In the world of watchmaking there exists a unique breed of timepieces that capture the essence of pop culture with a playful twist. Enter the
Unimatic Modello Quattro UT4-SP, a limited-edition watch that takes us on a whimsical journey to the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. This collaboration between the Italian watchmaker UNIMATIC and the iconic animated sitcom South Park has resulted in a timepiece that is as unconventional and irreverent as the show itself.
UNIMATIC, founded in 2015, has quickly gained recognition for its minimalist yet robust watches. The brand's philosophy revolves around creating functional timepieces with a focus on durability and simplicity. Their designs often draw inspiration from military and diving watches, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
South Park, on the other hand, needs no introduction. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this animated sitcom has been pushing the boundaries of satire and comedy since its debut in 1997. Known for its crude humor, social commentary, and memorable characters, South Park has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its unapologetic take on current events and pop culture.
The UNIMATIC Modello Quattro UT4-SP perfectly encapsulates the spirit of South Park, showcasing the show's iconic characters on the dial of a rugged and reliable timepiece. The watch's design is a testament to UNIMATIC's commitment to functionality and craftsmanship, while the South Park theme adds a touch of irreverence and nostalgia.
The watch's dial is a canvas for South Park's most beloved characters: Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick. Their colorful depictions stand out against the matte black background, creating a playful contrast that captures the show's vibrant animation style. The dial also features Super-LumiNova C1 markings, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The UT4-SP is powered by a
Seiko VH31 quartz movement, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. This choice of movement reflects UNIMATIC's focus on practicality and functionality. The watch also boasts a 360° protection system, an in-house designed feature that safeguards the movement from shocks and vibrations. This innovative system underscores UNIMATIC's dedication to creating durable timepieces that can withstand the rigors of everyday wear.
The watch's case is crafted from 316 stainless steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The brushed finish adds a touch of refinement, while the drilled lugs provide a secure fit for the interchangeable straps. The UT4-SP comes with five straps, each reflecting the bold colors associated with the South Park characters. This versatility allows the wearer to customize the watch's appearance to suit their style and mood.
At first glance, the UT4-SP immediately grabs your attention with its bold and playful dial. The matte black outline provides a stark backdrop for the four main characters of South Park: Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny. Their vibrant colors pop against the black, instantly bringing a smile to any fan's face. The use of Super-LumiNova C1 on the markers ensures that the watch remains legible even when the lights go down, a practical touch that doesn't compromise the playful aesthetic.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The 40mm stainless steel case is a testament to UNIMATIC's commitment to durability. Crafted from 316 stainless steel, it's built to withstand the bumps and scrapes of everyday wear. The brushed finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the drilled lugs make it easy to swap straps and customize the look. Speaking of straps, the UT4-SP comes with a quintet of options, each echoing the distinctive colors of the South Park characters. This allows for a remarkable degree of personalization, ensuring that the watch can adapt to any occasion or mood.
Beneath the surface, the UT4-SP is powered by a Seiko VH31 quartz movement. This choice might surprise some purists, but it's a deliberate decision that aligns perfectly with UNIMATIC's design philosophy. Quartz movements are renowned for their accuracy and reliability, requiring minimal maintenance and offering exceptional precision. This practicality is further enhanced by UNIMATIC's innovative 360° protection system, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shell that encases the movement and dial, providing an additional layer of shock resistance.
The UT4-SP's commitment to ruggedness extends to its water resistance. With a rating of 300 meters, it's more than capable of handling any aquatic adventure you throw its way. This impressive water resistance is achieved through a combination of high-quality gaskets, a screw-down crown, and a robust case construction. Whether you're diving into the depths of the ocean or simply caught in a sudden downpour, the UT4-SP will keep ticking without missing a beat.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
One of the most striking features of the UT4-SP is its unique bezel. Unlike traditional dive watches with rotating bezels, the UT4-SP features a fixed monoblock bezel that contributes to its clean and minimalist aesthetic. This design choice reinforces UNIMATIC's focus on essential functionality, ensuring that the watch remains sleek and unobtrusive on the wrist.
The UT4-SP's attention to detail extends to the crystal, a 2.8mm thick flat sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inner side. Sapphire is renowned for its scratch resistance, ensuring that the dial remains clear and legible even after years of wear. The anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, making it easy to read the time in bright sunlight.
Flipping the watch over, you'll find a screw-down caseback adorned with a special Unimatic x South Park engraving and the watch's unique production number. This subtle touch adds to the watch's exclusivity, reminding the wearer that they own a piece of a limited edition series.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The UNIMATIC Modello Quattro UT4-SP is a watch that defies categorization. It's a tool watch with a playful twist, a dive watch that's equally at home on dry land, and a collector's item that's meant to be worn and enjoyed. It's a testament to UNIMATIC's ability to blend form and function, creating a timepiece that's both rugged and refined.
The watch's limited production run of 200 pieces adds to its exclusivity, making it a coveted item for collectors and fans alike. With a retail price of €542, the UT4-SP offers exceptional value for a limited edition watch with such a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It's a watch that will appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts, from die-hard South Park fans to seasoned watch collectors who appreciate unique and well-executed designs.
Case: 40mm diameter, 316 stainless steel, brushed finish, drilled lugs, fixed monoblock bezel, 2.8mm thick flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown, 300m water resistance.
Movement: Seiko VH31 quartz movement, ±15 seconds per month accuracy, anti-magnetic = 1600 A/m, TPU anti-shock protection.
Dial: Matte black outline dial with multicolor South Park characters, Super-LumiNova®C1 markers, matte white open second rail and dial trims.
Strap: Black heavy-duty nylon NATO strap with stainless steel brushed hardware, plus four additional straps: dark chocolate leather two-piece strap, meadow green TPU strap, international orange nylon NATO strap, turquoise cordura two-piece strap.
Price: €542
Notes: Limited edition of 200 pieces. Features UNIMATIC's in-house 360° protection system for enhanced shock resistance. Comes with a Unimatic x South Park tough case, warranty card, certification, and tin box.