Like so many of the modern breed of start-up, independent watchmaking companies, Unimatic traces its origin to a pair of friends with a shared passion for timepieces and an entrepreneurial spirit. Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato met as industrial design students at Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest technical university. Moro’s father had been a watch collector, and after designing his first watch as a lark while working at a furniture company, Moro connected with Nunziato to collaborate on the watch that became the Modello Uno U1-A, which launched in 2015 and essentially became the foundation of the Unimatic brand, its name a portmanteau of the Latin “unico” for unique, and “matic,” for willing or able.

The U1-A sold out very quickly sold out. Each Unimatic watch is designed, made and cased in Italy, atleast that is what the “Made in Italy” text on dial and casseback says; each watch is individually numbered, and the design ethos driving them all is a function-forward, tool-oriented aesthetic. Today, Unimatic watches comprise dozens of models and include not only the divers that brought the brand to the table but also field-watch and chronograph styles. A rising star in the oft-crowded microbrand arena, Unimatic has also forged several high-profile partnerships (RUF, Massena Lab, Nasa, South Park, Moma and many more) to produce some memorable and coveted co-branded pieces. Today we are taking a look at Unimatic’s main collection called “Classic” and their most popular model called U1 Classic – UC1.

I’ve been eager to get hands-on with a Unimatic for quite a while now. Between the hype from major watch outlets like Hodinkee and a slew of high-profile brand collaborations, I was genuinely curious—does the Unimatic U1 live up to its growing reputation? Right off the bat, I’ll be honest: I’ve always been a bit skeptical about the “Made in Italy” claim, not just for Unimatic but for many brands leveraging that label. Italian manufacturing laws allow products to carry the “Made in Italy” tag even if only the final stages of assembly—like casing the dial and movement—are done on Italian soil. This isn’t unique to Unimatic; it’s been a talking point across industries, especially as several major fashion houses were recently scrutinized for similar practices.

Now, I want to be clear: I have no evidence to suggest Unimatic is doing anything misleading. But knowing how many microbrands operate globally, it’s not far-fetched to assume that many components—case, dial, hands, maybe even straps—are sourced from Asia and brought together in Italy. Still, that’s my speculation, and I could very well be wrong. Regardless, what is undeniable is how visually striking and thoughtfully designed Unimatic’s watches are. Their minimalist, utilitarian aesthetic has cultivated a passionate following—rare for a brand so young—and I personally love the bold, sterile designs and purpose-driven styling they’ve made their signature. Before diving into the full review, I want to extend a big thank you to Unimatic for sending the U1 Classic – UC1 in for review.

The Unimatic U1 Classic – UC1 arrived in what I can confidently say is one of my favorite packaging solutions to date: a rugged, Pelican-style black hard case. It’s a smart and practical choice—something I wish more tool watch brands would adopt. Not only is it waterproof and impact-resistant, but it’s also reusable beyond as a watch box. Whether you’re storing additional timepieces or using it to transport gear like camera lenses or small tech, it’s a packaging solution with actual utility. Inside, you’ll find two watch slots, which is a thoughtful touch for those who travel with more than one piece or like to rotate daily. Alongside the watch, the package includes a branded warranty card, a certificate confirming the watch’s individual pressure test to 300 meters of water resistance, and an instruction manual—everything neatly arranged and on-brand with Unimatic’s minimalist ethos.

First impressions of the watch itself are strong. It delivers a distinctly utilitarian, no-nonsense aesthetic. The sterile bezel and the almost text-free dial set the tone immediately: this is a watch that doesn’t try to shout, but instead commands attention through quiet confidence and clean, deliberate design. If I had one gripe at this stage, it would be the included NATO strap. While functional and in keeping with the tool watch theme, it falls a bit short of expectations at this price point. A higher-end seatbelt-style NATO—thicker, softer, and with a tighter weave—would’ve elevated the first-impressions experience and daily wear. It’s a small detail, but one that can make a big difference in how the watch feels from day one.

The Unimatic U1 Classic – UC1 carries a confident and refined profile that merges utilitarian intent with industrial design flair. Crafted from brushed 316L stainless steel, the case measures 40mm in diameter and extends to 41.5mm including the bezel. The lug-to-lug length stretches to 49mm, which, while pushing toward the larger end of the wearability spectrum, still fits most wrists comfortably thanks to the thoughtful shaping of the lugs. The thickness of the case is 13.2mm, which doesn’t sound egregious on paper, but can wear a bit tall—particularly when paired with the stock NATO straps. This added height isn’t just theoretical; it’s felt on the wrist, especially when compared to svelter dive watches in the same size category. A defining feature of the case is its entirely brushed finish, which lends a subdued, toolish aesthetic that avoids the flashy polish of luxury divers. This decision aligns with Unimatic’s design ethos—form follows function. The brushing is sharp and directional, contributing to the utilitarian vibe without appearing unfinished. On the wrist, this finish helps the watch to remain under the radar while still offering a confident, military-inspired presence.

