There is no race on earth quite like the East African Safari Rally. Established in 1953 to mid-century endurance standards, it remains the ultimate “marathon” for both man and machine. Unlike modern sprint rallies, the Safari is a brutal, high-speed odyssey through mud, dust, and unpredictable terrain. It is a world where “standard” equipment is destined to fail, and where the only way to survive is through mechanical resilience and material innovation.
This legendary race is the core inspiration behind our latest collaboration. The Safari Rally represents a specific kind of “Functional Luxury”, one that isn’t about status, but about having the right tool for the most demanding environment on the planet.
The Safari Rally Kit: A Tripartite Dialogue
To honor this heritage, UNIMATIC, Automobili Amos, and SEASE have joined forces to create the Safari Rally Kit. This is more than a collection of products; it is a curated ecosystem designed for the modern “gentleman driver” who seeks the spirit of the 1970s rally era through the lens of contemporary technology.
In the video below, Franco Loro Piana (SEASE) and Eugenio Amos (Automobili Amos) discuss the philosophy of this project. They explore how the grit of the Safari Rally informs their choice of materials, from the high-performance Solaro fabrics used in SEASE apparel to the “anti-standard” automotive engineering of the Amos restomods. UNIMATIC sits at the center of this dialogue as the technical timekeeper, providing the mechanical pulse for the entire kit.
Watch the full conversation on the Safari Rally Kit and the intersection of Italian craftsmanship and motorsport:
The Engineering Evolution: Modello Tre ref. U3S-T-AA
Directly inspired by the weight-saving and durability requirements of the Safari Rally, UNIMATIC introduces its most significant technical milestone to date: the first-ever Modello Tre in Grade 2 Titanium.
When navigating the unpredictable African savannah, every gram and every reflection matters. The U3S-T-AA was engineered to be the ultimate dashboard instrument for the wrist.
Limited to just 30 pieces and conceived exclusively for SEASE, this release isn’t just a new watch; it is a technical manifesto on lightweight performance and the “anti-standard” approach to Italian style.
Why Titanium for the Safari?
Unrivaled Lightness
By utilizing sandblasted Grade 2 Titanium, we have achieved a 40% weight reduction compared to our standard stainless steel models. This ensures zero wrist fatigue during the high-vibration environments of endurance driving.
Non-Reflective Utility
The matte, sandblasted finish isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a functional necessity. It eliminates sun glare inside the cockpit, a critical detail for maintaining focus during a race.
Thermal Stability
Titanium remains comfortable on the skin even during the extreme temperature fluctuations typical of the desert, from the heat of the day to the cold of the night.
Chronometer Precision
To match the high-performance engines of Automobili Amos, the watch is powered by the Sellita SW510 BH b automatic chronometer caliber, visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback.
A Sartorial Technicality: SEASE and the Safari Palette
The connection to the SEASE textile heritage is found in the dual-strap system. While the watch is fitted on a high-visibility Safari Orange TPU strap, it is also delivered with a second strap crafted from Solaro fabric with leather lining.
Solaro, a cornerstone of the Loro Piana family’s history, was originally used for technical military uniforms due to its unique thermal properties. By bringing this material to the Modello Tre, we bridge the gap between the ruggedness of the Safari Rally and the refined elegance of Italian tailoring.
A New Benchmark for UNIMATIC
The Modello Tre ref. U3S-T-AA represents a “first” that we don’t take lightly. By moving into titanium, we are offering our community a different kind of toughness, one defined by lightness, thermal stability, and a refined industrial grey palette.
It is the ultimate expression of the UNIMATIC x Automobili Amos philosophy: purposeful, rare, and designed to be used.
