Introducing The Unimatic x SpongeBob SquarePants II U1

Unimatic dips back into nautical nonsense with a pair of new SpongeBob SquarePants U1 dive watches dedicated to the cartoon character.  The watches represent a lighthearted approach to the very serious dive watch that is the Modello Uno U1, the likes of which we’ve seen once before in the U1-SS SpongeBob Squarepants LE released last October. We are treated to two versions in this release, one in the yellow you’d expect from such a watch, and the other in a stylish black execution.

The two watches are meant to coincide with the release of the new SpongeBob movie, Sponge On The Run, which was released to Netflix earlier this month for most markets, and will come to US and Candadian homes at some point in 2021. To hold you over, Unimatic is offering this pair of limited edition U1 watches, the U1-SS2 and U1-SS3, featuring Bikini Bottom’s eponymous Krabby Patty slinger in two distinct flavors. 

The Modello Uno U1-SS2 leans into the yellow theme, with a yellow dial, bezel insert, and a yellow 2 piece nylon strap. The dial is dominated by a depiction of a smiling SpongeBob, with the hands stemming out directly from his nose. The hands and hour plots are filled with Super-LumiNova C1 white, providing a healthy amount of low light visibility. The U1-SS2 has already sold out, so you’ll need to keep an eye on second hand marketplaces to nab one.

The U1-SS3 provides a stark contrast to the bright yellow SS1 thanks to a black dial, bezel and strap. Here, only the facial features of SpongeBob are rendered in Super-LumiNova C1, along with the hour plot and hand set, meaning they will glow along with the timekeeping elements. On this dial, SpongeBob sports a more hip look, one might even call it ‘not lame’ as he blends into the hour markers. This example is still available at the moment for ~$770, and can be had from Unimatic right here. 

Each of these SpongeBob U1 watches are built upon the same 40mm steel case with a 13.6mm thickness and a 49mm lug to lug measurement. This is still very much the U1 we know and love, and is capable as ever with a 300 meter depth rating. Inside you’ll find the automatic Seiko NH35A providing 41 hours of reserve and -20/+40 seconds a day of accuracy. Each watch is limited to just 100 examples and is equipped with a special SpongeBob blueprint caseback. 

More from Unimatic right here.