Unimatic Watch Review: Is this Brand Worth Your Money?

Italian watchmaking can easily speak for itself, but I have to highlight what makes Unimatic special. What’s surprising to me is that I’m not one to go for military-inspired aesthetics. Although that isn’t rampant in all of their designs, it is a common theme.

Nevertheless, I feel Unimatic takes a comprehensive approach to design, which makes up for anything that might align 100% with my preferences. Between their limited-edition appeal and long-lasting quality, I’d tell anyone they’re definitely worth a look.

Aside from build quality and aesthetics, it’s also important to consider the overall value. In this Unimatic watch review, you’ll get a deeper insight into the brand to determine if they’re worth the investment.

Unimatic Watches in the Past

With only a decade on the market, Unimatic has come a long way in a short amount of time. The watchmaker is known for their limited production runs, which definitely helps with the feel of exclusivity.

Some of their earliest success was found in their Modello Uno dive watch. From what I can tell, this mainly found popularity through its combination of style and function.

You can rest assured they’re all designed and manufactured in Italy. What I found to be one of the most surprising details is that Unimatic watches were originally powered by Grand Seiko’s automatic movements.

In the early days, this helped the brand deliver affordability and precision while being able to use the household Seiko name to help sell the product.

Aside from that, I’m personally a huge fan of how durable their watches actually feel. You can feel a bit of weight, but feeling it rest on your wrist, it feels snug and like a solid piece of craftsmanship.

While there have been quite a few Unimatic designs over the years, they’ve been known for their approach to minimalism since the beginning.

I’d say the company’s stance with a scarcity-driven strategy is a big reason the name spread over time. This isn’t to say the quality of their watches wasn’t a part of that, but they knew how to pander to watch enthusiasts on a global scale. Now that the brand is ten years down the road, you get a blend of legacy and newer design choices. 

Something I like to remind myself is that our modern times of digital marketing can help with brand growth a lot. This has a part in their growth within their first decade. Back in the 1900s, many of the milestones Unimatic has scene could have possibly taken much longer to achieve realistically.

Focusing on where the brand comes from offers perspective, and they still hold true to many aspects that got them started. In the same vein, you can expect a few pivots as watchmakers grow over the years. Nowadays, Unimatic has a much more diverse catalog, but I’m always able to see their historical touch in the design choices.

Unimatic Watches Today

In today’s world, Unimatic is known on a much broader scale in the watchmaking industry. They haven’t let up either, as the brand continues to bring new watch models to market.

I have to say I’m somewhat new to the brand myself. I had to backtrack to see where they came from, as I only started picking up what they were putting down a few years ago.

Nevertheless, I’ve kept an eye out every since, and it’s great to see the vast recognition they keep getting. They haven’t been shy about collaborating with others on the market. Unimatic has had partnerships with Hodinkee and even the Italian military.

I always find that to be an impressive feat to brag about, especially considering their take on military-inspired designs. While I’m a huge fan of their legacy items, the lineup they have today is pretty stellar, to say the least.

Personally, I find myself coming back to the Modello Due, but the look of the Modello Quattro is making me think I need another Unimatic. For a lot of people, the brand has been able to generate this flagship appeal that goes beyond the look of their watches.

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The brand name has weight to it now, and many people are looking to add them to their collection. Myself included, and it wouldn’t hurt to grab another, I’m just waiting on something new to come along that I can’t take my eyes off of.

I can tell the brand has done a good job of balancing the perception of exclusivity with quality and accessibility. This is a marketing tactic that works in many industries, and Unimatic has executed it well. 

Overall, they’ve done a good job of making a name for themselves, but I can also see how they wouldn’t be for everyone. Primarily due to the military influence, as some people simply don’t care for that style on their wrist. 

Something else I was surprised to learn was how they fare in the context of resale value. In many cases, a watch will have a high resale value due to its age or relation to something specific, such as a collection. I find this to be common in many legacy brands that have been around for decades. 

