UNIMATIC x massena LAB diving watch features a unique patina dial and tactile black bezel

for their latest timepiece, italian watch brand UNIMATIC has teamed up massena LAB to create the UNIMATIC x massena LAB modello uno. the new limited edition design is inspired by dive watches from the 1950s, and features a unique patina-brown dial and a detailed engraving of the greek god, poseidon, on the reverse.

all images courtesy of UNIMATIC  

housed inside the 40mm stainless steel case of the U1-ML6 is the automatic caliber seiko NH35A 21600BPH, with a power reserve of 41 hours. the watch features a classic black bezel with a red triangle dot market, reminiscent of the rolex 6538, made famous by sean connery as james bond in goldfinger. the 15 minute marker on the bezel is the first time UNIMATIC has featured it on one of its watches. turning the 120-click unidirectional bezel provides both an audible and tactile treat; the bezel hangs slightly over the diameter of the watch, making it easier to turn as well.

in order to achieve its unique patina dial, each one of the U1-ML6 dial’s went through a galvanisation process, fading from the original black color to its tropical, warm brown hue. as each dial reacts differently to the process, no two are exactly alike – creating a truly unique watch. in addition, the super-luminova is applied on each dial by hand, hands, and markers – making for an entirely hand-made dial.

turning the watch over, the wearer is treated to a detailed engraving of the greek god, poseidon. aside from the reference to the god of the sea, the engraving pays tribute to world war II hero and veteran alastair robertson, an officer in the british royal navy. before his retirement, he served as the navigator for the aircraft carrier HMS ocean, the ship’s crest was that of poseidon.

fitted with a horween shell cordovan color 8 strap, the watch comes with a black, heavy-duty UNIMATIC nylon nato strap for added versatility. each limited edition is housed in a branded UNIMATIC x massena LAB tough case with a 24 months warranty card and unique ID seal, and is part of a unique edition of 99 pieces.

watch info:

watch name: UNIMATIC x massena LAB modello uno, ref: U1-ML6

design: UNIMATIC in collaboration with massena LAB

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom