Unimatic Is Making Only 400 Of Its Vintage-Inspired Gilt Dial Modello Uno Watch

Despite having existed for less than a decade, Unimatic has quickly built a reputable name for itself amongst horological enthusiasts with an ever-growing catalog of modern takes on military and dive watches. And while the boutique Italian outfit’s timepieces have traditionally sported an unmistakably contemporary flare, one of its latest limited edition references manages to put a decidedly old-school spin on its regular modus operandi, giving way to the Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-8B. 

To fully understand and appreciate the Modello Uno U1S-8B, it helps to have a grasp on Unimatic’s short but impressive history. Unimatic was first founded in 2015 by Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato — a pair of Milan natives who were formally trained at Italy’s largest technical university; the Polytechnic University of Milan. After both studying industrial design, the duo began kicking around the idea of designing their very own watch. Drawing inspiration from their favorite vintage references from the likes of Rolex, Omega, and Blancpain, Moro and Nunziato would eventually create the Modello Uno (or “Model One”). Putting a modern twist on Submariner-style dive watches, the Modello Uno was an instant hit in horological circles, propelling the Milanese micro watch brand to fame nearly overnight. The combination of a modern, eye-catching design coupled with premium materials, a top-shelf build quality and fit and finish, and an accessible price point, has become a formula for success for Unimatic that the brand continues to lean on to this day. 

The Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-8B is crafted around a 40mm 316L stainless steel case with a brushed finish. Measuring 11.9mm thick, the case is complemented via a protected, knurled screw-down crown and a 41.5mm coin-edge 120-click mono-directional-rotating security bezel with a matte black aluminum insert and a raised lume dot at 12 o’clock. The rear side of the watch’s 316L housing has been capped off with a conversion scale screw-down caseback, as well. Water resistant to 300 meters, the Modello Uno U1S-8B is kept ticking via an automatic Calibre SW200-1 Sellita movement with a hacking seconds hand, a 38-hour power reserve, a beat rate of 28,800bph, and an accuracy of +/- 12 sec/day. 

Though the U1S-8B-spec is based on Unimatic’s inaugural watch, this limited edition timepiece boasts a myriad of key differences that help distinguish it from the non-LE version of the Model One. While it maintains the same basic design and layout as the U1 Classic, this limited edition version of the UC1 has been bestowed with an unmistakable old-school influence in the form of a now gilt dial — an aesthetic that’s become increasingly popular over the last few years and has graced other noteworthy vintage-inspired modern divers like Tudor’s new Black Bay 54. 

Not only have the dial’s hour markers been outlined in a vintage-inspired gold hue, but the face’s perimeter tracks have also been recreated in this same retro-themed shade of gold — as has the dial’s “UNIMATIC” logo and text just above 6 o’clock. A gold hand-set also replaces the U1 Classic’s regular black hands, plus the dial’s hands and markers have been painted in old-school-looking gold and cream Super-LumiNova lume that glows in bright green. Even the raised lume dot on the bezel has been given the “fauxtina lume” treatment, perfectly complimenting the dial’s vintage-inspired motif. 

From the U2 Classic to the U3 Chronograph, Unimatic’s watches all boast a distinctive and modern feel that still sports visual elements that can be directly traced back to its historical predecessors — not unlike the latest iteration of Porsche’s fabled 911. Without compromising its design language or the Submariner-inspired dial layout that’s made it such a hit since its debut in 2015, the U1S-8B-spec UC1 pays clear homage to dive watches of the past, while also honoring the micro brand’s Italian heritage. The Modello Uno U1S-8B’s unique case and dial design has also been paired with a black TPU two-piece strap — an element that further differentiates it from the regular version of the UC1. 

The gilt dial’s contrasting gold elements manage to have a profound impact on the Modello Uno’s overall design, despite only being a partial color revision. This allows Unimatic to deliver a clearly vintage-inspired watch without deviating from its tried and true MO. What’s more, the U1S-8B strikes a perfect balance between old and new, giving the watch an old-school feel without feeling tacky or forced. Instead, the more subtle use of slightly-patina’d-looking gold dial elements make for an elegant horological offering that carries a certain timeless quality to it. And, if these factors didn’t already make this watch special enough, we should also point out that Unimatic has limited production of the U1S-8B to only 400 units worldwide — making it a bonafide collector’s piece, as well as simply a stunning vintage-inspired gilt dial dive watch. 

The Unimatic Model One Limited Edition Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel and TPU Watch, Ref. No. U1S-8B is available now through MR PORTER with pricing set at $1,020. Shipping inside one of Unimatic’s Pelican-style tough cases, the Modello Uno U1S-8B also comes with an extra black NATO strap. And, as per usual, MR PORTER stands behind this watch with a two-year warranty.