UNIMATIC x Massena LAB Marine ​U1-MLM

Massena LAB, the timepiece creation studio created by industry veteran William Massena, is slowly making a name for itself with an ever-growing collection of special watches created with renowned or accessible watchmakers. Think about the bronze Habring² or the Jurassic-like MB&F clock. For its latest creation, Massena LAB joins forces again with UNIMATIC following up on the brown Modello Uno here. This time, the inspiration comes from Massena’s country of origin; the UNIMATIC x Massena LAB Marine ​U1-MLM is inspired by the dive watches used by the French Navy in the 1960s – think Tudor Marine Nationale.

Just like its predecessor, the ​U1-ML6, this new take on UNIMATIC’s Modello Uno is an ode to the past. However, it fast-forwards a decade and takes its style cues from the 1960s, specifically the professional dive watches used by French military frogmen – a navy-blue diving instrument with a typical olive green strap. All of these elements have been adapted in the well-established Modello Uno, a dive watch known for its cool, understated styling and its solid specifications.

The 41.5mm case is made of brushed stainless steel with a classic tool, no-fuss style. Robust but not exaggerated, the case is protected by robust shoulders and a squarish crown guard module. The crown screws down and the watch is protected by a thick 2.5mm sapphire crystal. Water-resistance is rated at 300m. It features a notched unidirectional bezel, slightly larger than the case for better ease of use, which is fitted with a marine-inspired blue aluminium bezel insert with clean off-white 60-minute markings.

The style of the aged dial pays tribute to the vintage Marine Nationale watches too. The faded colouration of the dial is achieved through a depigmentation process, which in the final product produces a range of colours from a navy to turquoise. This will give each watch its own sense of individuality. The dial features oversized painted markers and bold hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova. As always with UNIMATIC, the dial looks ultra-clean and the brand’s logo and the “Made in Italy” mentions are unusually placed at 6 o’clock.

Under a closed caseback decorated with a detailed engraving of a marine anchor is a reliable automatic Seiko movement, the calibre NH35A. Beating at 3Hz and boasting 41h of power reserve, it will ensure accuracy and durability. Each caseback is individually numbered.

The UNIMATIC x Massena LAB Marine ​U1-MLM is delivered in a tough case with two straps: a classic blue heavy-duty NATO strap and, to consolidate the Marine Nationale look, a French Navy-style olive strap with a yellow stripe.

Availability & Price

This new UNIMATIC x Massena LAB Marine will be limited to 200 pieces and is available today at ​www.massenalab.com​, for USD 895.