Today’s topic of discussion is a brand that might just fit the bill of “one-of-a-kind”. Let’s dive in.
UNIMATIC watches are known for their precision and craftsmanship, but the most interesting aspect of the brand is how they excel in fulfilling the demand for custom, small-batch timepieces tailored to private commissions for military, public, or corporate clients.
UNIMATIC offers limited production watches. Since this business model became very popular recently (as it can create an exclusive ethos around the brand and watches), I’m usually skeptical when I learn about “limited” edition watches, or collections, as often I don’t see the reason behind the limited nature of the product, and I feel the exclusivity is too forced.
Well, I did my research, and I’m happy to report that in this case, I’m okay with the limited approach.
By producing a limited number of each model, UNIMATIC ensures that their timepieces deliver the quality they’re aiming for. This approach allows the brand to experiment with new designs, innovative features without the pressure of mass production, and they can maintain the high standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The History of UNIMATIC
UNIMATIC is a new watch brand from Italy, founded in 2015 by Simone Nunziato and Giovanni Moro. Their background is in industrial design, and their watch designs are combining a minimalist design with a robust look. The robustness is not just in the looks, as the brand’s focus on high quality enables the Unimatic timepieces to be real tool watches.
Movements Used by UNIMATIC
UNIMATIC watches are equipped with different automatic calibers.
The more affordable ones (around $500) have the reliable NH35A automatic movement provided by Seiko. The NH35A caliber has a 41-hour power reserve. A tried and tested movement at a reasonable price point.
Since UNIMATIC’s business model puts an emphasis on the “watches as collectible items” angle, I was hoping they would equip some of their watches with Swiss movements. If we’re talking about high performance and top quality, Swiss movements are essential. Good news: several Unimatic watch models feature a Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. Introduced in 2012, the Sellita caliber SW200-1 is the rival of the ETA’s 2824-2 workhorse movement. The SW 200-1 provided 38 hours of power reserve.
Several respected watch manufacturers are choosing this movement as an alternative to the ETA mechanism due to its affordability and wide accessibility.
Takeaway: Are UNIMATIC Watches Good?
I’m genuinely excited about UNIMATIC as a brand. They set an excellent example for other microbrands, as they already established themselves as a leading independent microbrand, prioritizing craftsmanship and unique designs.
While I’m personally not the biggest fan of the traditional minimalist watches, UNIMATIC’s solution to combine minimalism with a robust look is definitely something I like a lot.
With their attention to detail, versatile design capabilities, and mastery of horological innovation, UNIMATIC empowers individuals, organizations, and companies to commission exceptional timepieces that serve not only as functional instruments but also as distinctive elements reflecting their identity and purpose. This seamless blend of artistry and precision makes UNIMATIC an invaluable partner for those seeking exclusive, bespoke watches.
Buyer’s Guide: UNIMATIC Watch Collections
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Modello Uno U1 CLASSIC – UC1
Specs:
- Ref #: UWK-UC1
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35A
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49 mm
- Price: Around $500
Unimatic’s most notable model is the Modello Uno (U1). A combination of minimalist aesthetic with practical dive watch features, this watch quickly became very popular. The case width is 40mm, a very comfortable wear for all wrist sizes. The overall design is influenced by the classic dive watch designs from the mid-20th century, making it a classic. It’s powered by the NH35A automatic movement, which provides a 41-hour power reserve.
Modello Due U2 CLASSIC – UC2
Specs:
- Ref #: UWK-UC2
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35A
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 38.5 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.5 mm
- Price: Under $500
The Modello Due U2-C is a field watch from Unimatic, and this watch’s design has the biggest focus on minimalism. The case is reduced to its bare essentials: there are no crown guards, no rotating bezel, just the essence of a field watch. However, if we take a closer look, we see some details that are pointing to a bit more complex design planning. The case itself has a circular brushing, connecting the round dial with the clam-like shape of the more angular case.
And since this is a field watch, the case width is 38.5mm.
Modello Tre U3 CLASSIC – UC3
Specs:
- Ref #: UWK-UC3
- Movement: Meca-Quartz
- Caliber: Seiko VK64
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 41.5 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 51 mm
- Price: Around $500
The Modello Tre is a chrono dive watch. Its overall design closely resembles the Modello Uno. To make sure the dial doesn’t get crowded, the size of the case was increased, and it has a 41.5 mm width, which is still a very comfortable size for a chronograph. The movement is the VK64 meca-quartz movement provided by Seiko.
Modello Quattro U4 CLASSIC – UC4
Specs:
- Ref #: UWK-UC4
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35A
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49 mm
- Price: Under $500
The Modello Quattro might just be my personal favorite collection. It is a diving watch, an interesting evolution of the Modello Uno, and it’s part of the permanent Unimatic Classic collection. A timeless, modern design featuring a high legibility black matte dial. Since we’re looking at a true tool watch, it is featuring Super-LumiNova® C3 pale green for optimal performance in any condition.
The solid 316 brushed stainless steel case is now paired with a brushed stainless steel bezel, creating a more tough and robust look.
The screw-down caseback is engraved with the ‘Rosa dei Venti’ (wind rose) diagram – this was a tool used by seafarers before the compass.
The Modello Quattro is equipped with the reliable NH35A automatic movement, providing 41 hours of power reserve.
WRITTEN BY
Maté D
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