U-BOAT
Fluid
Filled
U-Boat’s Capsoil collection revives an
engineering solution made popular in watches
by Bell & Ross’ back in 1997 when they
launched the Hydro Challenger. Twenty Two
years later, U-Boat has revisited the idea
with a retro design that emphasizes the
optical qualities of the type. Putting aside
for a moment that the Capsoil is likely water
resistant well beyond the modest 10atm claim
on the case, filling the void under the crystal
with liquid almost seems to project the dial
up onto the crystal in an effect that deepens
the clarity to the point where it seems there’s
almost no crystal at all. That is, except for
the giveaway void bubble. Like its much
more expensive predecessor, the Capsoil will
typically show a small “void” bubble that may
grow slightly larger or shrink depending on
the ambient temperature. Whether large or
small – it’s still damn cool to have an air bubble
dancing around under the crystal where no
liquid should normally ever be!
U Boat’s Capsoil is offered in time only
or chronograph options in either brushed
stainless steel or with a black PVD finish. Held
in place by a water resistant hand stitched
leather strap, the Capsoil is full sized at 45
mm, but creates an even bigger impact thanks
to the minimal bezel and magnifying effect of
the domed sapphire crystal combined with the
liquid oil underneath.
Built in Italy, the Capsoil houses a Ronda
quartz movement and in an unusual application
of the see-through back, the quartz movement
is visible through a smoky mineral crystal
window mounted on the case back. Capsoil &
other U Boat watches are available at www.
isaacjewelers.com and the Capsoil collection
retails from right around $1,700 up to $1,800
depending on the model.
70 | AboutTime Magazine