U-Boat U-65: what does its owner think?

The U-Boat U-65, launched in 2025 and presented at Watches & Wonders Geneva, marks an important evolution in the visual language of the Italian brand founded by Italo Fontana. While many historical U-Boat watches rely on massive cases, highly prominent crowns and an aesthetic inspired by military instrumentation, the U-65 develops a different idea: that of an extremely rounded, almost organic watch built around a dramatically domed crystal and movable lugs that follow the shape of the wrist more closely. The collection debuted with a 44 mm diameter and two distinct technical architectures.

The quartz versions use a Swiss Ronda 756 movement immersed in an oil bath, while the mechanical automatic versions rely on the skeletonised Miyota 8N24. The former play with the impression that the crystal has disappeared thanks to the oil filling the case; the latter instead highlight the depth of the mechanical movement. All retain a strong visual dimension and a stated water resistance of 50 metres.

Design & legibility: the Hypercurve effect at the heart of the U-65

The U-65 is immediately recognisable by the way its crystal dominates the overall construction of the watch. On the quartz versions, the hyper-domed sapphire crystal has a stated height of 13.20 mm and a thickness of 3 mm and acts almost like a genuine lens above the dial. The design deliberately avoids large flat surfaces: case, crystal and attachments appear to flow into one another in a continuous rounded movement. The skeletonised metal dial is organised across three stacked levels to create depth, with large numerals and markers treated with Super-LumiNova. The arrow-shaped hands remain thick and easy to identify. The signature of the U-65 relies less on a complication than on this impression of continuous volume between dial, crystal and case. On the oil-filled quartz variants, perception changes again: refraction between the crystal, oil and dial makes the indications appear extremely close to the surface. A deliberately visible air bubble moves inside and serves to compensate for variations in liquid volume caused by temperature changes. The automatic variants replace this liquid effect with a direct view of the skeletonised calibre and its components.

Case, strap and comfort: 44 mm moderated by movable lugs

The 44 mm diameter clearly places the U-65 among watches with a strong wrist presence, but its construction seeks to reduce the effect of a rigid case sitting flat on the wrist. The strap attachments are articulated and can therefore pivot to follow the curvature of the arm more closely. The case is made from 316L stainless steel, either left in a visible steel finish or given a black PVD treatment depending on the reference. The straps supplied with the first models are mainly silicone or rubber, measuring 22 mm at the case and approximately 20 mm at the buckle. The movable lugs are an important feature in making the 44 mm diameter easier to accommodate on wrists of different sizes. The 50-metre water resistance is suitable for daily life and occasional contact with water but places the U-65 far from being a dive watch despite the highly technical appearance of some variants. Construction differs significantly according to movement: automatic models notably receive a caseback with smoked mineral glass secured by six screws, while the quartz models use a specific locking system intended, among other things, to facilitate battery replacement. Complete measurements for overall length and total case thickness are not communicated consistently across the entire collection.

Movements: immersed quartz or skeletonised mechanics

The U-65 collection offers two almost opposite mechanical experiences. Quartz variants receive a Swiss Ronda 756 adapted to operate while immersed in oil. They display hours and minutes, while time setting is carried out through a pusher on the back of the case rather than through a traditional crown. Oil completely fills the available space and contributes to the optical effect of reduced depth between dial and crystal; the visible bubble is a functional consequence of this architecture rather than a defect. Automatic versions dispense with liquid and use the Japanese Miyota 8N24 skeletonised calibre, fitted with 21 jewels and offering a stated power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The choice between the two movements fundamentally changes the U-65 experience rather than simply changing how the watch is powered. With quartz, the owner gains a highly unusual display and straightforward use without regular winding. With the automatic, the spectacle shifts towards the mechanical organs visible beneath the crystal and through the caseback. The Miyota also adds central seconds, whereas the Ronda quartz versions are presented with hours and minutes only. Precise recommendations concerning servicing intervals are not communicated.

