Unimatic’s new field watch lights the untrodden path to hipster heaven

For its latest collaboration project, Unimatic has teamed up with the British designer Nigel Cabourn to create a durable field watch inspired by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition…

From 1955–1958, a group of intrepid explorers headed by Sir Vivian Fuchs and supported by the Commonwealth became the first humans to successfully complete an overland crossing of Antarctica via the South Pole. Over 60 years later, the cult Italian microbrand Unimatic, known for its attractive and affordable timepieces, has joined forces with Nigel Cabourn to create a limited-edition version of its Modello Due field watch that pays tribute to the expedition.

A journey of epic proportions

Cabourn is known for his vintage, military-inspired aesthetic, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the new U2-NC has a case finished in a stonewashed ‘olive drab’ Cerakote coating. The navy-blue dial contrasts with the case wonderfully and the cream markers and hands are a subtle yet elegant touch. This is a watch pitched at adventurers, so there are two heavy-duty nylon straps included, one of which is vintage safety orange. There’s also a map of Antarctica on the case back, you know, just in case you get lost en route to the South Pole. Just 150 of the Unimatic U2-NC field watches will be built, priced at 718 euros each and available at Nigel Cabourn stores plus selected retailers. As has become the norm with Unimatic’s sought-after creations, act fast as they won’t hang around for long.