
Size and case design:
The two watch cases are dimensionally seemingly a carbon copy with the difference being Sub Steel vs Titanium… and the copper sulphate capsule in the T50 lug. Color even seems similar. T50 case is grade 5 Ti but not hardened. Both have the same top grade SW300 movement and both are running right on the outer limits of COSC. T50 metal surface has slightly less sheen than the U50. Probably due to how titanium oxidizes.


Bezel:
I’ve owned various U Series watches over the years and the bezel action is always the same. A heavy well dampened feel but not super precise. The T50 is different. It utilizes the push to turn design and the clicks are lighter and much more precise. I like the action of both watches, but they are different. Both bezels appear to be the same diameter, but the indents carved into the T50 bezel gives the impression that the watch is slightly smaller. Not having a black bezel contributes to this also. T50 titanium bezel is the only part of the watch that is tegimented.

Dials:
Both have matte black/charcoal dials. Both appear to use the exact same slightly domed crystals. Hand / marker designs are very different with the T50 being a pilot design. It I almost as if they took the 556i and made it into a pseudo diver. Lume is similar, but the U50 has fatter hands and markers so is of course easier to read. The T50 has contrasting lume on the minute hand.
Bracelets:
I’ve always been a defender of the U Series bracelets and clasps. They are durable, functional and I don’t mind the stamped clasp as it allows it to be very thin so it wears well. Unfortunately the Titanium version doesn’t work as well. It felt loose and the divers extension would pop open constantly when putting the watch on. I spent a little time in my woodshop and was able to bend some of the parts slightly so it is fine now… but that shouldn’t be necessary. The T50 really deserves a better clasp at an almost $4 k price. The links are well machined and have more articulation than the U50 links despite being slightly thicker. The other negative is the edges of the links are a little sharp. The U50 links are not. Overall the T50 bracelet is super comfortable due to the lightness and articulation.


Overall impression of the T50 is very positive. I love Titanium watches and this is a good one. It has held up very well with just a few faint marks on the clasp. Titanium scratches quickly oxidize and match the rest of the finish. If all of my watches were made of the stuff I would be thrilled as I appreciate the lightness and comfort. I just returned from a two week trip to Spain and wore it 24 hours / day the entire time. One of those watches that you can wear when sleeping and forget it’s on. Clasp is the only down side, but hopefully they issue a revised machined clasp as they are doing on other models. I love the U50, but despite its reasonable dimensions it still has a heavy, chunky feel to it and you never forget you are wearing it, unlike the T50.
I was worried that the two watches would be too similar, but they feel very different. The T50 really reminds me of the Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 which is no accident as Lothar Schmidt had a role in the design of both watches.



