Why Does Unimatic Have A Cult Following?

[@waffle911]

The single marker bezel is used by the Squale Master Marina Militare made for the Italian military; their dive operations use the marker to track hours rather than minutes.

[@trongnghiachu1977]

Which is inspired by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “3H Bund” for the Kampfschwimmer of the Bundeswehr (aka the frogman of the West German navy).

[@jamesblonde2271]

Perifectly good for minuites too, gonna order one.

[@jim_bocho]

I really like the Unimatic designs as well. My favourites so far have been the Hodinkee limited editions. The use of grey made the contrasts a little less harsh and the Sellita movements allowed to slap some height off the case.

[@bobyoutube4037]

Nope! Too expensive for an NH35 with no bracelet, and the lume? I get the whole minimalist stick but there just isn't enough going on. Not enough bang for the buck IMO.

[@ramr7051]

Are you seriously me telling me that the SpongeBob SquarePants edition isn't worth the price tag? :0

[@pcoussa]

Completely agree! Too much money.

[@lukemcevoy2385]

Shtick

[@bobyoutube4037]

@@ramr7051 no, clearly the sponge bob is an exception 😉!🤣

[@GM-ii8gs]

Agreed, go Helm

[@watchesandcaps2566]

They do make a fantastic bracelet that fits this and the U2 model, although they're sold out. If these were around $300 I would already own one.

[@whereisvanuatu]

This was my first “proper” piece. While I liked the idea of a stripped-down-to-essence watch, I would’ve never paid full retail for it, but I was lucky enough to get one 30% off from Uncrate. The supplied strap is good quality, but, with its thickness and relatively straight lugs, wearing this one on a NATO makes it look somewhat cumbersome, so I wear mine on a two-piece or a Zulu at most. Another mild annoyance is not being sure the pip is aligned, as you have almost no “landmarks” for guidance. All in all a decent piece if you manage to get one with a proper discount.

[@glennpettersson9002]

I have a San Martin field watch with the same straight lug issue and I found a 5mm thick Buffalo hide strap that fills the void. Tiny watch / massive strap though.

[@whereisvanuatu]

That sounds great! My problem is I live in a country where the watch market is slim to non-existent, so getting accessories is quite difficult.

[@ajcallaway123]

I really like the minimal dive style, it's like it's trying to be a Nomos diver (couldn't think of another example) and I dig it. It does look like a Chinese special sterile dial when the hands are all on the lower half of the dial though. The cost is high and would like more down turn lugs. Great review as well

[@darrenfry4695]

You made me smile saying you dig it ,,so kudos to you, LoL.

[@abrelectric]

I've owned the U4 for about 5 months. I love the clean look, and the military background reference

[@rayharrison6400]

Every now and then you get a cracking design on and this is superb. I love the look and industrial tool look to the case. You're definitely paying for the design, which is worth it when they look as good as this classic. I see myself buying one of these for sure.

[@thomasgregory1918]

I got my new U1S-MP (my first Unimatic) three days ago (SW200 movement w/ date at 6pm, same width but a mm slimmer, $950), and the lume is much, much better than model reviewed here. There are also indices all around the bezel, though they're so subtle that you could miss them if you aren't looking for them. Overpriced if you don't consider the coolness...a bargain if you do.

[@williamwallace9427]

Very cool. I have infinitely more respect for someone wearing very this than a “homage” watch

[@sandrakemkers3158]

@@williamwallace9427 I totally agree in this, be different. Fly like an eagle, instead of walking like duck's. "Homage", my ass, it's a cheap replica.

[@67NewEngland]

Nice review. 10:21 -I like how the indices reflect off what seems to be a polished ring around the perimeter of the dial (or maybe the crystal beveled edge). Cool little design trick.

[@mazzochi2028]

Really like the style, I've modded some vostoks to look similarly minimalist in the past. 49mm lug to lug would be pushing it on my 15cm wrist with this one though.

[@aumkar2]

Owned 2 Unimatic a few years ago - The U1-EM and the U2. Loved both, took the U1-EM on my trip to Iceland as well. In the end, too big and strap choices were a deal breaker as well as the poor lume.

[@luykenstouten1145]

Yep! Fan of this less-is-more look. ✨But for now, I’ll be sticking to my Vanuatu. 🤟🏻 Thanks for the review Jody!

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Brilliant. Great design : with minimalist features, Unimatic have created a very recognizable look. Forza Italia !

