UniDesign Model One, Santorini Blue
The integrated bracelet sports watch space is getting increasingly crowded, with brands, both new and established, choosing this segment of the watch world to attempt to make their mark. What this means for us, the watch buyers, is more design diversity and improved basic specifications. Enter in the UniDesign Model One. Designed by the founder to be the one watch he wanted to wear, it brings several previously unseen design traits to the crowded integrated bracelet watch market. From the squarish case to the bold dial texture to the broad arrow hands, the Model One is definitely a distinctive competitor.
UniDesign Model One, Santorini Blue
At 39mm wide and under 10mm thick, the Model One has presence on your wrist but won’t wear like a dinner plate. The angled lugs keep the watch curved around my 6.5” wrist for a comfortable fit. The mostly square case doesn’t wear as big as a true square like a Bell and Ross but stands out from the bracelet more than a Tissot PRX or Christopher Ward Twelve. The striped case back design looks nice, but it was actually a bit uncomfortable against my wrist. The edge chamfers on the Model One could be better defined, but the brushing on the top and sides of the case is even and matches seamlessly with the brushing on the bracelet.
UniDesign Model One, Olive Green wrist shot
If you’re going to do an integrated bracelet, the bracelet had better be the star of the show. In this aspect, the Model One definitely has potential. The H-link bracelet fits snugly against the case with just enough articulation to help it flow around my wrist. The links are held together with split pins (no annoying collars to lose) that are loose enough that I didn’t need my hammer, just a bracelet block and punch to resize it. I ended up taking off 5 links from the original length, with another 5 or so left, so the bracelet can definitely accommodate a wide range of wrist sizes. The interior edges were quite sharp on the sample bracelet, while I felt the definition of the exterior chamfers could be sharper. This sort of thing is not uncommon on prototypes, and I have been assured it will be corrected before production. The bracelet tapers down to the 18mm engraved butterfly clasp that feels well-engineered and unlikely to open unintentionally.
UniDesign Model One, bracelet and clasp
So, while the case of the Model One is unusual, the dial is downright striking. Instead of the more typical grid or windowpane texture, the dial is comprised of a pattern of inset squares. Really, you have to see it to appreciate it.
UniDesign Model One, Stone Gray
It’s distinctive without being overwhelming and creates a lot of depth on a watch that only measures 9.8mm thick. The applied numerals, thickly lumed with BWG9 Superluminova, float on top of the dial and give the Model One a sportier, more casual look than other watches in this segment thanks to using a “12” instead of a stick for the top marker. The beveled frame around the date window is a thoughtful touch, one that even established brands forget from time to time.
UniDesign Model One, Olive Green
The broad arrow hands add to the sportiness of the watch and balance well with the dial texture. Something less bold would have been overwhelmed. My one complaint about the dial is that the text gets a bit lost in the texture and is very finely engraved, so it’s hard to read unless you’re looking for it. Besides the Olive Green model that I reviewed (shown in the wrist shot), UniDesign will also be launching Santorini Blue and Stone Gray dial versions as a part of their Kickstarter.
UniDesign Model One, Santorini Blue
Under the hood is the ever-reliable Miyota 9015. The hexagonal screw-down crown is a good size for setting and winding the watch and is engraved with the UniDesign logo. But the facets did take some getting used to – this is my first experience with a geometric crown like this.
UniDesign Model One, Stone Gray
The UniDesign Model One has a lot of potential. The design is distinctive in a crowded space, the watch is well put together, and I think it will be a winner when the Kickstarter launches this fall. At a launch price of about $600 and a target retail price of $700, this watch is certainly competitive with the rest of the market segment. Keep an eye on @unidesignwatch on Instagram and sign up at UnidesignWatch.com for more information and updates regarding the Kickstarter launch date.
