UNIMATIC Italian Alps Collection

Industrial design often struggles to balance the cold precision of manufacturing with the organic, chaotic beauty of the natural world, yet the latest release from the Milan-based creative hub Unimatic seems to have found a comfortable home exactly on that ridge line. Founded a decade ago by Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato, two industrial designers trained at the Politecnico di Milano, the brand has spent its existence stripping away the superfluous to reveal the essential. Their newest project, the Italian Alps Collection, moves away from the stark, purely tactical black-and-grey palettes often associated with tool watches and embraces a burst of environmental color that feels both surprising and inevitable. It is a four-watch capsule that feels less like a product line and more like a love letter to the high-altitude geography that defines the northern border of their home country.

The inspiration here is specific and experiential, drawing from the sensory overload one experiences above the tree line. Anyone who has spent time in the Alps knows that the light behaves differently at three thousand meters. The air is thinner, removing the atmospheric haze that usually softens our vision, resulting in colors that are incredibly saturated and contrasts that are visually sharp. UNIMATIC has attempted to capture this phenomenon through two distinct chromatic expressions: Alpine Sky Blue and Glacier White. These aren't just standard color codes picked from a Pantone book; they feel engineered to replicate the sensation of looking up at a cloudless noon sky or looking down at an undisturbed snowpack. The execution of these dials is particularly striking because they eschew metallic finishes or sunburst patterns that might distract from the purity of the hue, opting instead for a flat, matte application that allows the color to dominate the visual field.



When you look at the Alpine Sky variants, specifically the Modello Uno UT1-AS and the Modello Cinque UT5-AS, the blue is arresting in its intensity. It possesses a vibrancy that borders on electric, yet it remains grounded enough to function as a daily wearer. It captures that specific shade of cyan-blue that exists only when the sun reflects off snow and fills the atmosphere. It provides a backdrop that makes the stark white markers pop with aggressive legibility. Conversely, the Glacier White models, the UT1-GO and UT5-GO, offer a monochromatic experience that feels almost clinical in its cleanliness. It is the white of deep winter, cold and absolute. Against this snowy backdrop, the black outlines of the hands and the grey text create a high-contrast display that mimics the experience of seeing dark rocks jutting out from a snowfield.

A significant portion of the visual weight in this collection comes from the debut of a new technical feature the brand calls UNILIGHT. For years, the industry standard has been to print luminous material onto a dial or fill metal surrounds with liquid lume, but UNIMATIC has taken a more architectural approach here. The markers on these dials are not merely applied; they are three-dimensional, sculptural elements that rise significantly above the dial plane. This adds a verticality to the watch face that you rarely see in this price segment. When viewing the watch at an angle, you can actually see the height of the indices, which cast minute shadows and catch ambient light on their sidewalls. It transforms the dial from a flat surface into a miniature topography, adding a depth that complicates the simplicity of the design in a very rewarding way.

This new marker technology isn't just an aesthetic flex; it serves a functional purpose that aligns with the brand's utility-first ethos. By creating a solid block of luminous pigment, the surface area capable of absorbing and emitting light is drastically increased compared to standard application methods. During the day, these markers look like pristine blocks of white architectural plaster, giving the watch a clean, modern face. However, as lighting conditions drop, the performance of the high-grade Super-LumiNova infused into these 3D structures becomes apparent. They glow with a radiant intensity that makes legibility in low light—or perhaps inside a mountain tunnel—instantaneous. It is a clever evolution of the "maxi dial" concept, achieved not by widening the markers, but by building them upwards.



Housing these vivid dials are cases finished in a manner that completely rejects ornamentation. The 316L stainless steel has been bead-blasted to a uniform, matte grey finish that feels cool and tactile to the touch. This sandblasted treatment is the perfect canvas for the bright dials because it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. A polished case would have fought with the dial for attention, but this matte grey steel recedes visually, acting as a sturdy, utilitarian frame. It gives the watches a tool-like demeanor, suggesting they are pieces of equipment meant to be used rather than jewelry meant to be babied. The finish also has the practical benefit of hiding the hairline scratches and scuffs that inevitably accumulate on a watch worn during active pursuits, blending them into the grain of the steel.

The collection is Split between two of UNIMATIC’s core silhouettes, the first being the Modello Uno, their interpretation of the classic dive watch. The UT1-AS and UT1-GO feature a 41.5mm footprint that commands presence without being overwhelming. The defining feature here is the bezel. The matte black aluminum insert provides a heavy, graphic boundary that contains the dial. On the blue Alpine Sky model, this black ring creates a stark, framing contrast that intensifies the blue center, much like a vignette on a photograph. On the white Glacier model, the black bezel acts as a grounding element, preventing the all-white watch from floating away visually. The bezel features a solitary raised lume dot at the zero mark, maintaining the minimalist sterile look by removing the minute track entirely from the insert, forcing the focus back onto the dial itself.

