The convergence of distinct aesthetic philosophies often yields the most compelling results in the sphere of industrial design, particularly when the rigid discipline of mechanical engineering meets the fluid, vibrant nature of contemporary art. The collaboration between the Milan-based watchmaker UNIMATIC and the Miami-based photographer Camilo Rios White, professionally known as RIOCAM, represents precisely such an intersection. This partnership has birthed the Modello Uno U1-RIO, a diver’s watch that manages to retain the stark, brutalist architecture characteristic of UNIMATIC while simultaneously being infused with the neon-soaked, pastel-heavy visual language of South Beach. It is a study in contrasts, merging the gray skies of Northern Italy with the golden hour of the Florida coast, resulting in a limited-edition timepiece that feels less like a traditional tool watch and more like a curated object of design intended to evoke a specific time, place, and atmosphere.
To understand the gravity of this release, one must first appreciate the foundation upon which it is built. UNIMATIC, founded in 2015 by Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato, emerged from the corridors of the Politecnico di Milano with a clear mission: to strip the diver watch down to its absolute essentials. Their design language is often described as reductionist, favoring brushed steel surfaces and sterile dials over the ornamentation that plagues much of the luxury market. However, the U1-RIO takes this blank canvas and applies the distinct artistic vision of RIOCAM. Camilo Rios White has spent the last decade documenting the intersection of high fashion, automotive culture, and the tropical surrealism of Miami. His work is characterized by a specific chromatic intensity, often highlighting the interplay between the sun-bleached concrete of the city and the vibrant hues of its flora and fashion. The U1-RIO is effectively a translation of his photographic portfolio into horological form, utilizing color not merely as decoration, but as the primary vehicle for the watch’s identity.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The immediate visual impact of the U1-RIO is dominated by its dial, a surface rendered in a hue officially designated as "verde acqua." This particular shade of teal is evocative of the shallow waters surrounding the Florida Keys or the Art Deco facades of Ocean Drive hotels. It is a color that demands attention, yet it is applied with a matte finish that prevents it from becoming garish or reflective. Against this aquatic backdrop, the designers have made a bold choice for the hour markers. Rather than the traditional white or faux-vintage beige often seen on dive watches, the indices are filled with Super-LumiNova GL Light Red. This juxtaposition of teal and soft red creates a vibration that is optically fascinating; it recalls the pastel suits and neon signage of 1990s pop culture, yet it maintains a strict legibility. The interplay of these colors suggests a sunset over water, capturing that fleeting moment of the day photographers refer to as the golden hour, where the light softens and colors become hyper-real.
Navigating the dial is accomplished through a set of hands that are unique to this specific reference. The hour and minute hands are executed in a "phantom" ladder style, finished in matte white. This skeletonized design is a deliberate choice to minimize obstruction; by leaving the interior of the hands open, the vibrant verde acqua of the dial is allowed to bleed through, maintaining the continuity of the color field. It creates a ghost-like effect where the time is indicated by the white frames rather than solid blocks of metal. The seconds hand, however, breaks this pattern. It is a reverse lollipop design, featuring a counterweight circle at the tail rather than the tip, and this circle is filled with the same light red luminescence found on the hour markers. As this hand sweeps across the dial, that dot of red orbits the center, adding a kinetic pop of warmth to the cool tones of the background.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
Surrounding this colorful display is the hallmark chassis of the Modello Uno series. The case measures 40mm in diameter, expanding to 41.5mm when including the bezel overhang, a dimension that offers a substantial presence on the wrist without becoming unwieldy. The material choice is 316L stainless steel, finished with a circular brushing technique that gives the metal a raw, industrial appearance. This finish is critical to the watch’s overall aesthetic balance; a polished case would have competed with the dial for attention, whereas the brushed steel acts as a neutral frame, grounding the exuberance of the teal and pink in something tangible and rugged. The bezel itself is a mono-directional diver’s bezel with 120 clicks, providing a tactile and audible feedback that is satisfyingly precise. Notably, the bezel insert is also stainless steel with a circular brushed finish, featuring a single raised lume dot at the 12 o'clock position. The absence of minute markers on the bezel insert is a signature UNIMATIC touch, reinforcing the minimalist ethos and ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the dial.
