A Closer Look at Unimatic Modello Tre U3 Watch
Unimatic is an Italian microbrand that has recently made the official announcement of a huge event that will forever go down in the history of the brand. Their first ever chronograph series which they’re calling the U3 line. One particular watch that we found of great interest is the Unimatic Modello Tre U3. The appeal is in its eye-catching luminosity and the unique design aesthetic that Unimatic is building its reputation around. The chronograph diver watch offers a unique personality with a balance of simplicity and a hint of complication in the vintage-inspired looks that make it a model that stands out from other watches in its class. It’s so interesting that it merits a closer look and careful examination.
The case
There are two versions of the Unimatic Modello Tre U3 watches. The U3-AN model has a black case and the U#-A version has a finish of brushed steel. They’re both made of the same materials and most of the specifications are identical with the exception of the coloring of the bezel and the case. Both are made of high-quality 316L stainless steel in round styling with cases that measure 40mm in diameter and 13.7mm in thickness. The spacing of the lug is 22mm with a lug to lug measurement of 51mm. The case back is also stainless steel.
The Bezel
Each version of the Unimatic Modello Tre U3 features a rotating 120 click bezel. The U3-AN has a black bezel in a matte finish with an oversized black crown with decorative grooves for easy gripping. The two pushers are also in black and they’re located at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions. The U3-A version comes in the same matte black bezel with a polished stainless steel outer case and matching inset ring that gives it a wonderfully attractive contrast. Both are topped with a double domed sapphire crystal.
The dial
The dials are minimal in their design, yet the dual registers give the complication of the movement away. The lume is ample, yet tastefully applied in a manner that lights the watch up in low light environments. The minute and hour markers are chunky in a cream-colored lume with brilliant accents of gold indexes and gold coloring for the inset dials as well as for half of the seconds’ hand. The color scheme works magnificently and gives it an eye-catching visual appeal with understated brilliance.
The movement
The powerhouse that operates the Modello Tre U3 Chronograph is a Seiko VK64 Meca-Quartz chronograph movement. The finer details of the caliber include a highly accurate tuning fork oscillator that operates at a frequency of 32,786 Hz. Although not the most high-end movement available, Unimatic’s choice of the Seiko VK64 does an amazing job of running the chronograph and other functions of the watch including hours, minutes and seconds while keeping the overall price of the watch at a more than reasonable level. This makes it possible for more chronograph dive enthusiasts to become owners. This is Unimatic’s first chronograph and there is some speculation that in the future they may offer a mechanical chronograph.
The strap
The Unimatic Modello Tre U3 fastens to the wrist with a black shell cordovan genuine leather strap. It’s worth noting that a nato style strap is also included so you have the choice of swapping them out for a different look. The watches are water resistant up to 300 meters. The black leather matches the finish of the watches superbly.
Price and availability
There is a limited number of the Unimatic Modello Tre U3 chronograph dives being produced, at least in their first production run. Although we’re expecting many more additions to the new line of watches, for now, the Unimatic U3-A will be strictly limited to a number of 600 pieces. The U3-AN will be offered at a limited number of just 300 pieces. Both models within the new chronograph line are currently available for purchase directly from the Unimatic company. The cost of the U3-A edition is €525 and the DLC coated U3-AN example is priced at €625. Being the first in the lineup of chronographs, these watches have a high likelihood of becoming collector’s items in the future as their low numbers will make them rare with the passage of time.