YEMA: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of France’s Most Storied Watchmaker

by Brent Robillard Mention the legacy of French watchmaking and you might first think of the high-horology maisons nestled near Paris or the microbrand darlings making waves in Besançon today. But for decades, one name towered above them all in terms of popularity, production, and sheer cultural resonance: YEMA. Founded in 1948 and producing over two million watches per year by the 1970s, YEMA was … Continue reading YEMA: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of France’s Most Storied Watchmaker

The Fleux FLX004 Skin Diver

by Brent Robillard A masterclass in restraint When it comes to watch design, less is often more. Fleux Watches has built its reputation on that very philosophy, and with the FLX004, the brand delivers a fitting final chapter to its Skin Diver series. At The Calibrated Wrist, we have been transfixed by the evolution of this collection since the simultaneous launch of the FLX001/FLX002, and … Continue reading The Fleux FLX004 Skin Diver

The vintage-inspired Belhamel Contra A39

by Tyler Frederick A nod to the Wittnauer “Skin Diver” ref. 4000 The recurring theme for my recent articles is the Toronto Timepiece Show. So much happened in three days, so many watches were on my wrist (sometimes three or more at once), and I had so much fun. I had the pleasure of seeing so many familiar faces and making new friends, but it’s … Continue reading The vintage-inspired Belhamel Contra A39