Stratos, the first U-BOAT watch with a “strategic” thickness.

“Freedom in Creation" has always been Italo Fontana’s motto since the early steps in the watch industry.

As he often states in interviews: “I like the identity and originality of my creations, I do not have an obligation to create the same things that I have always designed, or to continue to do oversized timepieces. When an inspiration comes to me, I see it through. I plani t strategically and I do what I like.”

The U-BOAT design and Italo’s influence behind it are now so popular that can be recognised in every creation even if is not a watch. “Stratos" is a Greek word that immediately brings us to the word "Strategy": a set of guidelines, tactics and methodologies used to address any problem
to reach its solution or to achieve a predetermined goal.
Italo introduces a watch with a smaller size compared to the previous editions and extremely flat. A “strategic” watch perfect to be worn under a nice tuxedo or a man suit. Gentleman's elegance that perfectly matches the strong and bold character identity  of the U-BOAT brand.
The Classico is no doubt one of the most iconic designs conceived by Italo Fontana. This time he unveils two version of Classico named Stratos in sizes 45mm and size 40mm but scaled down to an unusual thickness respectively of 7 mm and 9.5 mm.
Both the Stratos watches are in stainless steel featuring distinguishing patented crown on left side sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating is secured to the case through a bezel in polished tungsten the hardest of all metals and boasting a serial number plate is fixed on the side of the case.
The back of the case is sealed with seven external screws opening U-shaped sapphire fumé crystal allowing the movement to be see. The Stratos is hand winding in the version 40mm and automatic mechanical in the bigger version with an additional counter of the 24 hours of the day. The dial is composed of two superimposed layers in the version 45mm and three layers in the smaller version with the upper one in black with luminous beige hands and indexes. Last but not least in both the Stratos models a handmade and hand-finished alligator leather strap
in black for the 45mm and dark brown for the 40mm with stainless steel tongue buckle.