A few weeks ago, we had something I called “Yema Week” which had us featuring two different watches (here and here), and then a third article where we had a hands on review (here). Well, while we aren’t going to have another week of coverage, I did have one more model I wanted to highlight – the Yema Navygraf.
If you’ve read those prior articles, you know that Yema is doing a good job capitalizing on designs from earlier on in their catalog. In this case, the Yema Navygraf is hailing to us from the 1970s. I’d say that this is a vintage look that feels starkly modern, with the “exclamation point” markers. Those show up in a shade of orange that gives the impression of UV fade, while the hands have a much brighter yellow-orange that allow them to pop out in contrast from the dial.
That makes sense, since the Yema Navygraf is intended as a diving watch, complete with a 300m WR rating. And really, the name of the piece gives this away as well. While it’s a clone of it’s original design, things have been upgraded. You’ve got a modern movement and construction (in a delightful 39mm case), and things are topped off with sapphire – both for the main lens and the bezel insert. That said, they have done what they could with the bezel to mirror the look of the bakelite that the original had.
While I am not a diver, I can’t help but to like the looks of the Yema Navygraf. In many ways, it looks almost like the epitome of a “Dad watch”. You know, it’s the one watch that your dad always had on, whether he was mowing the lawn, watching TV, off to work, or relaxing on vacation. That’s what these stripped-down three-handed tool watches offer – reliability and flexibility, with case construction that says it’s up for anything. While we’ve not seen this one in person, based on my other on-wrist experiences with the brand, I feel confident saying that, if you like the photos, you’ll like this one in the steel. Head on over to their website to get more info and order; pricing ranges from $690 – $749. yema.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Yema Navygraf
- Price: $690 (leather/tropic) / $749 (bracelet)
- Who we think it might be for: You want a compact, do anything and everything, everyday tool watch with a BOLD pop of color on the dial
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I?ve seen? Surprising myself (since I’m not looking for a diver or non-GMT), I could definitely see this getting into the daily driver rotation
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: It’s those bright hands that captured my attention – and just LOOK at that lume shot!
Tech Specs from Yema
- MOVEMENT: In-House Caliber MBP 1000
- CASE: 39 mm – Brushed 316L stainless steel case Scratch-resistant sapphire bezel
- DIAL & HANDS: Vintage orange coloured markers shaped in the form of an exclamation mark with Super-LumiNova C5 finish
- CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection treatment
- 5 WATCH BANDS VARIANTS: Stainless Steel, Black or Navy Blue Leather Vintage France, Black or Brown Leather Vintage.
- PRICE: US$ 749 (Steel Band) / US$690 (Leather Band)
- Made in France
- Limited edition of 500 pieces (numbered)