Chronological milestones and main models (2025)

(2025) U-Boat U-65 44mm SS Green:

This variant is one of the most direct expressions of the U-65 concept introduced in 2025. The U-Boat U-65 44mm SS Green 3350 combines a 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case with a grey metal dial built on three levels. The large hour markers, numerals and arrow-shaped hands receive green Super-LumiNova treatment, giving this version a strongly graphic identity both in darkness and in daylight. The Swiss Ronda 756 quartz movement operates inside a case completely filled with a special oil. This construction intensifies colours and visually reduces the separation between the dial and hyper-domed sapphire crystal. A bubble deliberately remains visible to compensate for variations in volume caused by temperature. Time is set using a pusher positioned on the caseback. The silicone strap measures 22 mm where it connects to the case and the articulated lugs seek to improve adaptation to the wrist. Stated water resistance is 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 44mm SS Turquoise:

The turquoise variation retains exactly the same technical philosophy as the first quartz series while using colour as a major differentiating element. The U-Boat U-65 44mm SS Turquoise 3352 has a 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case, a hyper-domed sapphire crystal and a three-level grey skeletonised metal dial. Numerals, markers and hands are treated here with turquoise Super-LumiNova, standing out particularly strongly against the darker dial structures. The Ronda 756 movement is entirely immersed in oil contained within the case. In addition to its role in the intended visual effect, this architecture explains the presence of the mobile bubble visible beneath the crystal. The watch displays hours and minutes and is adjusted using a pusher on the caseback. The movable lug system allows the silicone strap to follow the contour of the wrist more easily despite the generous diameter. Water resistance remains limited to 50 metres, making this U-65 better suited to daily wear than sustained aquatic activity.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 44mm SS White:

The White configuration offers a more neutral interpretation of the U-65 while retaining the strong contrast created by its multi-level dial. The U-Boat U-65 44mm SS White 3354 uses a 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case and a grey skeletonised metal dial whose numerals, markers and hands are coated with white luminous material. The oil-filled construction remains identical to that of the other quartz versions: immersed Swiss Ronda 756 movement, visible compensation bubble and no traditional setting crown. Time is corrected using the pusher located on the back of the case. The highly domed sapphire further strengthens the impression that the indications are floating directly beneath its surface. The silicone strap and mobile attachments contribute to comfort, an important consideration given the width of the watch. Water resistance is stated at 5 atmospheres, or 50 metres. This white colourway is among the easiest to combine with a wide variety of clothing while retaining the very distinctive character of the U-65.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 44mm PVD Green:

This version transfers the immersed quartz architecture into a considerably darker case. The U-Boat U-65 44mm PVD Green 3351 still uses 316L stainless steel, but it receives a black PVD treatment that visually extends the dial and increases the contrast of the green luminous elements. Diameter remains 44 mm and the strap attachments remain movable to improve the way the watch sits on the wrist. Inside, the Ronda 756 quartz movement is lubricated and immersed in the oil bath characteristic of this branch of the range. The oil visually intensifies the colours and accompanies the effect created by the strongly domed sapphire crystal. The visible bubble moves according to the orientation of the watch and immediately contributes to its identity. Functions remain deliberately simple with hours and minutes, while the setting pusher is positioned on the back. The black silicone or rubber strap naturally matches the PVD finish and emphasises the monochrome character of the case. Stated water resistance remains 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS Green:

With this variant, the U-65 abandons liquid and quartz in favour of visible mechanics. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS Green 3344 retains a 44 mm diameter and a 316L stainless-steel case but receives a self-winding Miyota 8N24 whose skeletonised construction becomes an essential part of the dial. The movement has 21 jewels and a stated power reserve of 42 hours. Functions include hours, minutes and seconds. The large metal hour markers and numerals, together with the black hands, are treated with green Super-LumiNova. A conventional crown returns with this architecture and itself receives a green mineral-glass insert. The caseback combines steel and tinted mineral glass secured by six screws, revealing in particular a customised skeletonised rotor. The front crystal is domed K9 mineral rather than the hyper-domed sapphire used on the immersed quartz variants. The green silicone strap measures 22/20 mm and stated water resistance remains 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS Turquoise:

The turquoise version develops the same mechanical architecture with a brighter colour palette. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS Turquoise 3345 uses a 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case and the skeletonised automatic Miyota 8N24 calibre. Its black metal dial leaves considerable visual space for the mechanical construction, while applied markers, numerals and hands receive turquoise Super-LumiNova. The crown itself contains a turquoise mineral insert, a detail that visually connects the different elements of the watch. The caseback incorporates coloured mineral glass and a customised skeletonised rotor. Stated power reserve reaches approximately 42 hours and the calibre uses 21 jewels. Unlike the quartz variants, there is no oil filling or mobile bubble; visual depth here comes from the layering of the dial and visible movement. The front crystal is made from domed K9 mineral. The turquoise silicone strap uses a width of 22/20 mm and the lugs remain articulated. Stated water resistance is 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS White:

