The UniDesign Autoclassic combines 1970s funk with automotive cues
Nina Scally
The overarching horological trend of the 2020s has been the revival of the integrated bracelet, steel, sports watch from the 1970s. Since then, the combination of the faceted bezel, patterned dial, and metal bracelet has been done a thousand times over, and while many well-known brands have put their own spin on it, lots of smaller brands have, too. UniDesign Watch Co. is a microbrand that joined in on the fun with its Model One, making it stand out with an accessible price point, and compact, slightly rectangular case. The elongated shape made it easier to wear, while the three-dimensional waffle dial and bevelled, square silhouette honed in the all-important nostalgic charm of the Royal Oak or Nautilus. For its second release, UniDesign is changing direction with a design inspired by classic cars from the same era, with the Autoclassic taking on a slightly softer overall look.
You can easily see why those who love cars also like watches. Timekeeping and motorsport are like two peas in a pod. Partnerships between IWC and Mercedes, TAG Heuer and Red Bull or Ferrari and Richard Mille demonstrate how a blend of fine mechanics, precision engineering, and in some cases, an iconic design, unite a shared fascination with cars and watchmaking. Whether it’s paying tribute to a legendary racing car or a timepiece that uses the colours of a famous driver’s livery – watchmakers have been drawing from the heritage, the adrenaline, and the success of the motorsport and automobile world for decades. While UniDesign’s Autoclassic isn’t likely to appear on the livery of a Formula 1 car any time soon, there’s always room for considered design at an attractive price point, and that’s exactly where this watch is trying to fit in.
The case
UniDesign clipped the corners of the Autoclassic’s case to achieve an unapologetically sporty look with the design of the Model One, and in some ways, the case of the Autoclassic is an evolved take on that original. This time, the square case is not sharp and chiselled. Moreover, it’s smoother and more softly sculpted. Compared to other classic car-inspired watches I’ve seen, the Autoclassic is rather original. The brand gives the case a vertical brushing, with gently curving corners and lugs, while the high-polish bezel and its six screws evoke the chrome highlights of classic cars. The case measures a compact 37mm diameter, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm. These proportions should remedy the undesirable clunkiness often associated with square watches and are fitting of the era that inspired the design. With 100 metres of water resistance, screw-down crown, and sapphire crystal, you can wear the Autoclassic as the sports watch it’s trying to be – though be careful with getting the leather straps wet.
The dial
The motorsport inspiration continues to the dial, its most obvious influence coming from the small seconds sub-dial. Nestling in the lower right corner of the dial, it resembles a tachometer, and is colour-matched to the surround of the brand logo, shortened to U.D.C. UniDesign offers five shades for the new Autoclassic. These comprise a light grey with dark grey cutouts, a black and burnt orange, a light blue with grey cutouts, a black and grey, and a dark blue and grey configuration. All the indices around the hour track and the main handset benefit from Lumicast technology, which produces components from 3D moulds, with concentrated treatments of Super-LumiNova mixture applied to their surface for a longer-lasting glow.
The movement
UniDesign looks to focus on performance, reliability, and affordability by choosing another Japanese movement from Miyota. Similar to the Miyota movement chosen for the Model One, the Miyota 8N40 is a two-handed, hackable calibre with a frequency rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a total of 46 hours of power reserve. It’s one of Miyota’s entry-level movements being from the 8000 series, and though it’s not quite as fine a movement as the more premium 9000, it’s a perfectly suitable alternative at this price point. Interestingly, the 8N40 is actually a “skeletonised” movement, though it’s hidden behind a solid caseback – instead likely chosen for the positioning of its small seconds hand.
UniDesign Autoclassic pricing and availability
The Kickstarter campaign for the UniDesign Watch Co. Autoclassic launches on the 18th of February. Price: US$350 (first 24 hours only)
| Brand | UniDesign Watch Co. |
| Model | Autoclassic |
| Case Dimensions | 37mmm (D) x 11mm (T) x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Light grey, black and orange, light blue, black, dark blue |
| Bracelet and strap | Brown leather, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | Miyota 8N40, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$350 (for the first 24 hours) |
Made in partnership with UniDesign Watch Co. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.