Massena LAB
Introducing the Massena LAB x Unimatic Modello Uno Ref. U1-ML6
Massena LAB
Introducing the Massena LAB x Unimatic Modello Uno Ref. U1-ML6
In 2018 Massena launched Massena LAB, a type of conceptual design studio that embodies a horological culture. The LAB stands for laboratory, label or collaboration. The first watch was a particularly lovely bronze-cased Habring2 Erwin. And while Massena says that there’s no particular design specifics or price point to the watches Massena LAB works on, the approach and output is broadly (and also very specifically) informed by Massena’s particular style: expect retro vintage vibes to appeal to a broad audience.
If that’s the brief then the second collaboration, the Unimatic X Massena LAB Modello Uno Ref. U1-ML6 has nailed it. Taking as its inspiration “what would a Unimatic from the 1950s look like today”, the U1-ML6 is a somewhat disconcerting combination of old and new. Rather than follow the now time-honored formula of recreating an historic watch, but using modern methods, this Unimatic is their familiar Modello Uno — a modern dive watch in form and silhouette, but with some decidedly vintage trimmings. The bezel and the dial of the U1-ML6 are inspired by the iconic Rolex 6538 Big Crown worn by James Bond — the red pip of the bezel, along with the tropical gilt dial evoke the look of a watch that’s lived a long, happy life, while in reality it’s fresh off the production line.
That distinctive tropical tone wasn’t a color Massena picked from a Pantone swatch to complete the vintage look. Instead, he went to a little more effort, sourcing a Milan-based dial manufacturer who makes each dial by hand. The black base dial is immersed into a hot chemical bath and galvanized to achieve a brown between rich chocolate and warm caramel.
Movement
Aitomatic Seiko NH35A; 21600 bph; 41 hours of power reserve
Case
40mm stainless steel, 41.5mm with bezel; 2.5mm double domed sapphire crystal; solid caseback with ‘Poseidon’ engraving; numbered and rated to 300 meters.
Strap
22 mm Horween Shell Cordovan Color 8 strap, heavy-duty UNIMATIC nylon NATO.
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