Help me find the watch I'm after...

[cmf73]

Hi,

I was looking at getting a U-Boat Classico but after researching the brand amongst the watch fraternity the feedback I was getting back was unfavourable. They are regarded as being vastly overpriced. I quite fancy an old style diving watch as I already have an Omega Seamaster and a titanium Citizen Skyhawk (pilots watch).
I’m now trying to find a similar style watch to the U-Boat Classico that is also regarded as a quality timepiece. I’ve found some nice looking watches among the Parnis / Tauchmeister / TW Steel range but they are all at the £100-300 end of the market and all get mixed reviews, especially about the Asian movements.
I’m after a quality Swiss / German watch that has that U-Boat style about it. Does one exist? I only have thin wrists so preferably nothing bigger than a 45mm case would be ideal. I was willing to pay £1200 for a Classico so anything below this budget would be preferable. Are there any other brands you can point me towards?

There are a couple of links below to show you the kind of style I’m after.

http://www.u-boatwatch.co.uk/classico.html

http://images.quickblogcast.com/7/1/0/8/1/126457-1...

http://www.tauchmeistershop.nl/images/T0179-GAL.jp...

Any advice appreciated,

Craig.

[ShadownINja]

If you like the U-boat "canteen" design with the huge crown protector, then Tauchmeister or Parnis should satisfy your cravings. They're decent watches for the money but I wouldn't use the term "quality" as they're not in the same league as Seiko or Citizen. Should be able to pick one up on ebay for around £50.

As I understand it, U-boat (the brand) are no more authentic than Tauchmeister (Chinese movements). U-boat are based in Italy, IIRC, so why they're producing Russian diving watches and why their watches would be more authentic...

(The short answer to your question, therefore, is "No.")

Edited by ShadownINja on Monday 26th July 18:23

[Ikemi]

TW Steel do a watch similar in design to U-BOAT:

http://www.thewatchdepartment.co.uk/TW-Steel/Cante...

TW may offer a better quality watch than some of the cheaper offerings, but they are still not held in high regard within watch circles. If you really like the U-BOAT, then go for it! You'll be the one wearing it Perhaps it might be worth looking for one on the second hand market?

Failing that, maybe a second hand Panerai? But you'll need to increase your budget closer to £2K

[Nolar Dog]

I have this that I never wear and would sell.
I have the original strap somewhere.



PM me if interested.