The New Unimatic Impronte Collection Leaves A Permanent Imprint
Over the years, we have seen Unimatic deliver great creativity with every new release. After reviewing the Modello Uno UT1-IPP from the Swimming Pool collection in June, I briefly wondered how the brand could make me smile again. Leave it up to its founders, Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato, to do exactly that. Industrial designers by trade, they know how to create an original play on a familiar series. For the new Impronte collection, they did something much more ambitious. The collection consists of 10 new references across five models and two executions. The concept is to produce watches featuring details inspired by pressure, contact, and repetition. The result is a stylish series with some nice surprises.
As some of you will know, I love Unimatic. The brand’s minimalist style resonates deeply with me, and I adore the creativity the brand has shown in using that minimalist canvas to create new releases. Over the past six years, I have been lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with a wide variety of Unimatic watches. Sometimes I wonder if the brand could take the next step by expanding the collection or exploring different design directions. I would love to see more offerings proving that minimalist design eliminates boundaries rather than creates them. If anything, that is what Moro and Nunziato have proven with Unimatic’s signature style.
The details of the new Unimatic Impronte collection
But the moment that thought pops up, Unimatic slaps me in the face with an original take on the existing theme. This time, it was the Impronte collection. It’s a series of 10 new references that play on the theme of producing watches. They explore relief and surfaces through raised bezels, debossed dial details, and a distinctive wrinkled case back, translating the concept of an imprint into a design language. The result is a refreshingly raw and original take on the brand’s signature style. The series comprises five models, each executed in two colors/materials.
Unimatic Modello Uno refs. U1-AEB and U1-AEG
Let’s take a closer look at the different versions that are available across the Modello Uno, Modello Tre, and Modello Quattro series. It starts with the Modello Uno U1-AEB and U1-AEG dive watches and the Modello Uno GMT U1-GMT-AEB and U1-GMT-AEG. The brand’s Modello Tre Chronograph is represented by the U3-AEB and U3-AEG. Lastly, the Modello Quattro U4-AEB and U4-AEG and the Modello Quattro GMT U4-GMT-AEB and U4-GMT-AEG close out the series.
Unimatic Modello Uno GMT refs. U1-GMT-AEB and U1-GMT-AEG
The differences in aesthetics within the Impronte collection
The AEB references combine matte black surfaces with black seatbelt NATO straps for a darker, more restrained presence. Depending on how the light hits the surfaces, the details and textures reveal themselves. The AEG references feature aluminum-colored dials, hands, and bezel elements for a brighter, more technical look. Additionally, this raw aesthetic is combined with olive-drab seatbelt NATO straps for a completely different look. The second look is more surprising, while the black aesthetic looks more familiar. Consequently, I was more drawn to the raw look of the AEG references.
Unimatic Modello Quattro refs. U4-AEB and U4-AEG
At first glance, the Modello Uno and Modello Tre models stand out with their textured bezels. Also, I am a sucker for a good GMT, so the Modello Uno GMT and the Modello Quattro GMT models also caught my eye immediately. It’s nice to see the differences between the Modello Uno GMTs with a rotating bezel and the cleaner look of the Modello Quattro GMTs with their fixed bezel and GMT scale integrated into the dial design.
Unimatic Modello Tre refs. U3-AEB and U3-AEG
Lastly, I have never really focused much on the Modello Tre chronographs, but they look really nice. Both feature contrasting white sub-dials that slightly change the overall look and feel, and I love the little design touch.
The details of the Unimatic Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG
Unimatic kindly sent us the Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG for a hands-on review and to give us an idea of what the series is all about. I would love to go over the details of all 10 watches, but that would be too much for one article. I suggest you check out the full series on the Unimatic website for more details or refer to previous Unimatic articles we wrote on the different base models that make up this new Impronte collection. For now, I will focus on the Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG to give you an idea of the series and, more specifically, this cool-looking GMT.
This watch has a 40mm brushed stainless steel case with a 49mm lug-to-lug, a 14.4mm profile, and a 300m depth rating. The 120-click unidirectional bezel is slightly larger, with a 41.5mm diameter, making it easier to grip and rotate. As this is a GMT, a 24- or 48-click bidirectional bezel would have made more sense.