The side profile of the watch reveals the architectural nature of the Modello Uno case. It is a slab-sided design, thick and robust, sitting 13.6mm high including the crystal. The lugs curve downward aggressively, drilled to allow for easy strap changes—a feature that is particularly relevant for this model given the strap options provided. The crown, located at the 3 o'clock position, is an oversized 8mm cylinder, heavily knurled for grip and shielded by prominent crown guards that seem to grow organically from the case flank. The crown screws down to ensure the integrity of the watch’s internal environment, featuring high-quality gaskets that contribute to the impressive water resistance rating. The face of the watch is protected by a 2.5mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal. This crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner side, a necessary addition to combat glare and ensure that the teal dial remains visible even under the harsh, direct sunlight of a Miami afternoon.
Turning the watch over reveals a caseback that is far from standard. Secured by screws, the stainless steel back features a custom engraving that cements the collaborative nature of the piece. It depicts a stylized scene of a road disappearing into the horizon, flanked by palm trees—a graphical representation of the RIOCAM aesthetic and a nod to the open roads of the American coast. This engraving is deeply etched, adding a layer of texture to the reverse side of the watch. Furthermore, each caseback is individually numbered, denoting the specific place of the watch within the limited run of 300 pieces. This individuation appeals to collectors who value exclusivity and the knowledge that their timepiece is a distinct entity within a finite series. The "Made in Italy" engraving is also present, a reminder of the manufacturing provenance and the design heritage that underpins the brand's identity.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
Functionality has not been sacrificed for the sake of fashion. At the heart of the U1-RIO beats the Seiko NH35A automatic movement. This Japanese caliber is renowned for its reliability and durability, making it an appropriate engine for a tool watch. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. While it may not boast the decoration of a high-end Swiss movement, the NH35A is a workhorse that features a bi-directional winding rotor, a hacking seconds mechanism for precise time setting, and Diashock protection. The decision to use this movement keeps the watch accessible and ensures that servicing can be performed by any competent watchmaker globally. It aligns with the utilitarian philosophy of UNIMATIC—the movement is there to work, unseen and uncomplaining, allowing the external design to take center stage.
The tactile experience of the U1-RIO is significantly defined by its strap options, which have been curated to complement the specific color story of the watch. The primary strap is crafted from suede leather in a matching verde acqua tone. The texture of the suede is soft and pliable, offering immediate comfort on the wrist without the break-in period often required by stiffer leathers. The nap of the suede interacts with light in a way that softens the color, giving it a depth that flat rubber or nylon would lack. The lining of the strap features exclusive RIOCAM branding, a subtle detail known only to the wearer. The hardware is brushed stainless steel, signed by UNIMATIC, matching the finish of the case perfectly.
Included in the package is a second strap options, this one in a "blush pink" suede. When this strap is fitted, the watch transforms completely. The pink picks up the red accents of the hour markers and the second hand, creating a warmer, more playful combination that feels distinctly summer-ready. The interchangeability is facilitated by quick-release spring bars, allowing the user to swap between the teal and pink straps in seconds without the need for tools. This versatility essentially provides two distinct looks: a monochromatic teal aesthetic that is bold yet cohesive, and a high-contrast pink and green configuration that embraces the full "Miami Vice" energy of the collaboration. Visually, when worn with the pink strap against a light-colored linen suit or casual resort wear, the watch acts as a deliberate statement piece, drawing the eye and signaling a confidence in color that is rare in the often conservative world of men's accessories.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The water resistance of the U1-RIO is rated at 300 meters, or approximately 1000 feet. This is a professional-grade specification, far exceeding the requirements of recreational swimming or diving. It speaks to the over-engineering present in the case design. Despite the fashion-forward colorway and the suede straps (which are naturally not intended for submersion), the watch head itself is a fully capable diving instrument. The 120-click bezel allows for the tracking of elapsed time, and the visibility of the lume markers ensures readability in low-light conditions. This duality is central to the watch’s appeal: it looks like a design object but performs like a piece of military equipment. It suggests a lifestyle where one might drive a vintage sports car to the marina and then pilot a boat into open water, bridging the gap between leisure and adventure.
