zelin0802 / February 21, 2024

The Flightdeck-bezel series is one of the U-Boat cheap watch concepts in which carbon fiber plays an important role. These Flightdeck chronograph variants come with bezels made of various materials. Titanium and gold were among the first materials used. At this year’s Baselworld, I saw the latest model – the Flightdeck Ceramic Bezel, with a dial entirely covered in carbon fiber.

The reason carbon fiber works so well on the U-Boat Flightdeck Ceramic Bezel is that the case is all black. The stainless steel case is PVD-coated, and the bezel, as the name suggests, is made of black ceramic. While it may sound like a remnant of old-school pottery-making techniques, the substance has made its way into the modern era, spanning high-tech industries such as aerospace and ballistic protection. In addition to its many uses, ceramic has been fully adapted and popularized for use in cheap swiss watches in recent years. Its use has many advantages. It’s lightweight and scratch-resistant – it’s harder than stainless steel and often even sapphire – and it’s fully pigmented, meaning any damage won’t show up as a different color underneath. All of these features are especially useful for bezels that are subject to abuse. Its hardness also determines the material’s affinity for fine finishes.

Beneath the thick sapphire crystal protected by a ceramic bezel is our carbon fiber dial. The white fluorescent paint of the thick hands contrasts sharply with the smooth carbon fiber background. The hour markers are finished in a more subtle gray paint that appears to float on the polymer over carbon fiber. Embossed auxiliary dial indicates chronograph measurements and elapsed seconds. Like the glossy ceramic bezel, carbon fiber adds a high-tech elegance to this impressive timepiece.

The rest of the case is straight out of the Flightdeck playbook. Measuring 50mm in diameter, it has a cap that screws into the left side of the case (like the U-Boat watches), protecting the already sturdy crown. As if the massive size of the case wasn’t enough, this unassuming crown cover adds to the case’s undeniable weight, but its position on the left makes the Flighdeck chrono surprisingly comfortable. The size of these watches is undeniable; often intimidating to those not used to larger watches. However, in my experience, it is the model that most converts those who are skeptical of larger timepieces to replica U-Boats.

In addition to using Swiss mechanical movements, U-boat watches are made in Italy. As an Italian company, it’s no surprise that they take the design and manufacturing of their leather watch straps very seriously. Like Italian shoes, belts, and jackets, U-boat bands were flashy, luxurious, and often expensive. The high-quality crocodile leather lining, soft calfskin leather and rubber protective frame are assembled by hand in the area around Florence, where the company is based.

The U-Boat Ceramic Bezel Flighdeck Chronograph is strong, sturdy, and bold—everything that points to the brand’s leaning toward instrument style. On the other hand, the sleek black ceramic bezel and carbon fiber dial give this replica watches online a high-tech elegance that is suitable for all elegant outings and dress codes.
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