[@brianmsahin]

Why does Unimatic have a cult following? Looking at this particular one......that's a very good question. NH35 movement, didn't even bother with an NH38 to get rid of the ghost date, lume like a Pagani Design, and a totally useless bezel for that price? Not really different enough to warrant the price. You could get as good from Ali Express and go for a sterile dial if you want a clean look. As a desk diver with an NH35, bad lume and a ghost date? USD$250 and you'd probably want a big discount on that. You'll probably have a better watch with a hundred dollar Pagani.

[@S-Ltd1000]

I just bought one of the new Pagani Design Doxa homages which uses an NH38 to suit the dial. If Pagani can do it in a £110 watch why can't unimatic?

[@brianmsahin]

@@S-Ltd1000 Excellent point. Thinking about my comment later I think I was too generous saying $250. I do truly believe that the PD is a better watch and the fact that yours has an NH38 is the icing on the cake. I wish Pagani would improve the lume a bit, but I have heard some reviewers saying that the lume is getting better. Enjoy your watch, imagine you could get 4 or 5 Paganis for the price of one of these!

[@jamesblonde2271]

Thing is they look cooler than a equimos cocktail, got two now, both V reaonable on the grey market. Even the Sellita one has a ghost date, also Im a diver and looking forward to taking it down.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The Squale Master Marina Militare, made for the Italian Navy, and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “3H Bund”, made for the frogmen of the West German navy, had the single marker bezel. You know, you count the minutes on the dial. The bezel only serves to mark the starting point.

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@neutronalchemist3241 zackerly, nice history too, cool comment

[@vc.moser.ferrier]

I like the design, great to see that this price range brings diversity to the market and not solely knock-offs. Its case and crone seam quite unique. I also like the design details that are not to be found on a seamaster or submariner, i.e. the bezel asthetics, tone in tone hands with only the lume bringing the contrast and balance on the second hand.

[@tee_m]

I like it but reckon I could make something similar out of spare parts I've got lying around and some matte black paint. I got a few sterile nh35&sapphire sub homages for parts that were too cheap to miss. Not sure how to do the inner bezel ring but I'll figure it out!

[@MarkFenimore]

I love my U1-EM because of the unique design (so much that Ive bought it twice!) Movement may be humble but I won't get nervous when it's time for a service (or mvmt replacement). I should also say I inquired with their CS to check costs on parts and service and they were very very reasonable and super quick to respond. I think they're cool but not a "value play" that most of your audience is looking for.

[@jonathanlavery7279]

Like the styling of this one. I'm going to add it to the ever growing list. No elevator music 👏

[@mbseigel]

i love this watch and brand. of note, there are some interesting homage watches of some versions from Unimatic, from Tandorio & San Martin. not sure worth focus on, as the Unimatic is already such an excellent price

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Nice review mate. I've not reviewed a Unimatic, but I have reviewed a couple of homages from both San Martin and Tandorio. They are definitely interesting and unique designs that won't appeal to everyone though.

[@williamwallace9427]

Homages....you mean rip offs

[@SingleTrackMined]

I love the Unimatic aesthetic. The movement could be better for the price but that design -- ooh la la.

[@hugohugo37]

I get a Squale vibe from it. Speaking of which, I don't recall you ever reviewing a Squale. You should. It's an interesting brand with some history.

[@bogrot69]

Good ol' Max from Brisbane! I've heard nothing but good things! 😁❤ I've always liked the look of the Unimatics. Nice to finally get a closer look! Cheers Jody! 🙏

[@johnbonanni1731]

I think for the price point though the watch is of good quality, as a dive watch with no numbers on the bezel I would prefer a Seiko prospex, CWC, Hamilton, or Oris . Cheers from Charleston,South Carolina.

[@tiffer67]

I love their simple design & colours. Yes they are a bit over priced for what you get but at this price range I'm incredibly superficial. It's all about the look.

[@davemerchant8788]

Love it 😁👍

[@bagpiper]

I like the clean presentation - to a point. The bezel is useless. For the price they are after there should be applied indices. Speaking of which I'm not a fan of the 'sleepy baton' at 6 o'clock. I'm a value-oriented kind of person. While this has some interesting design elements I'm not persuaded. To each their own. Mine will be elsewhere for now.

[@SaveCanada00]

It looks like a Benrus 1 which I think is the point. That's awesome, but the lume and price point makes it less desirable.

[@gamesetmatt23]

Shave off 1mm, improve the lume, replace the aluminium bezel insert with ceramic with etched markings (so that it maintains the all-black aesthetic), and make this $350-400USD and I would be complaining about not being able to buy one because of the waitlist! 😅 That's where I see the value and market for this piece.