The packaging and presentation of the U1-RIO further reinforce the special nature of this release. The watch arrives in a UNIMATIC tough case, a rugged, impact-resistant box that can be repurposed for travel or storage. Inside, alongside the watch and the extra strap, is a warranty card with a unique ID seal. The entire kit feels substantial and purposeful. The collaboration with RIOCAM is not merely a branding exercise; it feels like a genuine exchange of ideas where the photographer’s eye for composition and color has been successfully applied to the three-dimensional canvas of a mechanical watch. The result is a timepiece that feels organic to both brands, expanding UNIMATIC’s visual vocabulary while giving RIOCAM’s aesthetic a permanent, tangible form.
In terms of wearability, the 40mm case is a universal size that fits a wide variety of wrist circumferences. The downward curve of the lugs helps the watch hug the wrist, mitigating the perceived height of the case. The weight is reassuringly heavy due to the solid steel construction, but balanced enough to be worn all day without fatigue. The absence of a date window on the dial maintains the perfect symmetry of the face, a design choice that purists will appreciate. The layout is balanced, with the UNIMATIC logo at 6 o'clock and the collaboration details kept subtle. The legibility is surprisingly high for such a stylized dial, thanks to the high contrast between the white hands and the teal background.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The U1-RIO is a testament to the power of color in reshaping the character of an object. In standard black or steel, the Modello Uno is a severe, almost militaristic instrument. Dressed in verde acqua and blush pink, it becomes an object of joy, a celebration of coastal living and creative expression. It challenges the notion that serious watches must be somber. It invites the wearer to not take themselves too seriously, to embrace the vibrancy of the world around them. The "phantom" hands are a particularly clever touch, physically representing the idea of transparency and lightness, themes that resonate with the photographic style of RIOCAM.
For those interested in acquiring this fusion of Italian craftsmanship and Miami soul, the UNIMATIC x RIOCAM Modello Uno U1-RIO is produced in a strictly limited edition of 300 individually numbered pieces. The retail price is set at $970.00 USD, or €690 excluding VAT for European customers. Given the limited nature of the run and the strong following of both the watchmaker and the artist, availability is expected to be fleeting. The watch is supported by a 24-month worldwide warranty, providing peace of mind to match its robust construction. This pricing places it in a competitive segment of the market, yet its unique visual proposition and limited availability offer a value that extends beyond the sum of its parts.
Case: 40mm diameter (41.5mm with bezel), 13.6mm thickness, 316L stainless steel with brushed finish. 120-click mono-directional safety bezel with stainless steel brushed insert and raised lume dot. 2.5mm thick double domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating. 8mm screw-down Alchemical Sun crown and screw-down caseback. Water resistance 300m / 30 atm.
Movement: Seiko NH35A automatic caliber. 21,600 bph frequency. 41-hour power reserve. Hacking seconds function. Accuracy rated at -20~+40s/day.
Dial: Verde acqua color with Super-LumiNova GL Light Red markers. Matte white ladder phantom hour and minute hands. Reverse lollipop second hand with Super-LumiNova tip. Matte white closed second rail and trims.
Strap: Two included straps: Verde acqua suede quick-release two-piece and Blush pink suede quick-release two-piece. Both feature RIOCAM lining and brushed stainless steel hardware signed UNIMATIC. 22mm lug width.
Price: $970.00
Reference Number: UWK-U1-RIO
Notes: Limited edition of 300 pieces worldwide. Collaboration with Miami-based photographer Camilo Rios White (RIOCAM). Individually numbered caseback. Made in Italy.