Discover the new Rallygraf Meca-Quartz from YEMA. The new version of a legendary watch that made the great hours of French-speaking watchmaking. Our opinion on the Rallygraf Meca-Quartz coming out today.
The Rallygraf, an iconic YEMA watch
Founded in 1948 by the brilliant Henri Louis Belmont, YEMA has long rivaled the most beautiful Swiss brands and was a source of immense French pride. The brand released legendary models such as the Yema Superman in 1963, intended for deep divers, with its famous “bezel block”, the Yachtingraf in 1966 and the model that interests us today: the Rallygraf (also in 1966).
Worn by F1 driver Mario Andretti, the Rallygraf immediately won over enthusiasts of automatic watches. Its design, with its two counters reminiscent of a sports car dashboard and its tachometer bezel, has become legendary and second-hand vintage YEMA Rallygrafs are now snapped up at prices above 1000 euros for the rarest and most rare models. best preserved.
It is therefore this collection that returns today with the collection Rallygraf Meca-Quartz.
Our opinion on the Rallygraf Meca-Quartz
If we had to sum up our opinion on the Rallygraf Meca-Quartz, we could say, respecting the automotive metaphor: “a nice look but not much in the engine”.
A very successful design
Indeed, what pleases at first sight is the wonderful design of the Rallygraf of yesteryear which resurfaces and which reminds us of the great hours of YEMA.
We appreciate finding the legendary counters, the checkered flags, this elegant panda design, this so chic “France” mention and this really superb look.
This new collection is available in five colours: panda, inverted panda, green, blue and brown. We recommend the mythical panda and inverted panda that we find the most successful.
A little too wise engine…
When you board such a nice car, you expect it to have some in the trunk. Unfortunately, we are far from the mythical Valjoux 72 of the 60s, since YEMA decided to embark a Seiko VK64 hybrid caliber to spin this new collection.
This mechanism guarantees good reliability and resistance but it is a little too wise and common. We would have liked a made-to-measure or more expensive mechanical engine, but we can think that YEMA no longer wants to venture into the top-of-the-range market… it’s a pity, moreover, because with such a beautiful brand and such a great story, YEMA could aim much higher!
An affordable price
With its price of 369€, we can think that this Rallygraf Meca-Quartz will appeal to a large number of customers. We would have liked, even if it means paying more, to find high-end and inventive mechanisms like in the heyday of YEMA.
For more information, visit the YEMA website.