[@davemerchant8788]

Just bought the L'eroica. Came across this video yesterday and fell for the L'eroica immediately. Happen to be a cyclist, so appropriate. Love the idea of friends who know nothing about watches or cycling possibly misreading it as L'erotica ( just one 't' short 😂 ) and this WILL definitely be my last ever watch purchase or I fear divorce courts will definitely beckon. Love the design - what a number to go out on 😁👍

[@Gary-li7ib]

Quite a cool design but expensive for what's on offer, just not seeing the value proposition here. Lots of other options out there with better movements, better lume, dimensions etc at a similar price point

[@oliverwiantrmerholme112]

Love the brand and the design, but their prices are a bit high if I’m being honest.

[@JamesG89]

Way to high, considering how little features it has and the blank design

[@williamwallace9427]

Thanks for being honest

[@e28forever30]

@@williamwallace9427 Thanks for being thankful.

[@rabtrekker]

I love their designs! I am praying for sub 40mm, 20mm lugs with pops of colour and I am sold! These beauties need a pop of colour 😊

[@markbyrum4743]

I purchased the Modelo Duo a couple years ago and it's great. Looks like a Rolex with the bezel removed. The lug-to-lug is just a little long for my wrist, though. Good watches. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@ConvoyGTR]

Dial has a sterile submariner kinda layout. Feels kinda familiar to me. The blank bezel insert is what gives it a interesting look, but not something I've haven't seen before.

[@eggsII]

Bought the SW200 version. Really love the design. A little slimmer. Had to pay import fees. Mine came with rubber and nato straps Swapped them out for a sailcloth. Also just picked up a shark mesh bracelet. Might see what that looks like…

[@royshaft]

I just got the fauxmatic U2 with a cali dial for less than £40 from AliX . NH35 , sapphire, screw down crown. Happy days .

[@Visitor555]

They didnt even make effort to put no date nh38 for that amount of money that with other brands we get Sellita sw200-2.. also hate the brand name above 6. If it was under 12 and if it came with good bracelet it will be good. For now is bad value for money.

[@danieltaylor4475]

Unimatic’s rubber strap is excellent. Totally changes the look and feel of the watch. I feel it’s the best suited to the Modelo Uno vs the nato and steel bracelet

[@jonbravo6262]

Great review, Watch has good graphic design appeal, but experimental hodgepodge of dimesions and movement. It’s like they haven’t designed this watch in a functional sense for Watch users, only designed this in a graphic form from plan view. A lot of money for a fashion watch…

[@glennpowell3444]

I have still got this image in my head of a warehouse somewhere full of pallets stacked up with nh35 movements on them.A bit like the last shot in "Raiders of The Lost Arc".? Historical artifacts in this instance most revelant.

[@stevefox8605]

Had one, weird case shape that didn't sit well on my wrist. Well made, liked the look but just very odd to wear. Didn't keep it long. Best bit about it was no date!! Good video, thank you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@InGratitudeIam]

Had they used a Miyota 9000 series, maybe. If they're going to sell a great design, they need to use a better movement. Maybe they could charge the same with a Miyota if they used less expensive packaging? Great design, cheap movement and expensive packaging. Makes total sense. Perhaps they should cut back on their Chianti consumption.

[@Strideo1]

Miyota 9000 series are thinner than NH movements too so they could've made the watch less chunky.

[@ikirikchi]

Hello Jody. Have you checked it on a timegrapher? Is this NH35 at least regulated for this price?

[@MrKinghuman]

I love this watch. People hate minimalist or love it, same with monochrome, I'm in the love side.

[@danielleclare2938]

Clean Quality always looks good even if your not sold on the style. I like it except for the strap. Silicone would be my preference.

[@keithsanderson1213]

Love your work Jody! Just a thought, but it must be time for you to chuck your logo on some T-shirts and starting flogging them?

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

Some merch would definitely be appreciated, but there was even a JOMW watch design mooted back in the olden days, and the start of the website.

[@keithsanderson1213]

@@blacktoothstavros2606 Jody loves his T-shirts. He just needs to create his own. Come on Jody, crack on. You'll be able to buy a few more watches with the profits! They are also useful as giveaways of course!

[@jeffdaniels1257]

Wow!! $525 with a ghost date NH35. Better off with a a sterile dial Steel Dive. Great review, but not a watch for me. Keep them coming!!!

[@bjorremeijer2072]

Design is cool, like the black and white contrast but it is heavily overpriced. Would they do a similar design on a somewhat decent bracelet and a “venta black” dial, then I would me very interested. A affordable venta black dial in general would be awesome, and it surely fits their design language.

[@gasparolea356]

Wow, looks like Unimatic uses the exact same rugged box and packaging as the microbrand Boldr Supply Co.

[@frankbcn2223]

For me this is one of the most interesting pieces I have seen this year, thanks for sharing! I will be putting some money aside to get me one soon! Off course that Nato strap will be replaced for a nice silicone or two piece Nato. Fantastic design, different

[@williamwallace9427]

Thank you for saving for a real one and not buying a “homage” rip off

[@frankdulonbarre7032]

@@williamwallace9427 Hi William, I am not "innocent" here, I purchased one time a Submariner San Martin, I think it is qualitative fine, but for some reason I do not really enjoy these "I want, but I can´t" watches. So no more homages for me sir 😅

[@CraigSheppard]

The case is the star IMHO. Love the angles and how the crown guards match the ends.

[@_Peter_.]

Italian Unimatic and Spanish Crepas are two of my favorite microbrands!

[@ciresolstice]

I really like the design aesthetic quite a bit. The downfall is the movement vs the pricepoint. Have purchased watches in the same range with higher-end movements and just as much, if not better design.

[@tonysolino3131]

Thank you very much. Wonderful video. I've always been curious about this brand the sprang but never dove too deep into it. I've always been curious about this brand but never dove too deep into it. After this video I feel like I spent the day with it thank you

[@VersedNJ]

Might consider it at this price at least use a Myota 9000 series caliber with the proper no date function.

[@colinlumsden9784]

Looks lovely and fresh. Needs a sellita movement at that price but even more impressive is the elevator music has gone and we get to listen to you only Jody.

[@trdaniel37]

I love my blue Unimatic Quattro. Clean and simple.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That's a hell of a lot of money for a Seiko NH35 !!😲

[@GinkgoJoe]

Super cool is right! Thanks Max and Jody!

[@KMV007]

Made in Italy: - cars 👍 - food 👍 - clothes 👍 - leather goods 👍 - jewellery 👍 - mopeds 👍 - ice cream 👍 - coffee 👍 - watches 🤔

[@davepoole5582]

Ace show Jody. 👌 An expencive Nn35, but very nice looking. It looks similar to my old Sicura from the 70's.

[@Panzerfaust9161]

I have a few homemade divers with all the bells and whistles that have Seiko movements in them. It’s just not that great anymore especially for those prices.

[@markhyde7217]

Saw this watch on another channel and thought I’d look for another review on it. My personal opinion is that although it looks stunning and the case it comes in is great the price is far far to high. NH 35 movement and a nato strap ? Not for me at that price unfortunately.

[@jcs5436]

Nice but definitely needs a ceramic bezel insert with graduations.

[@Unwoken_European]

Minimal watches should have minimal price.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Movado I’m looking at you!

[@chrisr8112]

Love it, bold design aesthetic, I bought a watch that homages it and it’s fantastic

[@williamwallace9427]

“Homages it”... that’s funny ... you mean “rips it off” .

[@TheRatchet35]

"homage" mf this thing costs less than 500 bucks

[@brucebush5744]

It’s cool - but I’m not sure that the minimalist design fits with the slightly chunky case.

[@EpicMovieMoments]

The first thing I did then I got this watch I swapped the strap to their Cordura strap. Much more comfortable and better looking without the bulky nato strap look. I got a close up of it on my channel!

[@gekkehenkie0001]

That particular design having the "normal" black replaced by vanta black would have been awesom IMHO

[@psherwood4606]

First time I've seen a Unimatic. The unmarked bezel is a stopper for me, otherwise it's not bad. The UC2 is my choice, the love-child of an Explorer and 62MAS. Since it's Italian why didn't Unimatic choose an Italian rubber dive strap or Italian leather strap?

[@williamwallace9427]

Wow that bezel has a fantastic clicks to it !

[@nukadog1969]

I understand the design exercise aspects of the watch, but if you're going to act tool-y, then you ought be tool-y, and the bezel ruins that. It's a watch I'd love to see in the metal, but I doubt I could be convinced...there's a reason the centerpiece of my small, affordable collection is the combo of an Aevig Corvid and a Helm Miyako...while both are design exercises, they are also capable tool watches as well.

[@dopagony9946]

but the seiko movement though...if they did a SW200 id order one

[@johnbuckmaster569]

It SHOULD have some of the best Lume in the business!!!! If you’re going to go pure tool watch, and that’s your hook… You have got to provide good, if not outstanding, lume… I see it as a to watch without the tools… Thanks Jody

[@TheMainCore]

Ooh, I have been waiting for you to take a look at this brand! Very cool, but a bit pricey for what it is. I will hunt one down second hand.

[@williamsmith3169]

Nice looking watch but the 525 Euro price point, I'd personally expect more than an NH35A movement. Maybe something by ETA?

[@duckrutt]

A case back that teaches you the history of Maserati? Interesting choice.