It simply makes the GMT function easier to operate, and I think it’s a missed opportunity. That said, I must admit that the bezel action is addictive. The sound and feel are wonderful. The sandblasted aluminum 24-hour bezel insert features raised, uneven numerals that add depth and texture. Lastly, on the right side of the case, you will find the 8mm signature Alchemical Sun screw-down crown.
The aluminum-colored dial looks raw and rugged
This watch’s aluminum-colored dial features a debossed open-minute track on the periphery. Moving toward the center, we then find painted Super-LumiNova C1 hour markers in the signature Unimatic style. As usual, the Unimatic logo is on the lower half of the dial. Hovering over it are the brand’s ladder-style phantom hour and minute hands and a reverse-lollipop seconds hand. Lastly, the hollow-tip GMT hand completes the hand set. All the hands have a Super-LumiNova C1 treatment so you can read the local and home time in the dark.
Inside the case, Unimatic fits the watch with the Seiko NH34A GMT caliber. This automatic movement operates at 21,600 vph, has 24 jewels, and provides a 41-hour power reserve. The caller-style GMT function allows you to independently set the 24-hour GMT hand. Additionally, the caliber runs with an accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day.
Unimatic uses Seiko’s NH calibers for its standard offerings, whereas Sellita movements power the brand’s Swiss series. I have multiple Unimatic watches with Seiko NH movements, and they have proven to be reliable and far more accurate than the official numbers suggest. Therefore, I feel they are a great pick for the affordable Inpronte series as well.
Wearing the Unimatic Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG
As mentioned, the Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG comes fitted with an olive-drab NATO strap. When it comes to straps, Unimatic always delivers. The included ones are sturdy yet flexible, guaranteeing comfortable daily wear. The buckle features the brand’s logo and, along with the two keepers, a brushed finish that matches the case finish. I love the look of the steel and aluminum contrasting with the green fabric. It creates a stylish yet highly utilitarian look that makes the Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG interesting to wear.
On the wrist, the watch isn’t too surprising in the way it wears. I have had many Unimatic watches on my wrist, and they always feel right at home. The substantial thickness makes the watch stand out, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it chunky. Honestly, I think it has spot-on proportions, and as with all Unimatic watches, the build quality is on point.
The watches always feel ready for whatever adventure you have planned. The same is true here. The Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG combines minimalist style with rugged overall quality, making it the perfect stylish tool watch. The biggest surprise was the combination of the dial and bezel insert. The aluminum color complements the stainless steel case. They ensure that the watch really pops off the wrist. The olive-drab strap adds a nice touch of color, making for a great-looking watch.
A great, affordable series of watches
The Unimatic Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG, like all references in the Impronte series, is a limited edition of 250 pieces and is now available on the brand’s official website for €800 / US$918, excluding taxes. This makes the two Modello Uno GMT models the most expensive in the Impronte series. The other models in the Unimatic Impronte collection range from €650 / US$746 for the Modello Tre and Quattro to €725 / US$832 for the Modello Uno and €750 / US$861 for the Modello Quattro GMT, all excluding taxes. I think many watch fans will love these interesting, distinct takes on Unimatic’s base models.
Final thoughts on the Unimatic Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG
All in all, the new Unimatic Modello Uno U1-GMT-AEG was a nice surprise. The overall aesthetic, with its use of raw materials and textures, provides something I’ve never seen from the brand before, making it feel refreshing.
I love the bezel insert with its raised numerals and the combination of bright silver tones and green. The look reminds me somewhat of the really cool Modello Uno U1S-GMT-RR “Arctic Fox” that Unimatic created in collaboration with Revolution and The Rake. The Modello Uno GMT also combined multiple textures and materials to create something really cool.
And as long as Unimatic keeps coming up with creative ways to surprise us with original takes on the brand’s well-known style, I won’t complain. It’s this boundless quest for freedom, triggered by a very cleverly designed minimalist canvas, that made me fall in love with Unimatic in the first place. That love sometimes leads to curiosity about something completely new from the brand, but I must also admit that seeing new releases like the Impronte series shows why that isn’t always necessary. It’s like your favorite dish: no matter how many times you have eaten it, it never disappoints.