The second silhouette is the Modello Cinque, a newer addition to their design language that interprets the field watch through an Italian lens. The UT5-AS and UT5-GO shrink the dimensions down to a classic 36mm, a size that nods to the vintage military watches of the mid-20th century. Without the rotating bezel, the dial is pushed closer to the edge of the case, and the double-domed sapphire crystal plays a larger role in the visual profile. This crystal introduces slight distortions at extreme angles, adding a layer of vintage charm to an otherwise thoroughly modern object. The 36mm size combined with the angled lugs makes this reference incredibly wearable across a massive range of wrist sizes, slipping under a heavy winter coat or a cuff with zero resistance. It feels compact, dense, and purposeful, like a compass or a carabiner.



Beneath the hood, UNIMATIC has deployed a protection system that speaks to the "Alps" moniker: if you are going to name a watch after a mountain range, it better be able to take a hit. They have engineered a proprietary 360-degree floating movement holder made from a specialized Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). This isn't just a plastic spacer ring; it is a shock-absorption system designed and produced in Italy. The TPU shell surrounds the movement, isolating it from the steel case. When the watch is dropped or banged against a rock face, the energy of the impact is absorbed and dissipated by the semi-rigid polymer before it can reach the delicate mechanics of the movement. It effectively puts the engine of the watch in a suspension system, ensuring that the timekeeping remains unaffected by the rigors of an active lifestyle.

Powering all four references is the Seiko VH31A movement, a hybrid engine that bridges the gap between the romance of mechanical gears and the grab-and-go reliability of quartz. While it is battery-operated, the VH31A features a sweeping seconds hand that ticks four times per second, mimicking the smooth glide of a mechanical automatic. This eliminates the dead, one-second "tick" that many enthusiasts find visually jarring in standard quartz watches. It allows the wearer to enjoy the precision and durability of a quartz oscillator—accurate to within 15 seconds a month—without sacrificing the fluid visual aesthetic of a sweeping hand. For a watch designed to be rugged and exposed to cold temperatures where mechanical lubricants can sometimes behave unpredictably, a high-torque quartz movement is a logical, pragmatic choice.

The layout of the dial itself remains consistent with UNIMATIC’s established graphic language, prioritizing legibility above all else. The hands are a "phantom ladder" set, meaning the base of the hands is skeletonized or finished to blend into the dial, leaving the luminous tips to float. This effect is particularly prominent on the white dial versions, where the black outlines of the hands delineate the time with graphic precision. The seconds hand features a reverse lollipop design with a Super-LumiNova tip, a small circle of light orbiting the dial that serves as a running indicator—a crucial feature for a dive watch to confirm functionality at a glance. The text on the dial is minimal, with the logo and water resistance rating balancing the lower half, printed in a dark grey that is visible when you look for it but unobtrusive when you just need to check the time.



Strap choice is often an afterthought for many brands, but here it plays a central role in the narrative of the watch. Each piece in the Italian Alps collection comes mounted on a custom two-piece strap made from fumo deer leather. Deer leather is distinct from bovine leather; it has a more pronounced grain and a significantly softer, more supple hand feel right out of the box. The "fumo" colorway is a complex, smoky grey-brown that perfectly bridges the gap between the matte grey of the steel case and the vivid colors of the dial. It looks organic and weathered, reminiscent of tree bark or wet stone, providing a natural counterpoint to the industrial sharpness of the watch head. The strap is equipped with a quick-release system, acknowledging that modern owners like to swap straps frequently, though the quality of this OEM leather makes a strong case for keeping it on.

The hardware on the strap matches the case perfectly, featuring a sandblasted stainless steel buckle signed with the brand’s logo. It is this attention to the continuity of textures that elevates the perception of quality. When the buckle, the case, and the crown all share the exact same matte grain, the object feels cohesive and solid. The crown itself is substantial—8mm in diameter on the Modello Uno—and features heavy knurling that makes it easy to manipulate even if you are wearing thick gloves. It screws down to ensure the 300 meters of water resistance, a spec that holds true for both the dive-style Modello Uno and the smaller Modello Cinque. This level of water resistance is overkill for hiking, but it ensures that the watch is completely impervious to snow, rain, river crossings, or an unexpected plunge into an alpine lake.

Turning the watch over reveals a closed caseback, a feature that many purists prefer for a tool watch as it reduces thickness and potential failure points compared to an exhibition glass. These casebacks are deeply engraved with a stylized motif representing the Italian Alps, along with the individual numbering of the watch. Each reference is strictly limited to 300 pieces worldwide, a constraint that ensures a degree of exclusivity. The engraving is crisp and deep, adding a tactile element to the back of the watch that helps grip the wrist. It serves as a private reminder of the watch’s inspiration, sitting against the skin, unseen by others but known to the wearer.



