Unimatic Introduces The Seriously Cool Modello Uno U1S-PD3 And U1S-PD5 ProDivers

At first glance, you might think that these two new Unimatic models look like ones you’ve seen before. And you wouldn’t be wrong. However, you will see that the design does indeed differ from the brand’s previously released models. As always with Unimatic, the devil is in the details. But there is more to these releases than just their looks. The Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5 form a set of new ProDivers with some seriously nice new features. The U1S-PD5 takes things to new depths for the brand thanks to its 500m water resistance rating. And the best thing is that the changes required to achieve that make it even cooler.

Unimatic has brought out several new watches this year. The main focus has been on releasing new GMT versions of the Modello Uno. Additionally, we have seen several variations of familiar models, mostly using new materials and colors. As a fan of the brand, I like quite a few of them. But seeing new models with technological novelties is always even more exciting. And that’s where the new Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5 come in. This is a duo of professional divers that come with lume-infused ceramic bezel inserts. On top of that, the U1S-PD5 increases the water resistance to 500 meters. While these two Modello Uno divers might look familiar, their story is anything but that.

The Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5 in detail

So, let’s start by going over the two watches in detail. But before I do, I have to say that I was seriously impressed when I saw the above image of the Modello Uno U1S-PD5 on the bracelet. We’re not looking at a minimalistic Modello that plays with the design norms of classic dive watches. This seriously capable modern dive watch looks awesome on the new stainless steel bracelet.

Okay, enough praise; back to the two watches. Both the Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5 feature the same 40mm case with a bezel that is 41.5mm in diameter. The cases are 11.6mm and 12mm thick, respectively, and both have a 49mm lug-to-lug and a 22mm lug spacing.

Now, the case of the U1S-PD3 is water resistant to 300 meters just like all the previous Modello Uno variants. For the new U1S-PD5, however, the water resistance is increased to 500 meters. It makes both watches serious dive tools that can easily compete with the many offerings out there.

U1S-PD3 (left) and U1S-PD5 (right)

Increasing the water resistance in two simple steps

Two changes are to thank for the increase in water resistance. The first is a thicker crystal. The new sapphire crystal of the U1S-PD5 is 3mm thick instead of 2.5mm thick like the U1S-PD3’s crystal. As a pleasant side effect, it also gets a lovely and more exaggerated raised look. Secondly, for the U1S-PD5, Unimatic revisited the construction of the crown tube. The new crown tube features a double rubber O-ring mechanism to effectively prevent water from entering the case.

The new locking system creates a more watertight barrier, effectively increasing the watch’s water resistance to 500 meters. As a result, the total height of the U1S-PD5 case is now 12mm instead of the 11.6mm of the U1S-PD3. For a serious dive watch like this, it is a very reasonable thickness, and it creates a nice overall case profile. The diameter of the crown for both watches is 8mm, and from experience, I can say that it is very easy to use.

Ceramic bezel inserts as a first for the brand

To make these two watches even better dive tools, Unimatic also upgraded the 120-click unidirectional bezel. They come equipped with lume-infused ceramic bezel inserts. The white Super-LumiNova BGW9 on the bezel lights up turquoise, and it also illuminates the minute hand. In the dark, it contrasts nicely with the orange-glowing white Super-LumiNova on the indices, the hour hand, and the tip of the second’s hand. The glowing lume transforms these black and white divers into colorful watches that offer great readability in low-light conditions.

Regarding the overall design, the watches are very recognizable with their characteristic Unimatic style. They come with a black dial, white markers, a familiar ladder-style ghost hour and minute hand, and a seconds hand with a lollipop counterweight.

All the hour markers, whether dots, rectangles, or the triangle at 12 o’clock, feature a slim outline that adds some nice detail to the dial. On top of that, they create a nicely balanced overall dial design where the elements are in sync.

The design is all about functionality

For the numerals on the bezel, the guys at Unimatic chose to use a font that I hadn’t seen before. The serif font looks modern and is easy to read. It shows that it’s all about functionality for these two divers rather than a minimalist design exercise. Furthermore, it displays the intentions that brand founders Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato have with these two models. And I appreciate that a lot. It is a welcome step after seeing the many design-focused variations the brand has released.

Both watches come with two different straps. The first is a charcoal-gray rubber two-piece strap, and the second is a charcoal-gray NATO strap. Both straps play into the functional character of these releases, making the watches look really capable. My choice, however, would be to add the optional stainless steel bracelet that you can order with these watches for an additional €100. Both watches look stunning on the new bracelet. It was re-engineered and now has a nice taper and better quality overall.

The two U1S-PD models both use the Sellita SW200-1 movement

These Unimatic ProDivers are part of the Modello Uno S-Series that utilizes Swiss movements. For the U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5, the brand chose the trusted Sellita SW200-1 that we have seen in several other Modello Uno releases. The automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 38 hours of power reserve. Regarding accuracy, Unimatic specifies a tolerance of ±7–20 sec/day.

My impressions of the Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5

It’s great to see this new duo of Unimatic ProDivers. They bring some welcome innovation to the Unimatic lineup. Not only does that make these two watches the most capable divers in the Unimatic collection, but it also makes them serious competition for the best divers in the sub-€2K price range. The Modello Uno U1S-PD3 is available for €1,100, while the Modello Uno U1S-PD5 can be yours for €1,200 (both excluding taxes). If I add local Dutch sales tax, the prices end up at roughly €1,350 and €1,450. As mentioned, add an additional €100 for the stainless steel bracelet. Considering what you get for the money, both models are seriously tempting options that will be produced in a limited run of 500 pieces each.

Having said that, you have to be a fan of the modern design signature of the Unimatic brand. If you are not, there are plenty of other dive watches out there that offer similar specs at a similar price. But if you are indeed a fan of Unimatic’s design signature, it is hard not to love these two new professional divers. They provide the characteristic look that made the Modello Uno a fan favorite and combine it with a great function-forward update. The result is a pair of watches I love, and on the bracelet, the U1S-PD5 is my favorite. In my book, this is the most handsome dive watch currently out there for less than €2.5K.

For more information, visit the official Unimatic website. Let us know your thoughts on the new Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-PD3 and U1S-PD5 ProDivers in the comments section.