Unimatic’s NASA Collab Looks Straight Out of Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’

With space-themed watches seemingly everywhere these days (we’re looking at you, MoonSwatch), it takes something truly distinctive to stand out from the cosmic crowd. Enter the Unimatic x Massena LAB U1-SPG “NASA Artemis” Limited Edition – a retro-futuristic GMT diver whose unmistakable burnt orange Cerakote finish commands attention the moment it enters the room. And, while this is certainly a bit more niche and funky that your traditional divers, we’re definitely here for it.

The Next Giant Leap for Watchkind

While the Apollo program dominated the space race narrative of the 1960s and 70s, NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions are aiming to write the next chapter of lunar exploration. Scheduled to begin crewed missions in 2026, Artemis will return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972, establish a permanent lunar base, and eventually serve as a stepping stone for humanity’s journey to Mars. It’s ambitious, forward-thinking, and exactly the kind of pioneering spirit that William Massena wanted to capture in this collaboration.

What better way to honor this next great leap than with a watch that perfectly balances the retrofuturistic aesthetics of space exploration’s golden age with modern watchmaking sensibilities? The U1-SPG does just that, channeling Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey vibe in a package that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

That Color Though…

Let’s address the orange elephant in the room – this thing is BRIGHT. The burnt orange Cerakote coating covering the 40mm steel case isn’t just a random design choice; it’s a direct homage to the distinctive hue of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that will power the Artemis missions. And while orange might seem like an unusual choice for a serious watch, it has deep roots in space exploration, from astronaut flight suits to equipment designed for high visibility.

The Cerakote itself is worth discussing – it’s an aerospace-grade ceramic coating with a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, offering serious protection against corrosion and scratches. That said, Cerakote will develop character over time, wearing gradually at high-contact points – something to embrace rather than fear, as it’ll make your watch uniquely yours.

To create visual contrast, the 120-click unidirectional bezel and crown are finished in a deep charcoal Cerakote that perfectly balances the vibrant case. It’s a thoughtful touch that keeps the watch from becoming overwhelming, while still maintaining its bold identity.

NASA Approved

The U1-SPG’s dial delivers an unmistakable space vibe with its matte black base adorned with “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova markers and the iconic vintage NASA “worm” logo proudly displayed above the 6 o’clock position. This officially licensed NASA branding makes the watch part of a select club of timepieces allowed to bear the space agency’s iconic insignia.

What really elevates the dial is the hollow GMT hand, which allows you to read the time without obscuring the underlying hour markers. The 24-hour scale around the dial’s periphery is also fully lumed – a practical touch that maintains the watch’s tool credentials despite its space-age styling.

Flip the watch over and you’ll find the Artemis mission emblem engraved on the solid caseback – a stylized “A” rising from Earth toward the Moon, symbolizing humanity’s return to lunar exploration. Each watch is individually numbered out of the 99-piece limited run, making it a genuinely collectible piece.

Not Just a Pretty Face

Despite its space mission inspiration, the U1-SPG is first and foremost a capable tool watch. With 300 meters of water resistance, a 2.5mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal, and a unidirectional dive bezel, it wouldn’t be out of place on a dive expedition. The addition of GMT functionality courtesy of the Seiko NH34A movement makes it genuinely useful for tracking multiple time zones, even if the caller GMT setup means the 24-hour hand is the one you’ll be adjusting when traveling.

Speaking of that movement – yes, the Seiko NH34A is a workhorse rather than a showpiece, but it’s reliable, serviceable, and keeps the watch at a price point that, while elevated for Unimatic, is still within reach for many collectors. Plus, the 42-hour power reserve is adequate for weekend desk diving.

The watch comes with two nylon straps – one in matching burnt orange and another in black if you want to tone things down a bit. Both feature a Cerakote-coated buckle that matches the case, showing the attention to detail that went into this collaboration.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

The Unimatic x Massena LAB U1-SPG “NASA Artemis” Limited Edition is priced at $1,295 and is available exclusively through Massena LAB’s website. Given the limited production of just 99 pieces and the popularity of both NASA-themed watches and previous Unimatic collaborations, this one is likely to sell out quickly.