The
Unimatic x Massena LAB U1-SPG NASA Artemis watch is a striking horological creation born from the collaboration of two innovative entities, celebrating humanity's continued exploration of space. This limited-edition timepiece doesn't just tell time; it embodies the spirit of the NASA Artemis missions, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon.
UNIMATIC, an Italian watch brand established in 2015, is known for its dedication to marrying classic design cues with contemporary aesthetics. Founders Giovanni Moro and Simone Nunziato, both industrial designers, focus on producing distinctive watches that balance design, quality, and reasonable pricing. Their design philosophy is rooted in functionality, with a nod to vintage watch styles, updated for the modern wearer.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
Massena LAB, founded by William Massena, operates as a creative hub for watch design and production. They frequently partner with renowned watchmakers globally. Massena LAB's mission revolves around fostering a deep appreciation for horological culture and pushing its boundaries. Their name signifies their approach: a "laboratory" for experimentation and new ideas, and a "collaboration" highlighting their strong partnerships with other brands.
The U1-SPG's design is deeply inspired by the NASA Artemis program, echoing the program's ambition and forward-thinking ethos. The choice of "Artemis" as the inspiration is historically significant. In Greek mythology, Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo, the namesake of the original missions that first landed humans on the Moon. This connection subtly links the past achievements of space exploration with its promising future.
The dial of the U1-SPG is immediately eye-catching. It is a matte black surface, providing a stark backdrop for the luminous elements. The dial proudly bears the classic "worm" NASA logo, along with hour markers and a 24-hour track, all rendered in a beige "Old Radium" Super-LumiNova. This particular choice of lume not only ensures excellent visibility in low-light conditions, a functional necessity for a tool watch, but also bestows a vintage aesthetic, linking it to the historical context of space exploration.
The watch hands, including the hour, minute, second, and GMT hands, are also treated with the same "Old Radium" Super-LumiNova. The luminous 60-minute rotating bezel further reinforces the watch's utilitarian purpose, allowing for the tracking of elapsed time, an essential feature for any mission, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
A standout element of the U1-SPG is its robust case. Constructed from 316L stainless steel, the case is coated with a burnt orange Cerakote finish. This color is not arbitrary; it's directly inspired by the vibrant orange hue of NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a technological marvel designed for deep-space missions. Cerakote, a ceramic-based coating known for its durability and anti-corrosive properties, is commonly utilized in the aerospace industry, reinforcing the watch's connection to space exploration.
The crown and bezel of the U1-SPG feature a contrasting deep charcoal Cerakote coating. A sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on its inner surface, protects the dial. The case itself measures 40mm in diameter, with the bezel extending slightly to 41.5mm, providing a balanced, substantial presence on the wrist without being overly bulky.
Turning the watch over reveals a closed, stainless steel case back. It features an engraved emblem of the NASA Artemis program. This emblem depicts the letter 'A' ascending from Earth towards the Moon, a potent symbol of humanity's reach for the stars. Each watch is individually numbered, emphasizing its exclusivity as part of a limited run of only 99 pieces.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The U1-SPG is equipped with quick-release nylon straps. These straps, designed for durability and sporty use, are also in burnt orange to match the Cerakote case. The stainless steel buckle, also Cerakote-coated in matte burnt orange, provides a cohesive design. An extra black strap is added for a bit of contrast.
Powering the Modello Uno U1-SPG is the self-winding
Seiko NH34A movement. This Japanese-made movement is known for its reliability and functionality. It features 24 jewels, operates at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour (3Hz), and boasts a power reserve of 42 hours. The GMT function allows the wearer to track a second time zone, a practical feature for those involved in international collaborations or simply for travelers.
The watch's technical specifications further underscore its tool-watch nature. It is water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet), making it suitable for a variety of aquatic activities. The 2.5mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal adds to its robustness. The 120-click unidirectional bezel, coated in black Cerakote, is designed for precise timing and safety during dives or other timed operations.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
The Dial is Matte black, with a luminous NASA Logo and a Super-LumiNova® GL light old radium. There is a glossy white open second rail, Super-LumiNova® GL light old radium 24h markers. The hands are a matte black ladder phantom H+M, reverse lollipop S, 2H with a hollow arrow tip.
The U1-SPG is more than just a set of technical specifications. Its design narrative harkens back to the retro-futurism of the 1960s, with a particular influence drawn from Stanley Kubrick's iconic film "2001: A Space Odyssey." The film's exploration of future space travel, presented through a mid-20th-century lens, resonates with the watch's blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology. The use of clean lines and a minimalist approach in the watch's design mirrors Kubrick's visual style.
The watch features the Seiko NH34A movement which is self-winding. It includes a GMT Function and is made in Japan. The movement has a 42 hour power reserve. It has a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz) and contains 21 jewels. This watch is tested for accuracy, which is to +/- 5 sec/day up to +/-15 sec/day.
Courtesy of UNIMATIC
Each U1-SPG comes packaged in a branded UNIMATIC x Massena LAB tough case. The package also includes an embroidered NASA patch, an additional pair of straps, a warranty card, and a unique ID seal. These additions reinforce the collectibility and thematic consistency of the watch.
The UNIMATIC x Massena LAB U1-SPG NASA Artemis watch is available exclusively through Massena LAB. With a price tag of $1,295.00, the watch is positioned in the accessible luxury segment, appealing to both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts drawn to its unique design and historical connection. The limited production run of 99 pieces further enhances its exclusivity.
Case: 316L stainless steel with Burnt "Artemis" orange Cerakote™ coating. Diameter 40mm, 41.5mm with bezel. Lug width 22mm. 2.5mm thick double domed sapphire crystal with inner side anti-reflective coating. Alchemical Sun ? 8mm screw-down crown with Cerakote™ coating. Water-resistant to 300m˜1000ft˜30atm. 120 clicks mono-directional safety bezel with Cerakote™ armor black coating.
Movement: Self-winding Seiko NH34A. GMT function. Made in Japan. Power reserve of 42 hours. Frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz). 21 jewels. Accuracy +/- 5 sec/day up to +/-15 sec/day.
Dial: Matte black with luminous NASA logo. Super-LumiNova® GL light old radium. Glossy white open second rail, Super-LumiNova® GL light old radium 24h markers. Matte black ladder phantom H+M, reverse lollipop S, 2H with a hollow arrow tip.
Strap: Two strap options: both in nylon. Burnt orange with burnt orange buckle and black with burnt orange buckle. Pin buckle with burnt orange Cerakote™ coating signed UNIMATIC.
Price: $1,295.00
Reference Number: U1-SPG
Notes: Limited edition of 99 pieces. NASA-signed dial and caseback engraved with the official emblem of the NASA Artemis missions. Anti-corrosive Cerakote™ coating.