Surprisingly, Unimatic comes with a pretty decent resale value, even though the brand and many of their watches are so young. Once again, resale value comes with numerous factors involved, but it just shows the true value that goes into each layer of their designs.

What Makes Unimatic Watches Stand Out?

For me, it’s the minimalism in a majority of what they do. Although I can appreciate flashier watches, I do prefer a more neutral, blended approach. It isn’t hard to find an everyday wear with Unimatic, something I find challenging with many other watchmakers.

I’m also pretty keen on their eye for a more industrial aesthetic. This is especially true with the case and bezels that come with many of their designs.

While they can be perceived as bulky, the surrounding neutrality really makes it all blend in very well. You’ll find that some people refer to their neutral approach as a stealth-like design, and I have to agree.

The Unimatic name can usually be found on the dial, but it never clashes with its surroundings or tries to take the spotlight.

I’m actually quite happy they decided to leave out any kind of logo outside of the Unimatic name itself. This merely helps the watch blend in more, a smart choice that some people might overlook.

I’m usually not one to be too picky when it comes to the strap options. If I had a choice, I’d say titanium, but Unimatic has gone through several material choices throughout the years.

A few standout examples include their NATO straps and notable quick-release systems that make them easy to swap out. As far as looks go, you can expect their stock strap options to be just as minimalist.

Something else I’d like to highlight is that Unimatic has done a great job of not copying other popular styles on the market. One could argue influence is in there somewhere, but to me, they’re unique on their own.

Many watchmakers simply copy cases or dial designs to cater to a specific target market. Unimatic is more worried about creating a unique and memorable timepiece.

I’d say this is another reason they’ve become so popular within a decade’s time. Even with Unimatic’s short time on the market, they’re already creating a heritage of their own for the long run.

I’m not necessarily new to Italian craftsmanship, but I honestly love how Unimatic’s feel on the wrist. When it comes to the inner mechanics, I’m not too picky about where the parts come from, just that they function properly. Unimatic effectively gives you what you want and need without overdoing it.

Although I don’t consider myself a die-hard fan of Unimatic, I can see why many others are. The brand already boasts a cult-like following, and I can attest that their watches are worth the investment. 

Should you get a Unimatic Watch?

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I would say to anyone who’s a fan of minimalist wristwear that Unimatic isn’t a bad idea. They cater to that niche well and constantly do so with new ideas. Unimatic does have that collector’s appeal, and I honestly can’t come up with a reason as to why I would get rid of mine.

Take the limited runs into account, and there’s even more incentive to hold on to the Unimatic you have. If you’re looking for something that also provides versatility with your outfits, they’re more than fitting for many environments. Whether it’s the office, sports, or outdoors, the neutral yet robust nature of Unimatic watches fits the bill.

I would say this universal use case is a big selling point for many people, including myself. Even if you come across comparable brands on the market, it still won’t be the ins and outs of an Unimatic.

It’s true the brand has a long way to go, but considering what they’ve already brought to market highlights a bright future for the brand.

I’d also say people who appreciate Italian design coupled with modern design and timeless quality should think about getting an Unimatic of their own.

While it might be harder to find some models over others, there’s always the resale market. Starting with a reputable retailer should be your first stop, but this isn’t always easy.

With its affordability and surprising quality, Unimatic is a widely accessible midrange watch that exudes luxurious features. Even if you don’t see something you like in their current lineup, just keep a close eye on what’s to come. With how young the company is, I’d say it’s safe to assume they have a lot in store for the future.

Conclusion

Everyone appreciates a mid-range watch that doesn’t skip on quality, inside and out. I only have one Unimatic watch myself, but it has quickly become my new daily wear.

I can agree the brand still has a lot to prove among the competition, but they’re definitely on the right track. For those looking to grab an Unimatic of their own, reach out to Exquisite Timepieces for the guidance you need.