UNIMATIC’s upcoming release isn’t just a watch—it’s a story told in silver and steel. The Modello Due U2-KKD is the result of a high-concept collaboration between three distinct cultural forces: Italian minimalist watchmaker UNIMATIC, historic Japanese tea caddy artisans Kaikado, and creative publishing house ERG Media. Released to celebrate Kaikado’s 150th anniversary, this ultra-limited edition timepiece fuses modern design with heritage craftsmanship in a way few watches claim.
Limited to just 150 pieces worldwide, the UNIMATIC U2-KKD draws aesthetic and philosophical inspiration from Kaikado’s hand-built tinplate tea caddies—a craft handed down through six generations of the Yagi family since 1875. Each tea caddy requires 130 steps to complete, and that same obsessive attention to detail is reflected in the watch’s construction. The star feature? A dial made from 925 silver, shaped and finished through a meticulous manual process that mirrors the legacy of Kaikado’s partisanship.
The brushed steel case maintains the clean, utilitarian profile that’s made UNIMATIC a favorite among collectors. Still, the handcrafted dial elevates this piece to art-object status. At $850, this isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in storytelling, culture, and tradition.
The UNIMATIC watch debuted on April 9 at a Milan Design Week event. Its official online release is set for April 15, coinciding with the close of Salone del Mobile. This is it if you’re looking for a timepiece that merges heritage with horology.
In other horology news, check out the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF.