The steel-and-white combination is one of the highest-contrast versions of the automatic family. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm SS White 3346 retains the 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case and the skeletonised automatic Miyota 8N24. The movement provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve and uses 21 jewels. Against the black metal dial, the white numerals and hour markers stand out clearly, as do the black hands coated with white Super-LumiNova. The domed K9 crystal highlights the different levels of the dial without using the immersion effect of the quartz models. The steel caseback incorporates smoked mineral glass and is secured by six screws; it allows the customised skeletonised rotor to be observed. This reference is supplied notably with a 22/20 mm white silicone strap and steel buckle. The movable attachments allow the strap to descend more naturally around the wrist. Functions are limited to hours, minutes and seconds, and stated water resistance is 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD Green:

The PVD finish significantly changes the perception of the automatic U-65 by reducing the bright metallic surfaces surrounding the movement. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD Green 3347 receives a 44 mm 316L stainless-steel case with black PVD treatment. The mechanical automatic Miyota 8N24 remains fully visible in the composition and provides hours, minutes and seconds, with a stated 42-hour power reserve and 21 jewels. Metal markers and numerals receive green Super-LumiNova while the black hands are also coated with green luminous material. The crown is distinguished by its green mineral insert. The caseback combines treated steel and coloured mineral glass secured by six screws, while the rotor is customised and skeletonised. The front crystal is domed K9 mineral. The 22/20 mm black rubber strap extends the dark character of the case, leaving the green details to act as the principal visual references. Like the other automatic U-65 watches, this reference remains water-resistant to 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD Turquoise:

The Turquoise variant introduces a highly visible cool colour to the black architecture of the PVD version. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD Turquoise 3348 has a 44 mm PVD-treated 316L steel case, complemented by a crown whose mineral-glass insert uses the same turquoise shade as the luminous material. The black metal dial forms a structure for the applied markers and numerals, while the skeletonised Miyota 8N24 appears at the centre of the composition. This automatic calibre has 21 jewels, drives hours, minutes and seconds and provides a stated power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The caseback is equipped with turquoise mineral glass and secured by six screws. The front crystal is domed K9 mineral. The watch is paired with a 22/20 mm black rubber strap and PVD-treated buckle. The attachments remain movable to help the strap wrap around the wrist. As with the rest of this first mechanical generation, water resistance is stated at 5 atmospheres, or 50 metres.

(2025) U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD White:

The White variation combines the fully dark case with considerably more neutral luminous indications. The U-Boat U-65 Automatic 44mm PVD White 3349 retains the 44 mm 316L steel case with black PVD treatment, movable lugs and the skeletonised automatic Miyota 8N24 calibre. It has 21 jewels and approximately 42 hours of power reserve. Displayed functions are hours, minutes and seconds. Metal markers and numerals receive white Super-LumiNova and the black hands are complemented by the same luminous treatment. The treated-steel caseback is fitted with smoked mineral glass and secured by six screws, allowing the customised rotor to be observed. At the front, U-Boat uses a domed K9 mineral crystal that highlights the architecture of the dial and calibre. The black rubber strap measures 22 mm at the attachments and 20 mm at the buckle. This black-and-white combination is probably the most understated of the automatic PVD variants while retaining the spectacular volume characteristic of the family. Stated water resistance remains 50 metres.

Conclusion

The U-Boat U-65 is aimed above all at someone who considers a watch as much a design object as an instrument for reading the time. Its 44 mm diameter and dramatically domed crystal give it considerable presence, but the movable attachments seek to make this architecture more adaptable to the wrist. The choice between immersed quartz and skeletonised automatic then allows the watch to provide two very different experiences: optical effect, bubble and simplicity on one side, visible mechanical movement on the other. Steel versions are generally brighter, while PVD finishes emphasise the graphic character of the green, turquoise or white treatments. Before choosing a reference, trying the watch on remains particularly relevant given the model’s unusual geometry.

To compare this highly distinctive proposition with real ownership experience in terms of comfort, finishing, accuracy and daily enjoyment, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)