[@joeanthony3013]

Not my cuppa, what the point of the rotating bezel?

[@militaryminedid2011]

wish the hour and seconds hand were extended...makes it a strain, at least for me, to read the time which is what I look for 8n a watch.... readability

[@BrianHartman]

I like how clean the dial is. That's the best feature, IMO. I feel like there are several red flags, though. Especially for the money they're charging. First of all, as others have said, that bezel is ridiculous for a diver. I realize that it might be considered a desk diver, but still, even with a desk diver, you can still time things. I would prefer that kind of clean aesthetic be on a dress watch, if they weren't going to put indices on the bezel. You don't need the bezel to rotate if there aren't any indices anyway. And because there aren't any indices, it doesn't need to be that thick. It would at least be a better desk diver if they slimmed it down. You don't need 300m water resistance for a desk diver. The last thing is the ghost date. For the money they're charging for it, they could've used a movement that matched the watch. It's like designing a 3 story building where you only use the 1st and 3rd floors, but the elevator still goes to the second floor.

[@gamesetmatt23]

That elevator analogy is pretty accurate 💁🏻‍♂😂

[@waffle911]

There is one use case for the mono-pip bezel: the Squale Master Marina Militare was built for the Italian military, where tracking movement of the hour hand was more important to their dive operations than the minute hand.

[@sandrakemkers3158]

@@waffle911 It's a minimalistic design, so the pip is very to the point. And this marker is the only thing that counts on a dive bezel..

[@alanmckinnon6791]

I don't "get" it, it's circles and angles almost like an AI designed it to be easy to machine. What's up with that daft bezel? With no numbers, you can't time anything. But you could set the pip 6 minutes ahead and countdown time your boiled eggs I suppose. I can see this was put together by design students, it's all about the form but I am a function guy so I'll pass

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Nope not for me I rather by the San Martin less expensive with NH-35 than this Microband very cool indeed but not for this price.....thank you for reviewing this piece...greetings from St George Utah 👋.....

[@Jorgie000]

I love what this brand is doing, even though it's not quite for me.

[@andrewd7586]

I think for the so called industrial look, drilled lugs should be a must. Maybe on the bezel markers to 3 O’clock if anything, as that pip,looks lonely!😞🤣

[@roarksjuror4752]

Too minimalist for me. I prefer the Nautage which has similar design cues but just as a bit more going on.

[@Watch-Crazy]

You're also paying for a Japanese made NH35 as opposed to the majority in watches including many Seiko's that are made in China. Cool 😎 watches 👍

[@AlexanderB.]

Basically I do like the design language and there is nothing really wrong with that watch. The Italian designers seem to have a keen sense of proportions. But this empty bezel insert looks a little odd to me. There should be something on it, maybe small subtle numerals to track a second time zone.

[@grepminusi]

A Casio Duro with no bezel insert looks quite a bit like a Unimatic.

[@cdb7876]

It's a good looker!! Price about 25% high.

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

I like the clean aesthetic, but I'm not sure about the value for money. It is only the look that you pay for, and some of that look, while industrial, renders the watch less usable - kind of the antithesis of industrial design.

[@LordTwaddle]

I might be purchasing a Lorier Falcon V3, their new 3-6-9 Explorer style variant. Would you be interested in reviewing that before I receive it?

[@AudioFlat]

For that money there really isn’t an excuse for not having an NH38 in it - my pet hate is ghost crown positions!

[@devinfahada4880]

Sp, do u guys prefer U1 or U2?

[@markloubser2433]

These and the Peren are at the top of my list.......

[@grogthegrolie]

Go with the Peren

[@whereisvanuatu]

Haha, I had the exactly same dilemma myself! At the same price, I would’ve gone for the Peren (better movement and my Romanian nationality), but I was lucky enough to get the Unimatic at a 30% discount, so I pulled the trigger on it. Will get the Rogue too eventually.

[@67mlb67]

I like the look of the watch. Wish it was a little cheaper for what you get.

[@edwingatongomez7242]

Fantastic watches. I bought the first one in 2017. yes I did say the first one 😆. They are unique and a good deal for the money

[@jaconstable8983]

Nautage - similar simple dial styling from Denmark, great strap options, Miyoto 9039 movement and great service from owner Christian - cost for watch with four high quality rubber straps in a wide range of colours - $445. Very much worth a review in my view. And a better option than this one (although I do like it also)

[@whereisvanuatu]

Looks just as nice, but with a better movement, great find!

[@tonyalbrecht7169]

hmm an old woman asked me the date in the department store. Handy if your watch has this complication.

[@fubaralakbar6800]

If it had numbers on the bezel, it would be a great diver.