The wearability of these pieces is aided significantly by the case geometry. The lugs on the Modello Uno curve downward aggressively, hugging the wrist and mitigating the 41.5mm diameter, effectively reducing the lug-to-lug distance to something manageable for average wrists. The Modello Cinque, at 36mm, disappears on the wrist in the best way possible. It is a watch you put on and forget about until you need it. The sandblasted texture also feels physically different against the skin—less sticky than polished steel on a hot day and warmer to the touch on a cold one. The careful ergonomic planning is evident; these are watches designed by people who understand that an uncomfortable object, no matter how beautiful, will eventually be left in a drawer.

Looking closer at the dial furniture, specifically the outer tracks, one notices the dark gray trims. There is a peripheral rail track for the seconds that frames the 3D markers. On the white dial, this creates a target-like effect, drawing the eye inward. On the blue dial, it offers a subtle boundary. The decision to use dark gray rather than stark black for these minute details softens the overall look, preventing the contrast from becoming jarring. It is a small graphic design choice that speaks to the sophistication of the color palette. It ensures that the watch remains legible without looking like a cartoon; the gray adds a touch of refinement that balances the pop-art brightness of the primary colors.

The interplay of the "Alps" theme works because it doesn't rely on gimmicks. There are no little pictures of mountains on the dial, no snowflake hands, no kitschy text. The theme is conveyed entirely through color, light, and material. The blue is the sky, the white is the snow, the grey steel is the rock, and the lume is the reflection of sun on ice. It is an abstract representation of a landscape rather than a literal one. This abstraction allows the watch to be versatile. You don't need to be a mountaineer to wear the Alpine Sky Blue; it works just as well with a denim shirt in a coffee shop as it does with a parka on a ridge.

It is also worth noting the value proposition of the quartz engine in this specific context. By utilizing the VH31A, UNIMATIC keeps the price point accessible and the maintenance costs low, while also allowing for a thinner case profile than many automatic movements would permit. The Modello Uno sits at a reasonable thickness, slipping under cuffs easily despite its diver specs. The impact protection system takes up internal space, so using a compact quartz movement helps balance the internal architecture, ensuring the watch doesn't become a hockey puck on the wrist. It’s a holistic design approach where the movement choice supports the physical form factor and the durability goals simultaneously.



As the release date approaches, the anticipation for these pieces highlights the niche UNIMATIC has carved out. They sit in a unique intersection between the sneaker-drop culture of streetwear and the traditional appreciation of horology. By limiting the production numbers, they create an event around the release, but the product itself is built to last a lifetime. The Italian Alps Collection feels like a mature step for the brand—confident enough to embrace bold color, innovative enough to develop new dial technologies like UNILIGHT, but disciplined enough to stick to the design principles that made them famous.

The UNIMATIC Italian Alps Collection will be officially available for purchase starting December 3rd, 2025, at 5:00 PM CET. Enthusiasts can find them exclusively through the brand's own web portal, unimaticwatches.com, as well as a carefully curated selection of global retailers. The pricing structure remains competitive, adhering to the brand's mission of offering high-design items at attainable levels. The larger, diver-oriented Modello Uno references (UT1-AS and UT1-GO) are priced at 550 EUR, while the compact, field-style Modello Cinque references (UT5-AS and UT5-GO) come in at 495 EUR. Given the limited run of only 300 pieces per reference and the unique introduction of the 3D UNILIGHT markers, these models are expected to move quickly, finding homes with collectors who value the intersection of Italian design flair and rugged alpine utility.

Case: Sandblasted 316L stainless steel; Modello Uno measures 41.5mm diameter (with bezel) / 40mm (case) featuring 2.5mm flat sapphire; Modello Cinque measures 36mm diameter featuring 2.2mm double domed sapphire; both feature inner anti-reflective coating, 300m / 30 atm water resistance, screw-down crown, and proprietary TPU 360° anti-shock protection system.

Movement: Seiko VH31A Quartz; sweeping second hand mechanism; accuracy ±15s/month; approximately 2 years power reserve; hacking second hand functionality.

Dial: Available in Alpine Sky (blue) or Glacier White; features debut of UNILIGHT hand-applied 3D luminous markers (Super-LumiNova C1); dark gray open second rail and trims; stainless steel phantom ladder hands; reverse lollipop second hand with Super-LumiNova C1 tip.

Strap: Fumo (smoke) deer leather two-piece strap; quick-release mechanism; 22mm lug width; sandblasted stainless steel hardware signed UNIMATIC.

Price: Modello Uno: €550 / $780; Modello Cinque: €495 / $700

Reference Number: UT1-AS (Uno Blue), UT1-GO (Uno White), UT5-AS (Cinque Blue), UT5-GO (Cinque White)

Notes: Limited edition of 300 individually numbered pieces per reference; marks the first application of UNILIGHT 3D marker technology; casebacks feature specific Italian Alps engraving.