sapphire crystal. The crystal is grown in a long tube and then sliced for the individual discs required for each watch. This process lends itself to a flat glass. Historically, the glass was a hardlex crystal, or similar, which can be moulded. This process lends itself to a rounded glass. The new Capsoils released this year have a mineral glass. Therefore, for reasons explained above, you would expect a favourable price drop from the original Capsoils. However, we have all been incredibly impressed that the new models are priced between £770 and £990! And there is a bronze PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) model this time as well! One can only assume that U-Boat have been able to perfect the oil-filled-case process to allow for this.
Despite the incredible price drop the all new Capsoil models come with a Swiss Rhonda 712.3 movement, which is lubricated with an oil bath, 38mm or 44mm diameter cases, screw down backs, a curved mineral glass and 50m water resistance. Most of the specification of the originals, coupled all of the charm and character, for half the money.
Whether you consider my usual articles erudite essays or banal banter, they exist to serve a purpose; To educate and incite the reader into a justified luxury watch purchase. However, U-Boat have done all of the hard work for me. Five words is all it takes: Capsoil for under a grand.
There are seven Darkmoon models and two Rainbow models. Each are described below.
Darkmoon 44mm, Black dial and Bronze PVD case with LASER cut hand-made leather strap – reference 8467 – retail price £990.
Darkmoon 44mm, Black dial, Steel case on synthetic rubber strap – reference 8463 – retail price £770
Darkmoon 44mm, red mineral glass, black IPB case on synthetic rubber strap – reference 8466 – retail price £890
Above is an example of three of these extraordinary new releases from U-Boat.
Also within the new Capsoil range we find:
Darkmoon, reference 8465 with red mineral glass, black dial and 44mm steel case on rubber strap – retail price £800
Darkmoon, reference 8464 with black dial and 44mm black IPB case on rubber strap – retail price £860
Darkmoon, reference 8470 with black dial and 38mm black IPB case on mesh bracelet – retail price £890
Darkmoon, reference 8471 with black dial and 38mm steel case on mesh bracelet – retail price £810
Rainbow, reference 8468 with orange nuance dial and 44mm bronze IPB case on mesh bracelet – retail price £890
Rainbow, reference 8469 with orange nuance dial and 44mm steel case on mesh bracelet – retail price £880
These new models will eventually replace the original Capsoils, reference 8108/A and 8110/A, in the current catalogue. The original Capsoil Chrono 45 models, reference 8109/A and 8111/A, will continue to be produced.
New Lady’s U-Boats
In addition to the above Gent’s models U-Boat have released some stunning Lady’s models. Please note that these models do not have the oil filled case. Instead they are presented with Mother of Pearl dials and Arabic numeral indexes set with bright crystals. The same elegant case design and domed mineral glass are present.
Rainbow, reference 8472 with pink Mother of Pearl dial and 38mm steel case on pink alligator strap – retail price £860
Also included in the new line-up will be:
Rainbow, reference 8473 with pink Mother of Pearl dial and 38mm bronze IPB case on mesh bracelet – retail price £890
Rainbow, reference 8474 with blue Mother of Pearl dial and 38mm steel case on mesh bracelet – retail price £860
Rainbow, reference 8475 with blue Mother of Pearl dial and 38mm bronze IPB case on blue alligator strap – retail price £890
One final addition is a new Lady’s Classico, that is already available to purchase. This stylised lady’s watch utilises the strong aesthetic of the Classico family with extraordinary dials and a spray of sapphires.
Classico, reference 8481 with turquoise Mother of Pearl dial with 42 white sapphires and 38mm steel case on turquoise alligator strap – retail price £1620
Also available in this range are the following:
Classico, reference 8480 with pink Mother of Pearl dial with 42 white sapphires and 38mm steel case on pink alligator strap – retail price £1620
Courtesy of uboatwatch.com
Classico, reference 8482 with black Mother of Pearl dial with 42 white sapphires and 38mm steel case on white alligator strap – retail price £1620
Courtesy of uboatwatch.com
I would like to conclude with an apology for the amateur photography due to our studio being closed presently (April 2020).
If you are interested in any of these models please make enquiries to [email protected] or [email protected]
