Introducing The Unimatic Series 8 In Black

July 06, 2023

Back in May, Unimatic introduced the Series 8. The idea was that, over the course of the summer, Unimatic would release three collections of its four Modello watches in different colorways, all inspired by different locales in Italy. Now comfortably past the summer solstice, we've got the final colorway of the Series 8: black.? Modello Uno The four watches in this last edition of the Series 8 are: Modello Uno (ref. U1S-8B), Modello Due (ref. U2S-8B), Modello Tre (ref. U3-8B), and Modello Quattro (ref. U4S-8B). All four watches feature a matte black dial with gilt accents. Each of the three time-only references uses the Sellita SW200-1 B, while the chronograph Modello Tre is powered by the VK64 MechaQuartz movement.? Modello Due Modello Tre Gilt accents are included on the metallic surrounds of the hour markers, the hands, and the Unimatic signature at 6 o'clock. Each watch uses an "old radium" shaded Super-LumiNova that complements these gilt touches. All four watches will be produced in a limited edition of 400, and come on a black TPU (plastic-like) strap and an extra seatbelt nylon strap. Since there are four different references, I'll leave the specs for the end of this intro. Altogether, the four-watch collection is a nice capstone on the summer Series 8, with the gilt accents tying it to the previous olive green and navy blue editions.Pricing is in line with the previous two Series 8 releases from this summer: Uno $1,010; Due $815, Tre $680, and Quattro $815 What We Think Modello Quattro During a time when so many designs feel derivative, Unimatic's watches are truly different. Milan-based Unimatic's been around since 2015, and it's fun to see it bring back a simple, matte black take on its Modello collection that kind of reminds me of the Modello Uno that turned so many of us onto the brand all those years ago. I'm not one to lend too many column inches to natural inspiration C most feel hokey C and it's not like one needs to travel to Tuscany (green), Capri (blue), or Venice (black) to realize one should probably make watches in three of the most popular colors (but, good on you if you can get to all this place to seek such natural exaltation). Nature or not, every colorway from the Series 8 just works with the minimal look of Unimatic's designs, and this final black collection feels like a back-to-basic moment. The warm lume and gilt accents set it apart from Unimatic's standard "classic collection" of non-limited watches and do just enough to tie the Series 8 to the vintage divers that inspired Unimatic from the very beginning, without feeling retro for retro's sake.Oh, and if those olive green or navy blue colorways are more your style, it looks like those are still available too. Uno Due Tre The Basics Brand: UnimaticModel: Modello Uno; Modello Due; Modello Tre; Modello QuattroReference Number: U1S-8B; U2S-8B; U3S-8B; U4S-8BDiameter: 40mm (49mm lug-to-lug); 38mm (47.5mm lug-to-lug); 41.5mm (51.2mm lug-to-lug) ; 40mm (49mm lug-to-lug)Thickness: 11.6mm; 11.6mm; 12.9mm; 12.4mmLug Width: 22mm (all)Case Material: 316 stainless steel (all)Dial Color: Matte black (all)Lume: "Old radium" Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 300m (all), with screw-down crownStrap/Bracelet: Two-piece TPU strap and seatbelt nylon strap (all) The Uno's dial Profile of the Due The TPU strap that comes with each Series 8 The Movement Modello Uno, Due, and QuattroCaliber: Sellita SW200-1 BFunctions: Time onlyDiameter: 25.6mmThickness: 4.6mmPower Reserve: 38 hours minimum (up to 41 hours)Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 beats per hourJewels: 26 Modello Tre (Chronograph)Caliber: Seiko VK64A Meca-quartzFunctions: Quartz movement with mechanical chronograph moduleDiameter: 25.6mmThickness: 5.1mmQuartz Type: Tuning fork crystalFrequency: 32,768Hz Pricing & Availability Price: Uno $1,010; Due $815; Tre $680; Quattro $815Availability: ImmediatelyLimited Edition: Yes, 400 pieces per reference Shop this story Learn more about Unimatic on the brand's website. The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Unimatic watches, including the Series 8. You can see more here.