YEMA Urban Sport…Yachtingraf, Flygraf, Rallygraf
This past week YEMA released a new three-watch collection that they are calling the Urban Sport. While the watches share a common case and bracelet, each pays homage to an emblematic collection from the French watchmaker’s past: the Yachtingraf, the Flygraf, and the Rallygraf.
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Key Features of the YEMA Urban Sport Collection
The case itself is also a self-referential homage of sorts, harkening back to a YEMA model from the 1980s. But we have most recently seen this silhouette in the Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team collaboration (YRAL23ALP-AMS) launched earlier this year. Fashioned from 316L stainless steel, it measures 39mm in diameter and 48mm lug to lug. It is 11.7mm thick but looks and feels slimmer on wrist. Brushed and platter flat across the top, the watch has steeply sloping lug ends that are finely chamfered. The case sides are full polish, as is the notched bezel edge. The whole shebang is topped with a piece of 2mm thick sapphire class.
The bracelet, which appears integrated, but (thankfully) is not, also reaches back to brand designs from the 80s. It is a nine-link engineer-style with a mix of brushing and polish like the case. It drapes perfectly for a snug fit on the wrist, and I really like the significant taper from 20mm to 16mm at the clasp. My only complaint—a common lament—is that despite a nice diver’s extension, the clasp is stamped and lacking in toolless adjustment.
Each of the watches is equipped with the brand’s in-house YEMA2000 calibre. It promises accuracy within +/- 10 secs/day and a power reserve of 42 hours. It has a smooth 4Hz sweep.
The Yachtingraf—a personal favourite—features what the brand is calling the “deep sea” dial. It has a very subtle vertical gradient that begins in the light blue of the sea on the upper end to a darker blue in the lower half. The sector-style dial and angled chapter ring add depth, while the polished baton-style indices provide a definite vintage vibe.
By way of a bezel, the Yachtingraf employs a bi-directional friction-style action with a 60-minute graduated aluminum insert that features a special 15-minute countdown indicator to time regatta starts.
The Flygraf is affixed with a vertically brushed matte black dial, reminiscent of aircraft fuselage. It also features YEMA’s iconic Flygraf logo above 6 o’clock. The design has graced Flygraf references since the 1960s.
The bi-directional bezel is especially designed to make various in-flight calculations, such as fuel consumption and air speed, and the conversion of nautical miles to land miles, or miles to kilometers.
The Rallygraf, also black, sports checkered flags at 6 o’clock. The stark black and white colourway provides for high legibility and the red second hand adds a sense of motion and flair.
Its bezel features a tachymeter scale which can be used to calculate average speed over distance. With the aid of the internal bezel, one could also measure elapsed time.
Each watch is treated with Super-LumiNova for after-hours legibility. The stamped, solid case backs are screw down—though crowns are not. Nonetheless, the timepieces are each rated to 100m of water resistance. Leather strap options are also available.
Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 11.7mm Thick 20 Lug Width Bi-directional Friction Bezel Screwed Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Glass /w AR Brushed Matte Dials Applied Indices Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | YEMA2000 28 800bph 29 Jewels 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Foldover Clasp or Leather Strap |
YEMA Urban Sport Collection
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Of Interest
Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont, YEMA saw significant growth in the 60s and 70s, and was at one time the largest exporter of watches in France. Established in Besançon, YEMA gained prominence for its innovative and reliable watches. The brand quickly became a pioneer in the industry, producing iconic models such as the YEMA Superman, known for its exceptional water resistance and durability.
Over the decades, YEMA has collaborated with various adventure and exploration missions, solidifying its reputation as a trusted companion in extreme conditions. While it waned in prominence during the latter years of the 20th century, the brand has seen a resurgence and even a renaissance of late, under the direction of the Bôle family–blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create timepieces that resonate with both watch enthusiasts and professionals.
Since 2011, the brand has already sold more than 250 000 units of its first in-house movement, the MBP1000 (now into its 3rd generation). As it strives for full vertical integration, YEMA continues to invest millions in R & D and the processes of modernizing its production lines. The result has been the creation of its own micro-rotor the CMM.20 and the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Yachtingraf Tourbillon.
With watches positioned at either end of the luxury spectrum, the brand clearly intends to make its mark, anew.
Quibbles
On-the-fly micro-adjusting clasps used to be the purview of high-end luxury watches. But no more. Sub $1000 timepieces with comfort adjustment abound. It’s the last piece of the puzzle for YEMA’s value-driven collections.
Final Thoughts
YEMA has a number of “affordable” offerings among its mechanical collections that compete head on with brands like Seiko and Citizen. Where the family-owned watchmaker might have the upper hand is in its ability to pivot quickly and respond to market trends with quirky niche-oriented timepieces like those we find here in the Urban Sport Collection. The brand’s back catalogue is replete with interesting design inspiration, and whether the reference in question is a reissue or a reinvention, enthusiasts know they are acquiring a watch with heritage from a legitimate manufacture.
All three pieces in the Urban Sport Collection offer vintage ingenuity and individual flair with in-house movements and solid specs that won’t break the bank. This is YEMA’s wheelhouse.
Pricing & Availability
The first 100 units of each are available for immediate shipping and retail for $829 on leather, or $890 on the bracelet. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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I’ve said all along that the in-house manufacturing on its higher end market objectives was the game changer. My new micro rotor hasn’t lost a beat after its initial 24 hours… After that it was smooth sailing. On this offering I think a screw down crown for added water security would have been nice. 😊
I never say no to a screw down crown. Cheers!