U-Boat celebrates 25 years of the Chimera limited-edition watch

The Star

16-06-2025

Only 25 pieces of the Chimera 25 are available.
It was not so long ago, in the year 2000, that a young man − Italo Fontana − decided to start on an assignment, inspired by his grandfather Ilvo's barely sketched project.
This has resulted in the remarkable growth and journey of U-Boat, now synonymous with innovation, tradition and Tuscan craftsmanship.
Above all, it has become an expression of the mind and heart of its founder, Italo Fontana, marked by 25 years of success.
U-Boat has always challenged conventions, launching watch collections with an iconic design, against trends and fashions, and initially with oversized dimensions, even surprising the public at the Baselworld fair with a 65mm diameter wristwatch – the largest ever made at the time.
A plaque with the serial number distinguishes the U-Boat Chimera's reference.
To celebrate this important milestone, the brand has launched a limited-edition of only 25 pieces of one of the most iconic and recognisable watch designs that has undoubtedly marked the brand's history in the hearts of enthusiasts: the Chimera.
The 46mm 316L stainless steel case houses a spectacular Damascus steel bezel, characterised by fascinating veins and aesthetic variations.
The design is enhanced by five 18kt yellow gold tension screws that secure the bezel to the caseback, emphasising the attention to detail and refinement of the watch.
Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire-coated mineral glass, the black metal dial is divided into two sections: the upper part features a 'carres' pattern while the lower section, in brushed metal with a gold finish, hosts the hour, minute and second hands, also in brushed metal.
The steel caseback is engraved with the 25th-anniversary logo.
An additional sub-dial, with a yellow gold border, frames the 25th-anniversary commemorative logo, while a plaque positioned at six o'clock celebrates this milestone.
A curved date window is situated in the upper left to display the day's date.
On the left side of the case, at 10 o'clock, stands the iconic patented button for easy crown extraction, made of 18kt yellow gold and knurled for a secure grip.
On the opposite side, a plaque with the serial number distinguishes the watch's reference and the ordinal number of the limited edition.
The strap is made of selected ostrich leather, crafted by artisans.
The steel caseback features a central mineral glass section, engraved with the 25th-anniversary logo.
In addition to the five gold tension screws, the caseback is secured with four additional screws that ensure water-resistance up to 100m, protecting the Swiss automatic mechanical movement ETA 2824 Top Soigne, modified according to U-Boat specifications.
The customised rotor, made of brass and tungsten, showcases an elegant perlage finish and a rhodium-plated treatment.
The strap with a pin buckle is made of selected ostrich leather, crafted in Tuscany by artisans.
The iconic patented button for easy crown extraction, made of 18kt yellow gold, is knurled for a secure grip.
With a total of over 13g of gold distributed among buttons, side plaque, tension screws, and dial, the Chimera 25° is a tribute to U-Boat's successful history.
This celebratory watch blows out 25 candles, but still looks to the future with the same determination and innovative spirit that have made the brand a key player in the world of watchmaking.