Introducing: The Unimatic Toolwatch Series
What We Know
Today, fan-favorite Unimatic has launched what is only the brand’s second permanent collection – the Toolwatch series. The line is launching with two models and a total of four variants, all of which are quartz-powered and meet the MIL-STD-810 standard in the hopes of offering a value-forward and extra tough take on a functional everyday tool watch with either a field watch or a diving watch expression of Unimatic’s clean and well-known aesthetic.
The Toolwatch series starts at 350 euros and has two field-style models (the Quattro UT4 and UT4-GMT) alongside the dive watch-derived Modello Uno UT1 and UT1-GMT. The full specs are below, but the highlights here are 40mm sizing for the UT4 models and 41.5mm sizing for the UT1 models (that’s across the bezel; the case is 40mm wide). All four versions have 300 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystals, closed case backs, Super-LumiNova lume, 22mm lugs, and a lug-to-lug of 49mm.
As is clear in the reference nomenclature, both versions can be had as time-only with a Seiko VH31 quartz movement or as a GMT version with a date at six on the dial (so stealthy) and a very cool digital-style GMT aperture at 12 that is powered by the Ronda 515.24D quartz. Apart from the movement-based functionality, the UT1 models also have a 60-minute countdown bezel.
Finally, the entire new series conforms with the MIL-STD-810 standard, which includes some gnarly durability testing, like dropping the test subjects 26 times onto a concrete surface from 1.22 meters (~ 4 feet). According to Unimatic, they do one drop for each edge, surface, or corner of the case. The additional required internal protection for the movement is derived from a special movement holder that Unimatic calls its 360° protection system. Little else has been shared about the holder aside from it being an in-house design from Unimatic.
Pricing ranges from 350 EUR for the UT4 to 425 EUR for the UT1, then 450 EUR for the UT4-GMT, and 525 EUR for the UT1-GMT. For those who think in USD, that’s a range of $380 to $570 at today’s rates, but it’s worth being aware that the brand’s stateside retailers decide the final local price.
What We Think
While I’m well aware that many folks look down on quartz watches, I think this line looks great, and I really like the value-focused play of going with a simple quartz movement. Maybe this is your first tool-ish watch. Maybe you mostly wear a dress watch to the office and want something easy and fun for the weekend. Maybe you travel to harsh locations or to take on harsh tasks, and you want something accurate, reliable, and under-the-radar. Quartz works in a lot of places and makes sense as an option at–or under–a certain price point.
While, no, I don’t think that one should forgo all experience of mechanical watchmaking in favor of quartz, a grab-and-go option never hurt any watch collection. Furthermore, as something of a nerd for tool-ish quartz watches, I figure it’s hard to argue with the mix of Unimatic’s style and the fuss-free nature of quartz (and you know I’m here for the optional GMT functionality and the orange accents).
As for the price point, I’d call it good but not jaw-dropping. The value is there, but solid quartz watches can be found for less, and neither of the selected movements can claim high accuracy (which is how I prefer my quartz watches).
I do think it’s also worth noting that the brand’s standard line of mechanical watches start at a very similar price (the U2 Classic is 425 EUR, and the U1 classic is 525 EUR), with both options being powered by an NH35A, which is one of Seiko’s offerings for non-Seiko product and is similar to the Seiko 4R35. That said, not only do I personally prefer the accuracy of quartz over the general experience of the NH35A, but I also prefer the general aesthetic of the Toolwatch Series to that of Unimatic’s more minimal Classic series. That element comes down to taste and preference, but I really dig the Arabic numerals and fully graduated bezel of the UT1 versions.
If you’re going to call it a tool watch, you better make sure it’s useful, easy to wear, tough, and reliable. With the new Toolwatch series, Unimatic appears to have checked all those boxes.
But the question remains: which of the four would you want to take on an adventure – or, you know, accidentally bash into the nearest door jamb en route to your kitchen?
The Basics
Brand: Unimatic
Model: Toolwatch Series (four models)
Modello Uno UT1: 40 x 13.2 x 49mm (41.5mm bezel), Seiko VH31 (quartz)
Modello Quattro UT4: 40 x 12 x 49mm, Seiko VH31 (quartz)
Modello Uno UT1–GMT: 40 x 13.2 x 49mm (41.5mm bezel), Ronda 515.24D quartz
Modello Quattro UT4–GMT: 40 x 12 x 49mm, Ronda 515.24D quartz
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Black
Lume: Super-LumiNova C1
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black nylon two-piece strap
The Movement
Caliber: Seiko VH31 Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power Reserve: 24 months
Stated Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month
Additional Details: Antimagnetic to 1600 A/m
Caliber: Ronda 515.24D Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT
Power Reserve: 45 months
Stated Accuracy: -1 to +20 seconds per month
Additional Details: Antimagnetic to 1600 A/m
Pricing & Availability
Price:
Modello Uno UT1: €425
Modello Quattro UT4: €350
Modello Uno UT1–GMT: €525
Modello Quattro UT4–GMT: €450
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Learn more about Unimatic on the brand’s website. The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Unimatic watches.
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