My article dedicated to the Unimatic Modello Tre U3FB-ROPS was my last publication in Forbes, and now I am pleased to dedicate more time to creating content here on WatchTested.
The watch has been with me in the studio for over a month, and it's time to conduct a full expert review.
Unimatic has recently been releasing excellent dive watches, and this model takes it to a new level with its sandblasted finish and dark DLC coating reminiscent of coal. The watch retains the high technical specifications that have become a hallmark of the brand. It has a water resistance of 300 meters, an optimal 40 mm diameter case made of 316L stainless steel, and a gilt-style dial with high readability. This version uses a meca-quartz VK64 movement, which is not our favorite, but it allows for a reasonable price while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
If you're familiar with our blog, you know that we pay more attention to the real wearing experience of watches than to dry technical specifications that are easily found in other sources. Let's explore the practical wearability of this model.
Appearance and Design Features
As already mentioned, the watch operates on a meca-quartz movement. At first glance, I expected a thinner case. The official thickness is 12.9 mm, but this figure apparently does not include the double-domed sapphire crystal that is 2.5 mm thick. Combined with the compact 40 mm diameter, the result is a rather bulky yet sturdy case, which is unusual for quartz watches without an automatic movement. Yes, Unimatic created a watch with 300-meter water resistance and a chronograph function, but this comes at the cost of increased case thickness. Typically, manufacturers use quartz movements to make the case thinner, but that was not the goal here.
The dial is set deep, creating the effect of a high relief bezel, which I personally find not too successful - it creates the impression that the dial is "sunk" and sits too far from the glass surface. Yet, the dial itself looks attractive: the gilt style - gold on a black background - is very relevant, and the indices are applied in a vintage manner and fully covered with Super-LumiNova GL in an old radium tone. The hands are broad sword-shaped for the minute and hour, and a neat minute chronograph counter is at the 9 o'clock position. The thin large second hand on the main dial is responsible for the chronograph function.
The lugs are short, well-crafted, with an elegant curve, which not only harmonizes with the case but also ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance is 51.2 mm, and the width is 22 mm, allowing for a wide range of aftermarket straps. On my 16.5 cm wrist, the watch sits high but doesn't look awkward - rather, it stands out slightly. They won't slip under a shirt cuff as elegantly as, for example, a Submariner or thinner divers, but they look great with a T-shirt in warm weather, creating a noticeable presence.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of all Unimatic watches I've tested is impressive in terms of price/quality ratio. The assembly is reminiscent of Doxa - a brand that "plays above its category." The case is crafted with high precision, with meticulous edge processing and finishing, providing pleasant tactile sensations and sufficient weight expected from dive watches.
Particularly, I was impressed by the functionality of the screw-down crown and chronograph buttons. For many brands in this price segment, these elements are often underdeveloped, but here they evoke a sense of quality and reliability: rotation is accompanied by light resistance, with no play or extraneous movements. In my opinion, this is one of the main arguments in favor of these watches as a robust dive chronograph.
The crystal, despite its double-domed profile, is completely flush with the bezel, which may be the reason for the high relief. Meanwhile, the sapphire does not distort the dial image as much as one might expect from such thickness, which will be a plus for those who appreciate underwater readability, and a minus for retro-effect lovers.
Practicality of Use
- High water resistance of 300 m ensures reliability during dives and active use.
- The meca-quartz VK64 movement combines quartz accuracy with the feel of a mechanical chronograph.
- Convenient short lugs and standard strap width make it easy to select accessories.
- Case thickness and high relief may not suit those seeking thin watches for dress shirts.
- Good dial readability in all conditions thanks to luminescent indices and hands.
Final Impressions
The overall impression of the Unimatic Modello Tre U3FB-ROPS is very positive. The watch feels robust and well-constructed, with special attention to tactile details. The design is consistent with Unimatic's style - strict and functional, which will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of tool watches.
There are drawbacks - minor design flaws on the dial and somewhat large dimensions, but overall the model is close to ideal in the tool watch segment at a reasonable price of about USD 920.