Introducing: The New Unimatic Modello Cinque U5S-A And U5S-AN — Minimalist Just Got Even More So

As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” This famous quote is a motto that the guys at Unimatic have embraced ever since they started the brand in 2015. The Milan-based brand is known to have created a minimalist design canvas for its timepieces that works very well in multiple ways. Today, we get another taste of that canvas with the new Unimatic Modello Cinque. It’s a significantly smaller timepiece than the models already in the collection. On top of that, the Modello Cinque U5S-A and U5S-AN are not tool watches. So what are they? Let’s find out.

With the Modello Cinque, we get the first all-new addition to the Unimatic lineup since the Modello Quattro, which came out in late 2020. But the U5S-A and U5S-AN were not the first Modello Cinques. Last December, Unimatic collaborated on the U5S-ML with Massena Lab. At first glance, I immediately thought of the Braun alarm clocks that we had in my parents’ house when I was younger. I am a big fan of the German brand and its instantly recognizable designs. German architect and designer Dieter Rams created Braun’s famous design signature. But to see that distinct style used for a Unimatic watch threw me off a bit.

The Modello Cinque U5S-A and U5S-AN return to the Unimatic style

Seeing a watch that was an homage to Rams’s style was a break from the usual Unimatic aesthetic. On top of that, the typical Braun look holds many dear memories from my youth, so I had to get used to seeing it as a non-Braun watch. Despite that, I have to say that the watch has influences from both Braun and Unimatic designs.

The Unimatic × Massena Lab U5S-ML

While the dial design might have that typical Braun style, the matte black phantom ladder hour and minute hands combined with the reverse lollipop second hand are a touch of Unimatic. So, in the end, the timepiece was a fusion of two minimalist styles that worked well together.

With the new U5S-A and U5S-AN, Unimatic stays away from the look that Dieter Rams developed for Braun and returns to its recognizable design. Therefore, it feels a lot more familiar, making for a great first duo of “regular” Modello Cinque watches. The Modello Cinque U5S-A is a stainless steel model, while the U5S-AN is a blacked-out DLC version of the same watch. With a return of the signature outline markers, these are two unmistakably Unimatic watches.

The Modello Cinque is modest in size

So, let’s look at some specs. Both models feature a stainless steel case that is 36mm in diameter, 11.05mm thick, 43.7mm from tip to tip, and 22mm between the lugs. That last detail is remarkable as we rarely see a small-sized case with such a wide lug spacing. The case is also water resistant to 300 meters, which is impressive for what is not necessarily a tool watch.

The lug-to-lug is modest, partially thanks to the curved design. The lugs slope down quite steeply, shortening the overall length. Looking at the side profile, you will recognize the modern design signature that we have come to know from Unimatic. It looks perfectly proportioned and makes me curious to learn more about the Modello Cinque’s size on my wrist. The 43.7mm lug-to-lug implies that it might be too small for me, but I won’t knock it till I try it.

The same style but different looks

Despite the smaller case, both new Modello Cinque variants have rather expansive dials. That is due to a slim bezel and a steeply angled rehaut. Despite its brushed finish, the rehaut stands out, especially on the stainless steel U5S-A. The oversized screw-down crown is another element that immediately stands out on the stainless steel model. The watch has a gray “Grigio Milano” dial contrasted by the brand’s signature outline markers and glossy white skeleton hands. Overall, the style is minimalist. However, with the steep rehaut, large crown, and contrasting markers, quite a few design elements keep it from getting boring.

The second model is the U5S-AN. This one has the same stainless steel case but is finished with a black DLC coating. The black case complements another Grigio Milano outline dial, this time with matte black markers and hands. Combined with the brushed overall finish, it gives this U5S-AN an ultra-stealthy appearance. Add the black quick-release TPU strap that tapers nicely from 22mm to 20mm wide, and you have a true style-statement watch that looks equally good during a chic dinner as during your nighttime covert operations.

Limited to 300 pieces each

Inside the case of both models, we find the trusty Sellita SW200-1, which Unimatic uses for several of its watches nowadays. This automatic movement operates at a 28,800vph frequency and has a 41-hour power reserve. In both models, the movement is hidden behind the stainless steel screw-in case back. There, you’ll find what the brand calls a “Quattro Stagioni” engraving, indicating the four seasons with their names in Italian and the starting date of every season.

Unimatic will produce 300 pieces of each of these two Modello Cinque variants. Each one will have a unique limited-edition number engraved in the case back’s center circle, which also bears the “Unimatic U5S” name. Lastly, the outer ring of the engraving contains various other details about the watch and its movement, as we are used to seeing on many watches.

Final thoughts on the new Unimatic Modello Cinque U5S-A and U5S-AN

Judging from the press photos, I like these two new additions to the Unimatic lineup. They bring something new to the collection while still being recognizable as Unimatic watches. With the new smaller case, the brand created a watch that can appeal to both men and women. I can’t wait to find out in a hands-on review whether the Modello Cinque is the right size for my wrist. Usually, I would gravitate towards watches that are a bit bigger. Although I can wear a 36mm watch easily, it’s usually in combination with a bracelet rather than straps.

Speaking of straps, along with a black two-piece 22/20mm TPU strap that I mentioned, the watches will come with a black calfskin strap that tapers from 22mm to 18mm wide. Regarding pricing, the Modello Cinque U5S-A will be available for €750, and the U5S-AN will be €850. These seem like tempting new offerings from the Italian brand. As I said, I can’t wait to try them out and see if they fit my wrist. On top of that, it will also answer the question of whether this is another good-looking field watch or simply a very stylish daily wearer from the Italian brand. I can’t wait to find out.

For more information, visit the official Unimatic website. Let us know your thoughts on the new Unimatic Modello Cinque U5S-A and U5S-AN in the comments section too.