As longtime fans of UNIMATIC, we have endless admiration for the young brand’s ability to infuse a distinctly modern Italian design ethos into its collection of rugged tool watches. In 2021, we joined forces to create three UNIMATIC watches with a Hodinkee twist, all of which sold out in less than three hours. Now, the Hodinkee and UNIMATIC dream team has reunited for another round–and this time, we’re determined to outdo ourselves with a special case material. We’ve got three words for you: Forged. Carbon. Fiber.
Allow us to introduce you to our second collaboration with UNIMATIC: two unique watches limited to 250 units each that take the form of the U4S and the U1S GMT, now reimagined in forged carbon fiber cases that are lighter, and more hard-wearing than ever. The U4S-C-H and the U1S-C-GMT-H retail at $2,200 and $2,900, respectively, a tremendous value not often seen in the competitive landscape of carbon fiber watches.
Since we ushered the first GMT into the UNIMATIC lineup with our 2021 collab, we knew it was the perfect candidate for a forged carbon fiber upgrade. This time, we’re infusing it with an edge with a blacked-out colorway paired with the dynamic marbling effect of the 41.5mm dark grey carbon fiber case. Accommodating the matte black unidirectional 24-hour bezel (with a satisfying 120 clicks), the outer case is noticeably slimmer than the U4S-C-H and features a titanium inner case design for added resistance and durability. To help keep this watch light on the wrist, we’ve opted for a black rubber TPU strap with a carbon fiber buckle that matches the outer case.
The dial layout is classic UNIMATIC with its blocky minimal hour symbols, and the black date window at the 6 o’clock position doesn’t detract or distract from its streamlined design. The black GMT hand easily stands out with its oversized arrow shape outlined in white and can be adjusted in 24-hour increments to indicate a second time zone for all your travel needs - not to mention a full 300 meters of water resistance. The U1S-C-GMT-H is powered by the Swiss-made ETA 2893-2 automatic movement, which has a 42-hour power reserve. Unique to this limited edition, the caseback on this watch is engraved with each model’s serial number and a specialized UNIMATIC x Hodinkee design.
Taking on UNIMATIC’s iconic Modello Quattro U4S design for the first time, we couldn’t resist decking it out in our signature grey palette. Due to the manufacturing process of forged carbon fiber, the 40mm case features a marbled pattern of light grey hues that varies slightly on each model, making each individual watch unique. To further enhance the rugged durability of U4S-C-H, the inner case structure is crafted in high-quality titanium. The grey dial is executed in UNIMATIC’s classic 21st-century brutalist style with blocky hour indices and hands coated with Super-LumiNova® making for easy reading in low-light conditions.
For the strap, we’ve gone with a grey rubber and a carbon fiber clasp that complements the dial and matches the case to a T. As a rugged tool watch, this model is capable of up to 300 meters of water resistance thanks to the screw-down crown, ready to take the plunge at a moment’s notice. The reliable Swiss Sellita SW200-1b automatic movement imparts a power reserve of 41 hours and hacking on the lollipop seconds hand that pays homage to early field watches. Flip the U4S-C-H over, and you’ll find a Hodinkee x UNIMATIC engraving that features your model’s unique serial number.
Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato
UNIMATIC Founders
H: This collaboration is really exciting because it brings the Hodinkee and UNIMATIC gang back together again, and on top of that, it introduces a brand new material to the UNIMATIC catalog. So the big question is: why forged carbon fiber?
Gio: UNIMATIC’s iterative design process is based on an exploration of new boundaries for our product lineup, both design and material-wise. The lightweight performance and the unique aesthetic of the forged carbon are in my opinion a natural companion to our functionalist design approach. This collaboration with Hodinkee gave us the opportunity to make it happen and to make it available to their audience at a reasonable price.
H: As an independent watchmaker, are there specific challenges with introducing new materials to the manufacturing process?
Gio: Yes, the forged carbon construction required a complete re-engineering of the case and to use specific CNC production techniques to provide 300 m water resistance, signature features of the entire UNIMATIC lineup.
H: How strong is forged carbon fiber really?
Gio: Forged carbon has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio that outclasses stainless steel, offers great durability, and is not affected by corrosion, making it a very good choice for high-performance objects.
H: Forged carbon fiber aside, what aspect of this collaboration most excites you?
Gio: For UNIMATIC, this Hodinkee collaboration provides a unique occasion to take our design ethos to new heights through the use of cutting-edge technologies and materials. In a way, this very much embodies and synthesizes our company mission from day one and hopefully for many years to come.
