UNIMATIC Modello Due U2-GMT World Timer

Italian design firm Unimatic has carved out a distinct niche in the watch industry by adhering to a philosophy of rigorous minimalism and functional integrity. Founded in 2015 by industrial designers Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato, the brand has consistently produced timepieces that distill classic watch archetypes to their essential forms. Their latest release, the Modello Due U2-GMT, represents a significant evolution for the brand, introducing a highly practical complication to their established field watch platform. This new model is the first in the Modello Due line to feature a GMT function, directly addressing the needs of global travelers and professionals who operate across multiple time zones.

The genesis of UNIMATIC is rooted in the founders' education at the Politecnico di Milano, where they honed their skills in industrial design. This background is evident in every piece they create. Their vision was not to reinvent the watch but to refine it, stripping away superfluous details to reveal the core utility and aesthetic of historical references. This approach has resulted in a portfolio of watches that are immediately recognizable for their clean lines, robust construction, and unambiguous purpose. The company's mission focuses on creating functional, durable watches that blend precision engineering with a distinctly Italian design sensibility, fostering a community of collectors who appreciate authenticity and quality.



At the heart of the new release is the Modello Due chassis, a design that draws its lineage from classic military and field watches of the past. The U2-GMT maintains the core identity of this collection but expands its capabilities significantly. Housed within a compact, 38mm case crafted from 316L stainless steel, the watch is engineered for resilience and everyday wearability. The entire case features a fine-brushed finish, a practical choice that minimizes the visibility of scratches and reduces glare, reinforcing its identity as a tool built for active use. This uniform texture gives the watch a monolithic, sculpted appearance, emphasizing its geometric forms.

A close examination of the case reveals the thoughtful design language of UNIMATIC. The lugs are sharp and angular, dropping down decisively to meet the strap, which creates a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. This aggressive geometry is a hallmark of the brand, lending a modern, architectural feel to the traditional round case silhouette. The lugs are also drilled, a feature appreciated by enthusiasts as it simplifies the process of changing straps, allowing owners to easily customize the watch's look and feel. The case measures 12.7mm in thickness, a balanced dimension that gives it presence without becoming cumbersome.

Water resistance is a key performance metric for any serious field watch, and the U2-GMT delivers with a rating of 300 meters, or approximately 1000 feet. This impressive capability is ensured through robust engineering, including a solid screw-down caseback and a substantial 8mm screw-down crown. The large crown is not just a functional component; it is also a critical design element. Its size provides excellent grip for easy operation, even with gloves, and it is signed with UNIMATIC's alchemical sun logo, adding a subtle touch of branding to the otherwise sterile case profile. Each watch is individually tested to guarantee its water resistance, providing peace of mind for users in any environment.



Protecting the dial is a 2.7mm thick, double-domed sapphire crystal. This feature is a defining characteristic of the Modello Due's side profile, creating a dramatic curvature that catches the light and adds significant visual depth. Sapphire is chosen for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ensuring the dial remains clear and unmarred through years of use. An anti-reflective coating has been applied to the interior surface of the crystal, a crucial detail that enhances legibility by cutting down on distracting reflections that can obscure the dial in bright lighting conditions.

The dial of the U2-GMT is a masterclass in clarity and functional design. It is rendered in a deep matte black, providing a high-contrast background for the time-telling elements. The layout is clean and intuitive. The primary hour markers are a combination of circular plots and rectangular batons at the cardinal points, all filled with Super-LumiNova C1 for visibility in low-light situations. A matte white open second track and dial trims ring the perimeter, offering precise time reading. The date window is discreetly positioned at 6 o’clock, a thoughtful placement that preserves the dial's vertical symmetry while adding essential everyday functionality.

The hands are designed for instant differentiation. The hour and minute hands are executed in a "phantom black" ladder style, a signature UNIMATIC design, which makes them stand out against the lumed markers. The seconds hand is an inverted lollipop, with the luminescent plot on the short end, a subtle but unique visual quirk. The most important new element is the fourth hand, the GMT indicator. It features a large, hollow arrow tip, generously filled with Super-LumiNova, which points to the corresponding 24-hour scale printed in matte white around the dial's outer edge. This allows the wearer to track a second time zone at a glance.



