Unimatic has officially entered the mechanical chronograph arena with the Modello Tre U3S-HS, marking a significant evolution for the Italian brand known primarily for its distinctive quartz tool watches.
This collaboration with Canadian menswear retailer Henry Singer represents the first publicly available mechanical chronograph from Unimatic, following the remarkable success of last year’s piece unique U3S-TFA that achieved over $20,000 at the Swiss Institute’s Time for Art auction.
Mechanical Milestone
The transition from exclusive auction piece to retail offering demonstrates Unimatic’s growing confidence in expanding beyond their established quartz foundation. While the original piece unique featured stark black and white contrast, this public version adopts a more nuanced “ghostly all-grey” aesthetic that feels distinctly contemporary while maintaining Unimatic’s signature tool watch DNA.
The 40mm stainless steel case (41.5mm including bezel overhang) stands 15.2mm tall, embodying the chunky proportions that have become synonymous with Unimatic’s design language.
The grey ceramic diving bezel insert features Super-LumiNova-filled markers, while screw-down crown and oversized screw-down pushers ensure robust 300-meter water resistance—impressive specifications that blur the lines between chronograph and dive watch functionality.
The monochromatic grey dial creates sophisticated visual cohesion, with white printing providing necessary contrast for legibility without disrupting the tonal harmony. This restrained color palette represents a mature evolution from Unimatic’s typically bold aesthetic choices, suggesting the brand’s willingness to explore more subtle design territories as they venture into mechanical complications.
For the first time in a production Unimatic model, the U3S-HS features a sapphire exhibition caseback—a significant departure that acknowledges collectors’ desire to appreciate mechanical movements. The transparent window reveals the familiar Sellita SW510 BH B automatic chronograph caliber, a proven movement delivering 62-hour power reserve with 28,800 vibrations per hour and 27 jewels.
Sophistication Behind Minimalist Design
The choice of Sellita’s SW510 platform demonstrates pragmatic decision-making, selecting a reliable, serviceable movement that allows Unimatic to focus on design execution rather than movement development.
This Swiss automatic chronograph provides the mechanical credibility necessary for the brand’s entry into this competitive segment while maintaining cost-effectiveness for the €2,950 price point.
Packaging includes both a fully brushed steel bracelet and an additional grey quick-release leather strap, providing versatility for different wearing scenarios. The bracelet’s brushed finish maintains consistency with the overall aesthetic while offering practical durability, while the leather option provides softer, more comfortable daily wear alternatives.
Limited to just 36 pieces and available through both Unimatic and Henry Singer stores, this collaboration creates genuine exclusivity without the astronomical pricing of the auction predecessor. The production number reflects careful market testing—sufficient to gauge public response while maintaining collectible status.
This collaboration represents more than just another limited edition; it signals Unimatic’s strategic expansion into mechanical territory while honoring their tool watch heritage. By partnering with Henry Singer, the brand gains access to new markets while demonstrating that their distinctive design philosophy translates effectively beyond quartz movements.
For collectors who have followed Unimatic’s evolution from startup to established independent brand, the U3S-HS represents a pivotal moment—proof that distinctive design vision can successfully support mechanical complications while maintaining the accessibility and character that originally distinguished them in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
