Japanese designers have been taking the world by storm and not just in the streetwear arena they dominate. Watch brands too have been leaning on Japanese cool and it’s about time. A fresh injection of creativity is no bad thing, especially if it leads to watches like the Unimatic Modello Uno U1-MY.

Italian watch brand Unimatic are no strangers to limited editions. The largest run they currently have is the 600-piece U3-A and most of their watches come in considerably smaller runs than that. It’s the perfect way to try out a few different designs and, in the case of the U1-MY, try out a different stylistic language altogether.

The watch is built in collaboration with Mihara Yasuhiro, a Japanese fashion designer whose Harrods boutique you should make a priority. I mean, it’s not the kind of stuff I’d wear but then that’s mainly because I’m not cool enough to get away with it.

It’s a cool he’s applied liberally to the new timepiece, which balances practical minimalism with subtle tonal and textural variations, the kind of watch that’s far more nuanced than it appears at first glance. The triple blue colourway is comprised of a dark dial, a bezel closer to royal blue and a stonewashed Cerakote-coated steel case finish in navy.

The stonewashed treatment gives the case a worn look which, with the vintage cream lume makes the U1 seem a lot older than it is, enhancing its tool credentials. And despite being a seriously cool watch it is also seriously practical; it’s easy to read, rugged and can do down to 300m, all necessary for a professional diver.

The NH35A movement is an automatic that gets the job done well enough, even with a 41-hour power reserve, but it’s not really about the movement. There’s not even an exhibition caseback. This is just… well, just a very good-looking watch.

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Unfortunately it’s going to be a little hard to get hold of; not only is it limited to 50 pieces worldwide, it’s only available from Mihara Yasuhiro stores for ¥ 105,840 – around £730. I guess that Harrods visit can’t wait.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Unimatic Modello Uno U1-MY

Ref: U1-MY

Case: 40mm width, stonewashed Cerakote™ navy blue case, 316 stainless steel, 120-click mono-directional bezel

Movement: Seiko NH35A caliber, automatic, bi-directional winding

Power Reserve: 41h

Frequency: 22,1600 bph

Water Resistance: 300m / 1000ft / 30atm

Strap: Dark navy Cordovan Shell two piece / navy blue nylon two piece

Price: ¥105,840 (or £733), limited to 50 pieces and sold exclusively in Mihara Yasuhiro’s stores in Tokyo and Osaka, starting from April 27th. Orders from outside of Japan should apply via email to: TOKYO@MIHARAYASUHIRO.JP

More details at www.unimaticwatches.com