Unimatic Adds The New Toolwatch Series To Its Permanent Collection
Most of you will know Unimatic as a brand that predominantly releases watches in limited numbers. These small-batch editions are often collaborative efforts that show great diversity. However, in 2021, after many limited editions, the brand unveiled a group of four standard models that are always available. With today’s introduction of the new Toolwatch series, the brand adds four new models to this permanent collection. These four quartz watches combine a shock-protected construction with military-based specs and a new look. It’s time to find out more!
When Unimatic introduced its series of permanent Classic Editions, it was a logical next step for the Milanese brand. After several successful years of creating outstanding limited editions, a series of permanent offerings provided a base series celebrating the original Unimatic style. Furthermore, it created a constant commercial offering not based on limited production numbers and their downfalls, such as potential buyers missing out on a release that sells out quickly or having to find the right models for them on the secondhand market. The Classic series was a way of saying to the public, “This is our signature line of products.” With the release of the new Toolwatch series, Unimatic fans get four more ever-present options.
The story of the Unimatic Toolwatch series
However, the story of these four new models is not about a return to Unimatic’s classic aesthetic. If anything, it is a step away from it. With these new watches, Unimatic explores new territory both technically and aesthetically. The four watches play with the look of two familiar models. The first is the popular Modello Uno dive watch, and the second is the Modello Quattro field watch. Both get the Toolwatch treatment in two different versions. The first is a “regular” version of both the Modello Uno and Modello Quattro. The second is a GMT that also offers a date function.
In terms of technical solutions, these four new watches were developed according to the U.S. MIL-STD-810 testing standard. This standard was developed by the United States Department of Defense and tests equipment for its environmental durability and ruggedness. It is specifically created to ensure equipment can withstand potentially harsh conditions, specifically in military applications. Unimatic equipped the watches with its in-house shock-protection system to ensure they would pass the test.
The testing requirements
The MIL-STD-810 drop test involves a series of 26 drops in total (one for each surface, corner, and edge) on industrial concrete from a height of 1.22 meters. Unimatic supplied five watches for the test. After enduring all the different drops, all five watches were still running and showed no signs of damage or malfunction.
By passing this test, these new Unimatic Toolwatches make for a series of affordable daily wearers that can take a beating. Since all of them feature a solid case with a special shock protector for the quartz movement, they’ll be able to handle any rough-and-tumble situation you’re in.
Sure, the cases are still stainless steel watches, so they will pick up wear and tear. But I could also see that adding more character to the watches. It’s up to you which of these four models would be your perfect daily beater. Let’s take a look at the different options to find out how they differ.
The Unimatic Modello Uno UT1 and UT1-GMT
The first two options are Modello Uno UT1 models. These perfectly show the new aesthetic that the team at Unimatic developed for the entire series. The watches take the familiar design of the case and bezel of the brand’s Modello Uno divers. Both have a 40mm stainless steel case with a 41.5mm 120-click unidirectional bezel. The 300m-water-resistant cases measure 13.2mm thick, 49mm long, and 22mm between the lugs. On the right side of each case, you will find a large crown with modern-shaped crown protectors.
The bezels have a black aluminum insert with a 60-minute countdown scale in the Modello Uno style. These cases also feature a sandblasted finish to emphasize the toolish nature of both watches. A relatively new aesthetic comes in the form of the dial designs, although they are not completely new. Last year, Unimatic released the Modello Quattro UT4-B, which introduced a dial with a full set of numerals. As Unimatic’s watches usually feature circular and rectangular indexes, we certainly didn’t expect that from the Italian brand. However, the style suits the Unimatic watches well despite its departure from the original minimalist look.
The matte black dials have a full set of minute markers with the Super-LumiNova hour numerals running around the inside. The characteristic Unimatic handset returns here, and the tip of the seconds hand is orange. It matches the orange “MIL STD 810 H” text on the dial and the orange ring on the rehaut, which is part of the shock-protection system. The UT1-GMT has a date window at 6 o’clock and an aperture for another time zone at 12. The latter features a triangular orange indicator for some extra color.
The Unimatic Modello Quattro UT4 and UT4-GMT
The second pair consists of similar Modello Quattro models. As a reminder, the Modello Quattro is Unimatic’s modern take on a field watch. It takes the 40mm case of the Modello Uno and replaces the dive bezel with an unmarked and fixed steel one. But there is more as these two watches are slightly slimmer. The case for both measures 40mm across, 49mm long, 12mm thick, and 22mm between the lugs. Both watches feature the same dials as the Modello Uno variants, so one is a basic time-only model, while the second adds the date and GMT functions.
