In the ever-intriguing world of horological collaborations, where disparate design sensibilities unexpectedly converge, a new and compelling partnership has emerged from the workshops of Italian tool-watch purveyors UNIMATIC and the atelier of American menswear icon, Todd Snyder. The result of this transatlantic meeting of minds is the Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS, a timepiece that boldly transcends stylistic boundaries, marrying Snyder’s signature modern-meets-classic aesthetic with UNIMATIC’s renowned commitment to robust functionality. This is not simply a stylistic exercise; it’s a considered fusion of worlds, a chronograph that confidently strides the line between sartorial elegance and instrument-grade purpose, all while maintaining an air of understated cool that both brands embody.
The Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS immediately captivates with its distinctive “reverse panda” dial, a configuration that injects a shot of vintage racing chronograph DNA into UNIMATIC’s typically minimalist design language. Rendered in a deeply alluring dark green, christened “Forest Night,” the dial provides a subtly textured backdrop for the “Neutral Stone” subdials, a muted, almost parchment-like hue that echoes the warm tones of aged lume. This color palette is not just visually striking; it’s deliberately chosen to evoke a sense of sophisticated stealth, a chronograph that prefers to operate in the shadows, its capabilities whispered rather than shouted.
Time is eloquently indicated by “Forest Night ladder phantom hour and minute hands,” generously filled with that custom “Neutral Stone Super-LumiNova®,” ensuring exceptional legibility even as daylight fades. The reversed lollipop second hand, a signature UNIMATIC detail, provides a subtle pop of international orange at its tip, a playful yet purposeful flash of color that mirrors the hands of the subdials, tying the dial design together with a cohesive and considered touch. Protecting this meticulously crafted tableau is a 2.5 mm thick, double-domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on its inner side, guaranteeing optimal clarity and distortion-free viewing in any lighting conditions, a testament to UNIMATIC’s unwavering commitment to functional excellence.
The robust architecture of the Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS is immediately apparent in its monobloc solid 316 stainless steel case, finished with a smooth and stealthy sandblasted DLC coating. This choice of material and finish not only enhances the watch’s inherent durability but also lends it a tactilely pleasing and visually sophisticated presence on the wrist. The 40mm case diameter strikes a considered balance between wrist presence and everyday wearability, while the fixed bezel, a deliberate design choice for this collaboration, further reinforces the watch’s streamlined and purposeful aesthetic.
Water resistance is tested to an impressive 300 meters, a depth rating that firmly plants the Modello Tre within the realm of serious dive watches, ready for any adventure, from boardroom meetings to deep-sea explorations. Fat, reassuringly robust screw-down chronograph pushers, alongside an 8 mm diameter crown, further emphasize the watch’s tool-watch DNA, ensuring confident operation and adding to its overall sense of tactile solidity. The caseback, a screwed-in 2 mm thick construction, features a unique UNIMATIC x Todd Snyder engraving, alongside an individual progressive number, underscoring the watch’s limited edition status and collectability.
Powering the Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS is the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz calibre, a movement that deftly bridges the gap between quartz accuracy and mechanical chronograph feel. This hybrid calibre offers the best of both worlds, providing the reliable timekeeping and extended battery life of quartz technology, coupled with the satisfyingly tactile and instantaneous reset of a mechanical chronograph.
Tuned to 32,768 Hz for exceptional accuracy, the VK64 ensures precise timekeeping with a battery life of approximately 3 years, offering a practical and low-maintenance ownership experience. The chronograph functionality provides 1/5th second timing and a 60-minute counter, readily accessible and intuitively operated. The watch is paired with a “Forest Night seatbelt Nylon NATO strap,” chosen for its durability, comfort, and colour harmony with the dial, secured with sandblasted black DLC hardware, signed with the UNIMATIC logo, further reinforcing the cohesive design language of this collaboration. Delivered in a UNIMATIC x Todd Snyder tough case, accompanied by a warranty card with a unique ID seal, the Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS is presented as a complete and considered package, reflecting the attention to detail and quality that defines both UNIMATIC and Todd Snyder.
Limited to a mere 100 pieces worldwide, the UNIMATIC x Todd Snyder Modello Tre Ref. U3FB-TS is more than just a collaborative timepiece; it is a horological statement, a bold fusion of style and function, Italian craftsmanship and American design sensibility, a chronograph ready to navigate both the urban jungle and the deepest ocean depths with equal aplomb and understated elegance.