Powering the Modello Due U2-GMT is the automatic Caliber NH34A. This Japanese-made movement from Seiko is well-regarded in the industry as a reliable and robust "workhorse." It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and features 24 jewels. The movement offers a power reserve of more than 41 hours, ensuring the watch will continue running even if taken off for a day and a half. For precise time-setting, it includes a hacking seconds function, which stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. It can also be manually wound via the crown, providing an alternative to the automatic self-winding mechanism.

The GMT complication is the defining feature of this model. The NH34A caliber allows for the independent setting of the 24-hour hand, enabling the watch to display two time zones simultaneously. This is an invaluable tool for pilots, business professionals, and anyone who frequently communicates or travels across different longitudes. The implementation is straightforward and user-friendly, aligning with UNIMATIC’s philosophy of prioritizing function. The 24-hour scale on the dial ensures that the second time zone reading is unambiguous, distinguishing between AM and PM hours.

Flipping the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback, which is screwed into the case to ensure its high degree of water resistance. Instead of a display window, UNIMATIC has opted for a custom engraving that reinforces the watch's purpose. The caseback features the unique UNIMATIC Timezone graphic, a stylized world map that serves as a visual reminder of the watch's global functionality. The limited edition nature of the piece is also noted here, with each watch bearing an individual progressive serial number out of the 300 units produced.

The U2-GMT is fitted with a charcoal grey two-piece strap with a taper from the 22mm lug width down to 20mm at the buckle. The strap is made from TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a modern material known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to water, oils, and abrasion. This makes it an ideal choice for a watch intended for adventure and travel. The strap also features a quick-release system, allowing for tool-free changes. The hardware is made from brushed stainless steel to match the case and is signed with the UNIMATIC wordmark.



The presentation of the watch further reinforces its utilitarian character. Each U2-GMT is delivered in the UNIMATIC tough case, a rugged, shock-resistant box that provides superior protection. This packaging choice eschews traditional luxury for something more aligned with professional equipment, suggesting that the watch inside is a durable instrument designed to be used, not just admired. The kit is completed by a warranty card that includes a unique ID seal, authenticating the timepiece.

This model seamlessly integrates the new GMT functionality into the established design language of the Modello Due. It remains, at its core, a field watch, embracing a minimalist aesthetic rooted in durability and legibility. The addition of the 24-hour complication does not clutter the dial but rather enhances its utility, transforming it into an even more capable companion for the modern explorer. The watch successfully balances a heritage-inspired design ethos with contemporary technical solutions and materials.

The result of these combined elements is a timepiece with a distinct and compelling character. It is compact yet feels solid and capable on the wrist. The stark contrast of the matte black dial and white markings makes for exceptional legibility, while the subtle complexities of the hand design and the dramatic dome of the crystal provide lasting visual interest. It is a watch that feels both elemental and highly considered, a direct product of its creators' industrial design background.



The UNIMATIC Modello Due U2-GMT World Timer is a limited edition of 300 individually numbered pieces. Its release is a notable event for the brand and its followers, marking the expansion of their most popular collection into new functional territory. The watch is positioned to appeal to both existing UNIMATIC collectors and new customers seeking a robust, well-designed GMT watch with a unique aesthetic.

This special edition will be made available for purchase starting on October 16th, 2025, at 5:00 PM CET. It will be sold directly through the official UNIMATIC website, unimaticwatches.com, as well as at a curated selection of retail partners worldwide. In the United States, the retail price is set at $950 USD, placing it in a competitive segment of the market where its distinctive Italian design, limited availability, and robust specifications are sure to attract considerable attention.

Case: 316L Stainless steel with brushed finish. Diameter of 38mm, thickness of 12.7mm. Water resistance of 300 meters. 2.7mm thick double domed sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating.

Movement: Automatic GMT caliber NH34A. Frequency of 21600 BPH, 24 jewels, and a power reserve of over 41 hours. Features hacking seconds and can be manually wound.

Dial: Matte black dial with Super-LumiNova® C1 for lume. Matte white 24-hour scale, open second track, and dial trims. Date window at 6 o’clock.

Strap: Charcoal grey tapered TPU two-piece strap with a quick-release system. Stainless steel brushed hardware signed UNIMATIC. 22mm lug width.

Price: 950 USD

Reference Number: UWK-U2-GMT

Notes: This is UNIMATIC’s first GMT watch in the Modello Due line. The watch is a limited edition of 300 individually numbered pieces and comes packaged in a UNIMATIC tough case.