In terms of presence, the Modello Quattro looks more like a hardcore tool watch. The fully sandblasted finish emphasizes its utilitarian nature. I must say, I like the looks of these two Modello Quattro models. They offer something completely different from Unimatic’s usual fare. The design has an almost Sinn-like presence to it that screams functionality, as it should.
I have mentioned this before, but the great versatility of the brand’s designs is perfect proof that founders Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato have created a great minimalistic canvas for their watches. As we’ve seen time and time again, this canvas can transform in any way they want. That is a great achievement because it always keeps me interested in the brand’s new releases.
Two different quartz movements
Unimatic has chosen two different movements to power these watches. The Seiko VH31 caliber powers the two basic models. This meca-quartz movement has a sweeping seconds hand, an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, and a roughly two-year battery life.
For the two GMT models, Unimatic chose the Swiss Ronda 515.24D caliber. It has an accuracy of +20/-1 seconds per month and a 45-month battery life. All the movements are safely hidden behind steel screw-in case backs. A fun detail is that the Modello Unos have a different case back than the Modello Quattros. The first duo has a Unimatic “Rosa dei Venti” case back, whereas the latter has a Unimatic 360° X-ray case back.
Wearing the Unimatic Modello Quattro UT4-GMT
I had a chance to go hands-on with the new Modello Quattro UT4-GMT to get an impression of the series. Straight out of the pouch, the watch looks very much like what it is — a tool watch. There is something very no-nonsense about the design that gives you the idea it does what it is there for. If you have an outdoor adventure or a day full of DIY planned, this is the watch that you wear. It’s not there to wow you with its looks; it’s there because it needs to perform a task, and the looks alone reassure you that it can perform that task well.
That feeling is backed up once you put the watch on your wrist. The watch feels sturdy and very well built. That’s not too surprising, of course. First off, that is what we have come to know from Unimatic. More specifically, these watches are built to withstand a beating and have the actual proof that they can thanks to the MIL-STD-810 testing. It makes the series look and feel exactly as intended. Unimatic has truly hit the nail on the head this time.
The user experience
While the Modello Uno is a nice dive watch, thematically, I slightly prefer the sturdy fixed-bezel case of the Modello Quattro for this Toolwatch series. Another aspect that I love about Unimatic is the 22mm lug spacing. This leads to fitting the watch with a nice and wide black nylon two-piece strap. The quality of it is top-notch and only adds to the secure feeling of wearing a proper tool watch.
Operating the crown is always a satisfying experience with any Unimatic model. The 8mm crown on this one unscrews very smoothly, and it responds with solid clicks when pulling it out to the first and second positions. The first one allows you to adjust the time and date in the second time zone. While the date advances one click at a time, the 24-hour GMT disc scrolls forward smoothly.
The main “issue” with that is you have to position it as close to the centrally displayed time as possible. Therefore, it is best to set it at the exact hour to ensure it correctly displays the time. It’s one of the very few things that didn’t impress me when wearing the watch.
Final thoughts on the new Unimatic Toolwatch series
Overall, I think Unimatic did a great job of creating a series of attractive tool watches that are perfectly equipped to perform their task while looking the part. What you want from a tool watch is exactly what this new series offers. While it somewhat steers away from the stylish side of the brand that I adore, it’s hard to fault these new Toolwatch models.
If you are looking for a solid watch that not only looks tough but has also undergone testing to back up its promise, look no further. All four models are perfect, no-nonsense daily beaters that will perfectly help you out on any adventure you have planned.
If you take their prices into account, they become even more attractive. The more basic Modello Uno UT1 and Modello Quattro UT4 cost €425 and €350 (excluding taxes), respectively. The two GMT models are slightly more expensive, at €525 for the Modello Uno UT1-GMT and €425 for the Modello Quattro UT4-GMT, also excluding taxes. I love that Unimatic is constantly expanding its horizons with its new offerings.
These new watches take a different, more functional direction than Unimatic’s usual aesthetically focused models, making them great additions to the brand’s collection. As mentioned, the Toolwatch series will also be permanently available, which shows that Unimatic is thinking about the future and that we can surely expect more great things from the Italian brand.
For more information on the new Toolwatch series, visit the official Unimatic website.
