Made in Italy: The U-Boat Capsule

Inspired by the first undersea exploration modules, the Capsule is the latest creation designed by Italo Fontana. Fascinated by depth gauges made in the early 1930s, this watch was designed with characteristic features in mind, from the rounded shape to the porthole windows with water pressure resistant glass to ensure that the people inside the cabin survived the dive.

U-BOAT Batisfera AKA the CAPSULE Watch 02The Capsule watch uses a patented system to clamp the glass to the grade 5 titanium case, featuring a system of external fixing levers guaranteed to withstand the pressure exerted by both outside and inside agents.

The two main levers, blocked in place by a third one positioned at three o’clock and by special safety screws, press the domed glass in hesalite against the waterproof gasket beneath. This system secures the watch in the event of pressure channges. The entire process of opening and removing the glass can be performed without dismantling any of the watch’s main components, but only the glass.

U-BOAT Batisfera AKA the CAPSULE Watch 01The two-piece case (middle and back) is joined by screws and has no bezel, which is replaced by the glass itself. The case is made from titanium grade 5. The crown can be screwed down and it is designed and manufactured according to U-Boat technical specifications.
The release mechanism on the right side of the case provides easy access to the dial and component parts. A special titanium ring guarantees an airtight seal and total water resistance up to 10 ATM. The case is 50 mm in diameter and 23.5 mm in height. The Capsule is powered by the U-28 movement.

This wristwatch from Italo Fontana comes in two different versions: with a black or a beige coloured dial. The watches come with a leather strap which is fully and worked and has a waxed cotton finishing.

The U-Boat Capsule watch is limited to 288 pieces.