Introducing: Unimatic Gives Its Modello Due A Second Time Zone With The U2-GMT

What We Know

I thought the Modello Due from Unimatic was dead. Okay, I’m being a bit dramatic, but in recent memory, the Italian brand has focused its efforts less on the unconventional field watch silhouette, opting to focus on its more conventional, brutal case designs in the Modello Uno, Tre, and Quattro.

But I suppose better late than never, the Modello Due finally gets its first GMT treatment with the U2-GMT World Timer. The name is quite the misnomer, actually, as there is no city ring on the dial, and this is just a caller style GMT complication, with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand. Nomenclature aside, the U2-GMT gets the Seiko NH34A automatic GMT movement, a GMT caliber that has made its way into other Unimatic models in the past. The dial is clean, in black and white, with a 24-hour track printed around the minute and hour markers. The GMT hand gets my favorite Unimatic visual touch, a hollowed-out tip with Super-LumiNova coating on the exterior.

The Modello Due case measures at 38mm in diameter, with an unconventional side profile and a thickness of 12.7mm. A thick double-domed sapphire crystal sits on top, contributing to the height, while the caseback finally hints at the “World Time” in the name and offers a time zone conversion chart for many major cities. Well designed and great typefaces, but sadly not usable while the watch is on your wrist.

Limited to 300 pieces, the Modello Due U2-GMT “World Timer” is priced at $950 and available at Unimatic or at authorized retailers.

What We Think

It’s about time that Unimatic’s GMT lineup was rounded out with the Modello Due. But at the same time, I’m not afraid to admit that the Modello Due is my least favorite case design from the brand, primarily because of its high case height and almost boat-like side profile. It’s not the most friendly to smaller wrists, despite the misleading small diameter. I actually find the Modello Uno and Quattro perfect on my wrist, despite being larger watches.

Thankfully, the dial continues the clean graphical design that Unimatic excels at, and this is a non-nonsense caller GMT for someone who wants a little bit extra from Unimatic’s dive-ready models. What I have to admit is that putting the GMT design into the Modello Due case makes for nothing but a distinctive watch, and I have to imagine that those who love this case will definitely be looking to see this new iteration in person.

The Basics

Brand: Unimatic
Model: Modello Due
Reference Number: U2-GMT

Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 12.7mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black
Indexes: Printed
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap/Bracelet: Charcoal TPU rubber strap

The Movement

Caliber: NH34A
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT hand
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 VpH
Jewels: 24
Chronometer Certified: No

Pricing & Availability

Price: $950
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 300 pieces

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