A Hands-On Introduction To The New Unimatic Modello Uno ProDiver Collection

Unimatic has been busy introducing a string of clever new releases. Only last week, I did a hands-on review of the brand Modello Uno Heritage GMT Diver from a series of nice vintage-inspired models. Today, we get treated to a new trio of models who are taking a different road. The three Modello Uno ProDiver models incorporate a series of modern dive characteristics into the brand’s most popular model. The watches take after the initial duo of ProDiver models that were introduced in 2023. The most exciting of the three new models is a lightweight titanium model. I had a chance to take the orange dial stainless steel version for a spin to get an idea of the new Unimatic Modello Uno ProDiver collection.

In June, I spent two weeks in Croatia enjoying some time off. It was the second year in a row that my Unimatic Modello Uno U1S-PD5 graced my wrist for most of the fortnight. The second watch I took was my Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT, to have two different watches with me. But exactly like last year, I wore the Modello Uno the most. It is a brilliant, sturdy modern-day dive watch that makes for a brilliant daily wearer. My U1S-PD5 was part of a duo of ProDiver models that came out in 2023. Unimatic took the brand’s familiar, minimalist style for the two watches to create two modern, competent dive watches. They integrated the same specs for the new ProDiver collection to develop a set of three new models.

The story of the Unimatic Modello Uno ProDiver collection

At first glance, these watches might look like pretty standard Modello Uno watches, and you would not be wrong. But then again, Unimatic’s charm is all about subtle differences. As I have explained here on Fratello multiple times, the minimalist canvas that Unimatic founders Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato created allows for a great variety of different options but minor tweaks.

I like this exploration of different options within the set boundaries a lot. Because if anything, Moro and Nunziato show time and again that these boundaries are far from limiting. Granted, you have to like the aesthetic. But if you do, there is no reason for Unimatic to play checkers while they are still exploring all the chess options.

So what does that mean in terms of these new ProDivers? Let’s talk about the details, and we will find out. First, it’s good to explain that the latest trio of ProDiver watches consists of a new titanium Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-PD6-B and two stainless steel models, the first is the Modello Uno U1-PD3-B with a black dial, and the second is the Modello Uno U1-PD3-OR with an orange dial. All three models are limited to 300 pieces each. There are some notable differences between the titanium models and the two stainless steel models, so let’s go over them separately before I get into the orange dial Modello Uno U1-PD3-OR that I had a chance of trying for some time.

The Unimatic Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-PD6-B

The most interesting of the three models is the Modello Uno U1S-T-PD6-B. It features the brand’s slim Modello Uno case, which is executed in sandblasted titanium for this model. The case measures 40mm in diameter with a 41.5mm bezel, is 12.3mm thick without the sapphire crystal, and 14.4mm with it. The lug-to-lug is 49mm, the lug spacing is 22mm, and the case is water resistant to 600 meters. In short, this lightweight titanium version of my watch ups the water resistance by another 100 meters, making it a seriously specced diver.

The bezel features a matte black lume-infused ceramic bezel insert. It features a white Super-LumiNova BGW9 diving scale that lights up turquoise. The luminous scale and font used for the bezel are the first two elements specific to the ProDiver models. The matte black dial is contrasted by oversized markers featuring a slim outline and has a date window at 6 o’clock. While not exclusive to the ProDivers, all the models have these outlined markers that add some nice detail. The indices, the hour hand, and the tip of the seconds hand feature orange-glowing white Super-LumiNova that contrasts nicely with the turquoise lume of the bezel insert and the minute hand.

The lightweight Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-PD6-B is the perfect next step for the ProDiver series

Inside the lightweight case (63 grams), Unimatic equips the watch with the Sellita SW200-1a. The automatic caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 26 jewels, and offers 41 hours of power reserve. It is a reliable powertrain for this professional diver that powers many great watches. Lastly, the watch comes on a black nylon NATO-style strap with titanium sandblasted hardware. It finishes the look in style. Overall, this new and improved titanium version of my Modello Uno ProDiver feels like the next logical step for the series.

