The present stainless steel DLC plated diver’s wristwatch is the result of a partnership between the Italian watch manufacture UNIMATIC, and Massena LAB who works with well-known watchmakers to create, design, and develop exceptional timepieces. The UL-MLBN is a family and friends’ version of the U1-MLB, which was part of their collaborative trilogy, along with the references UL-ML6, and MLM.

UNIMATIC was founded in 2015 by Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato who studied industrial design at Polytechnic University in Milan, and both had interest in vintage watches. Following graduation, the pair began to work on watch designs and soon introduced their first model—Modello Uno. The design was well received with its clean, minimalist aesthetic, which was reminiscent of the early 20th century Bauhaus. Looking to archetypal dive watches of the 1950s like Rolex, Omega and Blancpain, the model was 40mm in diameter with a screw down crown and back and 300 meter water resistance. The case has an industrial flair, which is a trademark of their work. Since their introduction into the watch market, UNIMATIC has release more than 40 distinctly designed timepieces, along with the Modello Due and Modello Tre.

Massena LAB was founded by watch industry veteran, William Massena. His philosophy is to work with well-known brands by proposing ideas and concepts, which are unusual or beyond the brands’ usual collection. Massena LAB seeks to form a community of collectors who appreciate the evolution of watchmaking and have a passion for original timepieces. The “LAB” designation stands for “laboratory, label, but also collaboration”. With an eye on independent watchmaking and innovative design and technology, Massena LAB has also partnered with MB&F, L’Epee 1839, Ming and Habring.

The UNIMATIC x Massena LAB trilogy sought to envision modern examples based on the past. The reference ML6 with red triangle on the bezel and tropical dial is a 21st interpretation of what a 1950s UNIMATIC would look like today. The MLM with blue dial and bezel sought to capture a 1960s dive watch for the French Navy. The MLB, the last in the series with an all-black dial, ghost signature and Super-LuminNova indices, was a 1970s representation of the Blancpain “Bund” wristwatch worn by the West Germany Navy elite special forces - the Bundeswehr Kampfschwimmers.

Generously donated by Massena LAB, the present example of the U1-MLBN is number 58 of 80 examples and only offered to family and friends of Massena LAB. The watch is similar to the MLB “Bund” example from the trilogy, but the case and bezel are DLC plated. The caseback is engraved with a submarine sonar motif, as well as being numbered. The watch is in brand new condition and accompanied by its complete set of accessories.

For collectors of independent watches, this collaborative effort between UNIMATIC and Massena LAB is an opportunity to own a 21st century timepiece with a 20th century vibe.