Unimatic Introduces Three New Titanium Watches Including A Long-Awaited GMT Model

In a next step for the brand, Unimatic jumps on the speeding titanium train with three new tempting offerings

November 07, 2022

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Titanium is what it’s all about these days. We see more and more brands dip their toes in the titanium pool or expand the number of titanium watches in their collection. Unimatic has just taken its first steps in the titanium universe with three new releases featuring a titanium case. Two of them are familiar models that come in a combination of titanium and blue. The third is a great-looking Modello Uno GMT that is a long-awaited follow-up to the GMT model the brand collaborated on with Hodinkee. The GMT model is the new pinnacle of the Modello Uno line, so let’s find out more.

For those of you who are regular readers of Fratello, you probably know that I like the Unimatic brand a lot. I love the minimalistic approach to watch design that the guys behind the brand chose for their timepieces. By playing with all the familiar watch design elements, we have seen quite a few spectacular iterations of their different models. The most popular is, without a doubt, the Modello Uno dive watch. The Modello Due is the brand’s modern take on a classic field watch. And it’s this combination that the brand chose as the first duo of watches executed in titanium. The third watch is the GMT version of the Modello Uno. All three are powered by Swiss movements, making them part of the brand’s S-Series.

The Modello Uno Titanium GMT ref. U1S-TGMT

Let’s start with the most remarkable of the three watches. The new Modello Uno Titanium GMT ref. U1S-TGMT is only the second GMT version of the Modello Uno that Unimatic has released. As I alluded to, the first was the much-praised Modello Uno U1-HGMT that the brand created with Hodinkee. Since that watch was released, plenty of Unimatic fans have wanted to see a follow-up to it. Now their wish has been granted with this new U1S-TGMT. Besides having the same GMT complication, this model also differs somewhat from the first. Let’s look at some specs.

The new U1S-TGMT features the typical 40mm case now executed in Grade 2 sandblasted titanium. The case is 11.25mm thick with a 49mm lug-to-lug, and it is water-resistant to 300 meters. As with all the Modello Uno variants, the bezel is slightly bigger than the case at 41.5mm. Using titanium for the case results in a 45% lower weight than the previous stainless steel model. The total weight of the watch without the strap is 57 grams, making the watch very easy to wear.

Familiar stealthy looks with a new twist

The aluminum bezel inlay has the 24-hour scale engraved in black, giving the bezel a stealthy appearance. The dial is also executed in black with bright white C1 Super-LumiNova markers and silver graphics. A date window is neatly tucked away at 6 o’clock. The date disc is black with white printing, ensuring the date integrates well with the overall look of the dial.

The handset is familiar in style and features black edges and bases. This creates what the brand calls “phantom hands” as they blend in with the black dial color. The hands are also treated with white Super-LumiNova. But as this is a GMT, there is a fourth hollow arrow 24-hour GMT hand dipped in orange Super-LumiNova for great contrast. I love how this oversized hand stands out against the background, making it very easy to read the time elsewhere in the world on the stealthy bezel.

A familiar GMT movement that is a first for Unimatic

If you turn the case over, you are first greeted by the 8mm oversized screw-down crown. The crown and its crown guards are elements that I love about the Modello Uno. Seeing them executed in sandblasted titanium adds a new twist to the overall looks that I have come to love. On the back, you will find the screwed-in 2mm-thick exhibition case back that reveals the movement.

Unimatic chose to use the familiar ETA 2893 GMT movement. As many of you will know, this is an office-style GMT that lets you adjust the 24-hour hand by one-hour increments. The automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, has 21 jewels, and comes with 42 hours of power reserve. Unimatic chose to equip the watch with the Top grade version of the movement with an accuracy of +/- 5 to +/-15 seconds per day. The display case back is a first on the Modello Uno, as it usually comes with a closed case back with engravings.

A step up in price for the Modello Uno GMT

The U1S-TGMT comes fitted with a Unimatic TPU rubber strap in gray. Additionally, you will get an extra black shell cordovan two-piece strap. Both straps are fitted with a sandblasted titanium buckle, fitting the style of the case. Unimatic will produce 100 pieces of the new U1S-TGMT, each with the unique production number engraved in the case back. The watch will be available for €1,950 before taxes. Several brands have released new GMT models with similar specs in the same price bracket, so this fits right in. In return, you will get a lightweight titanium Modello Uno GMT with a very solid movement. If you are a fan of the Unimatic aesthetic, this is a great offering from the Milan-based brand.

The Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-MP and Modello Due ref. U2S-T-MP

The other two releases are a pair of more familiar models. Both watches come with a Grade 2 titanium case and a nice night-blue-colored dial, bezel, and strap that perfectly fit the sandblasted titanium look. The first of the two is the Modello Uno U1S-T-MP diver. It features the same 40mm case with a 41.5mm bezel that is 11.25mm thick and 49mm from lug to lug. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a weight of 62 grams. It makes this model a smidge heavier than the GMT.

The second model is the Modello Due U2S-T-MP, the brand’s field watch. The watch features a 38.5mm titanium case that weighs just 58 grams, is 12.3mm thick, and measures 47.5mm from lug to lug. This one is also water-resistant up to 300 meters. As mentioned, both watches come with a “Blu Notte” or night-blue dial, bezel, and rubber strap. Both watches also feature white Super-LumiNova markers that light up in blue in darker conditions. The phantom ladder hands are executed in the same blue color as the dial and feature white Super-LumiNova as well.

Part of the brand’s S-Series

Both watches are powered by automatic Sellita SW200-1 movements that have become a standard for the brand’s Swiss-powered S-Series. The movements are hidden behind the titanium screwed-in case backs that feature the brand’s familiar style engravings. The SW200-1 movement operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and delivers 38 hours of power reserve. Both watches are delivered on a blue two-piece TPU strap and come with an additional Blu Notte nylon seatbelt strap. All straps are fitted with a sandblasted titanium buckle to match the looks of the case.

Unimatic will produce 500 pieces of each model with the unique production number engraved in the case back. The Modello Uno U1S-T-MP dive watch will be available for €1,180 before taxes. The Modell Due will be slightly more affordable at €900 before taxes. Both watches are slightly more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts that came before in the Swiss Series. Both timepieces look great with the combination of sandblasted titanium cases and night-blue elements. It creates a stylish aesthetic that looks very attractive.

Initial impressions of the titanium Unimatic models

This year, it seems that many brands are focusing on creating titanium watches. From big names like Rolex with the Deepsea Challenge and Grand Seiko with a string of new titanium models in the Evolution 9 collection to smaller brands like Baltic and Unimatic releasing titanium watches in the more affordable segment of the watch universe, titanium is hot. I love seeing the developments in new materials, and I love what Unimatic has come up with. The two “standard” Blu Notte titanium models look stylish and seem fairly priced compared to their stainless steel counterparts.

But the new Modello Uno U1S-TGMT is where it gets even more interesting for me. I love seeing the introduction of a string of new GMT watches in the €1.5K–2K range. We have seen new releases recently from the likes of Yema, Serica, Formex, and Zodiac in the same price bracket. Many more brands now offer a watch with what is, in my opinion, the most practical of all the watch complications. This new Unimatic fits the bill and will stand out for people who love the brand’s minimalistic design approach. I love seeing this new Modello Uno with a GMT function, and I love the brand’s style. I also happen to be in the market for a GMT… Sometimes life gets very tempting.

For more information, visit the official Unimatic website. And let us know in the comments section which one of these three new offerings from Unimatic stands out for you.