As already mentioned, the Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-PD6-B will be produced in a limited run of 300 pieces that will be available for €1,500 + VAT. Considering that the stainless steel version was €1,200 + VAT on a rubber strap, it seems like a reasonable step up, considering the use of lightweight titanium. As you will understand, I like this new lightweight version. Could it replace my stainless steel version? In theory, definitely! But I love to wear my version on the stainless steel bracelet, and this new model doesn’t have a matching titanium bracelet yet. Who knows, it could be the perfect next step for Unimatic.

The Unimatic Modello Uno ref. U1-PD3-B and ref. U1-PD3-OR

The two stainless steel models also feature the same set of specs with different dials. Both the Modello Uno ref. U1-PD3-B and ref. U1-PD3-OR have a 40mm stainless steel case that is 13.2mm thick without the sapphire crystal and 14.4mm with it.

These two watches have a slightly thicker case, but the overall height is the same due to the thicker sapphire crystal. The case of both watches is 49mm from lug to lug, has a 22mm lug width, and is water resistant up to 300 meters.

Both models feature the same matte black ceramic bezel insert. The titanium model features white Super-LumiNova BGW09 markers. And the ref. U1-PD3-B features a matte black dial similar to the titanium model.

The ref. U1-PD3-OR features an orange dial with white markers. As you can see, both these models have a full set of indices and do not feature a date aperture at 6 o’clock. Like the titanium model, the Super-LumiNova lights up turquoise and orange in the dark, another ProDiver series feature. But the orange dial gave the watch some extra pizzazz in the dark, as you can see.

Inside the case of these two models, you will find the Seiko NH35A caliber. This automatic caliber operates at 21,600vph, has 24 jewels, and a 41-hour power reserve. The Seiko NH35A has been a go-to caliber for Unimatic. It has been a reliable choice for the affordable models, where Sellita calibers power the more exclusive models. As a result, the NH35A-powered models are also more affordable. In line with the titanium model, these two stainless steel models will also be limited to 300 pieces. Both feature a black nylon NATO strap with black hardware and will cost €750 + VAT.

Wearing the Modello Uno ref. U1-PD3-OR

As mentioned, we had the new orange dial version in for review. Immediately, it feels familiar on the wrist despite the new orange dial. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of my Modello Uno ref. U1-S-PD5. But there are also some differences.

The first is the notably slimmer case of my watch. It’s only 1mm of difference with no difference in the total height, but it wears slightly differently. The stainless orange model feels somewhat chunkier than the previous ProDiver models. Then again, it is also nothing too dramatic, as the case is similar to other NH35A-powered models, of which I also own several. So it is still a very familiar experience wearing this new orange dial Modello Uno.

But it must be said that it is not a watch for people with smaller wrists. The brilliant modern case design features fairly straight lugs, making it slightly harder to pull off with smaller wrists. But on my wrist, the Unimatc Modello Uno feels right at home. It feels solidly built, and unscrewing the crown and adjusting the time feels smooth and reassuring.

The 120-click bezel makes a light, springy sound that I love, and rotating it feels nice. Unimatic’s nylon NATO straps are always of great quality. They balance the watch nicely on the wrist. It’s a small detail, but I would have preferred simple stainless steel hardware in line with the case color. It’s nothing that changed my overall opinion and is easily solved with a Unimatic NATO strap with silver-colored hardware.

Final thoughts on the new Unimatic Modello Uno ProDiver Collection

Overall, it’s great to see that 2023’s ProDiver models get a follow-up from these three new models. The two Seiko-powered models are great modern, professional dive watches at an affordable price. They incorporate the lume-infused ceramic bezel, two-colored lume, and overall style of the first two models. That is an excellent option for people looking for an affordable and capable diver. The black dial version looks the most familiar, while the orange dial version offers a new, fresh take on the Modello Uno.

But if you already have one or more Unimatic models, the titanium model is the most interesting of the new trio of watches. It is a logical follow-up to the first duo of ProDiver models. With a new lightweight titanium case, the brand is hopefully exploring new permanent territory for the Modello Uno.

I would love to see more titanium models, if possible, also on a titanium bracelet. That would be a great development that I would applaud loudly. The new Modello Uno ref. U1S-T-PD6-B is not the first titanium model from the Italian brand. But it is the perfect material for the brand’s modern ProDiver models. So, I am happy to see this step in a great direction for the brand.