Unimatic has developed a well-earned reputation for its strikingly minimalistic timepieces. The Italian-based watchmaker’s pieces have lined up well with modern design sensibilities, which has led to it standing out in the saturated space of microbrands. While its minimalist design language has resonated well with collectors, the brand seeks to lean even further into its subtle design and absence of features with its most minimalist line of dive watches yet: the S Series.
Comprised of four understated pieces (U1S-M, U2S-M, U1S-MN, and the U2S-MN) the S Series continues Unimatic’s recent trend of employing Swiss movements while steering its approach to design in an even more barebones direction. At first glance, the S Series watches create a visual vacuum due to their prominent jet-black dials and complete lack of indices. These blacked-out dials contrast with the hands, bezel pip (on the two dive watch variants), and logotype, all of which are filled with green-glowing Super-LumiNova C1 for enhanced legibility at night. Despite the absence of indices, these dive watches are surprisingly easy to read courtesy of the white-tipped phantom ladder hands and reverse lollipop second hand.
Not only is the design language of these field watches and dive watches minimalist, but also the manner in which they were constructed. By incorporating the Swiss automatic caliber Sellita SW200-1 movement, Unimatic was able to decrease the thickness of the watches by 10% compared to their usual line, which resulted in an ultra-sleek, ultra-slim case thickness of 11.6 mm. Moreover, the U1S-M and U2S-M feature a brushed finished solid 316 stainless steel case, while the U1S-MN and the U2S-MN also feature similar stainless steel construction, though their hardware sports a DLC black finish. Further distinguishing the models is the field watch-like design of the U2S models, which lack a bezel and crown guards. The U1S models, meanwhile, are styled more like a diver, with a rotating black bezel that is devoid of any markings sans the pip at 12. Other notable features on all four models are a water resistance of 300m and drilled lugs to enable wearers to swap straps with ease.
Each member of the S Series watches is sold on an Italian calf leather strap in, you guessed it, black. Unimatic is releasing only 500 pieces of the U1S-M and U2S-M and just 400 of the U1S-MN and the U2S-MN. They’re available for pre-order now on Unimatic’s website, with prices starting at €730 ($833) and shipping expected to begin in April.