The unidirectional bezel features a coin-edge design and a matte black aluminum insert. It’s a 120-click unit, offering firm, deliberate action. There’s a lume pip at the 12 o’clock position, but otherwise the insert is bare, with the dive timing minute track located instead on the dial perimeter. This design choice is polarizing: it’s cleaner and arguably more elegant, but it sacrifices some of the functional intuitiveness found in traditional dive bezels. The crown at 3 o’clock is a screw-down unit adorned with Unimatic’s bullseye motif. It threads smoothly and has a substantial, tactile feel. The case’s water resistance rating of 300 meters is both technically impressive and practical, matching or exceeding many offerings in the tool-watch arena. Completing the profile is a double domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on the underside. It slightly bubbles above the bezel, evoking vintage dive watches, while keeping reflections to a minimum. Overall, the case of the U1 Classic – UC1 strikes a compelling balance between robust utility and streamlined proportions. It’s ready for field work, urban commutes, or desk diving—whatever your mission may be.

The dial of the UC1 is minimalist but not dull. It is matte black, stark and utilitarian, yet artfully composed. There is an unmistakable austerity to the design—there’s no logo at the 12 o’clock position, only a triangle marker. All branding, including the Unimatic name, the “Made in Italy” designation, and the 300m water resistance rating, is relegated to the lower half of the dial, beneath the central axis. This unusual layout leaves the upper half visually clean. Hour markers are filled with C1 Super-LumiNova, which unfortunately is one of the weaker points of the watch. The lume is adequate but not outstanding. Charging it takes a bit more time than one would expect from a modern dive watch, and its glow fades faster than desirable—especially when compared to peers sporting BGW9 or X1 lume compounds. It’s a rare stumble for a watch with otherwise impeccable design credibility.

The handset includes Unimatic’s signature “phantom ladder” style hour and minute hands, which appear robust and well proportioned. The seconds hand features a reverse-lollipop counterweight—an unusual touch that subtly reinforces the watch’s quirky identity. All hands are coated in the same C1 lume, and legibility is excellent under most lighting conditions, aside from nighttime use where the lume weakness is most apparent. The UC1’s dial remains one of the strongest arguments for Unimatic as a brand. It’s proof that minimalism doesn’t have to be boring—and that with careful design, less truly can be more.

Inside the Unimatic UC1 beats the ever-familiar Seiko NH35A automatic movement. This Japanese workhorse is well-known across the microbrand landscape, often celebrated and maligned in equal measure. On paper, it’s a modest caliber: 21,600 bph, hacking seconds, bi-directional winding, and a 41-hour power reserve. In real-world wear, however, the UC1 outperforms those specs. Most users report deviations of just a few seconds per day—well within acceptable tolerances, especially considering the watch’s ~$550 price point. In testing, my example ran at about* +5 seconds/day consistently, which is remarkable for a non-regulated NH35A. It’s also a movement that’s incredibly easy to service. Any watchmaker worth their salt will be familiar with its architecture and quirks, and parts are abundant and inexpensive.

While some collectors might balk at seeing an NH35A inside a watch of this aesthetic caliber, it’s a sensible choice. Swiss movements like the Sellita SW200-1 would have undoubtedly raised the price point, and part of the UC1’s charm lies in its value proposition. The NH35A enables Unimatic to deliver strong design and solid construction without creeping toward luxury pricing. It also adds a sense of honesty to the piece—it’s not pretending to be haute horlogerie, it’s just a damn good tool watch.

The Unimatic UC1 comes fitted with a black nylon nato strap that’s functional and in line with the brand’s utilitarian ethos. It’s not a top-tier strap by any means, but it does the job well enough for daily wear. One thoughtful detail that stands out is the hidden Unimatic name tag subtly sewn beneath the keeper strap—a quiet nod to the brand’s eye for understated design flourishes. The hardware is brushed, complementing the case finish nicely, and the buckle is signed with the Unimatic logo, rounding out the package with a bit of branded refinement. That said, the strap isn’t without its drawbacks. First and foremost is the material quality. At this price point, it would have been great to see Unimatic step things up with a premium seatbelt-style nato—thicker, softer to the touch, and with a tighter weave for a more comfortable and upscale wearing experience. The second issue is the length. For my wrist, which typically fits standard nato straps with room to tuck excess into the keepers, this strap felt surprisingly short. In fact, it barely made it through the second keeper. An extra 5–6 centimeters would have made a significant difference and accommodated a wider range of wrist sizes with ease. Despite these gripes, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist. The lightweight nature of the strap combined with the balanced proportions of the case ensures the UC1 wears securely and unobtrusively throughout the day. But for those looking to maximize comfort and elevate the tactile experience, an aftermarket strap swap may be well worth considering.

The Unimatic UC1 is a standout example of how thoughtful design and clear brand identity can elevate a simple tool watch into something truly compelling. It doesn’t rely on heritage or luxury cues—instead, it leans into minimalism, function, and industrial charm, and in doing so, carves out its own niche in a crowded market. While the strap quality and lume performance leave room for improvement, the overall package—solid build, clean aesthetic, and a distinctive, purpose-driven vibe—makes a strong case for Unimatic’s growing cult following. The use of the NH35A movement is a practical choice that supports the watch’s value proposition without pretense. No, it’s not a perfect watch, because there is no perfect watch. But it’s honest, well-executed, and refreshingly original. If you’re after a utilitarian diver with a modern edge and bold design language, the UC1 absolutely lives up to the hype.

Price €635,25 (with tax) at unimaticwatches.com