In the landscape of French watchesfew brands can boast such a rich heritage and such remarkable continuity as Yema. Founded in 1948 in Besançon, the historic cradle of French watchmaking, the brand has spanned the decades, accumulating its feats of arms, before experiencing a revival hailed by enthusiasts around the world. But what are Yema watches really worth today? Swiss Made Watch Magazine offers you an overview!
History of the Yema brand
The story of Yema begins in 1948when Henry-Louis Belmont founded the brand Besançon. From its beginnings, it has distinguished itself by a marked technical ambition and a capacity to innovate which will quickly place it among the key players in French watchmaking.
It is in 1963 that Yema enters the legend with the launch of the Yema Supermanall first French diving watch waterproof to 300 meters. A technical feat for the time, made even more remarkable by an innovative device bezel lock which makes it a professional diving watch in its own right. The Superman will also be adopted by the French Navy, which will earn Yema official recognition without equivalent in French watchmaking.
But the Yema watch is not limited to the underwater world! Over the decades, the brand has developed a whole family of emblematic chronograph watches: the Yema Rallygrafdesigned for motorsport enthusiasts, the Yema Yachtingraf dedicated to sailors, the Yema Navygraf for sailors, Yema Flygraf for aviators, or even the Yema Wristmastera versatile and robust watch that will appeal to sportsmen and adventurers alike. So many references which have forged the identity of the brand and continue to fuel the passion of collectors.
Yema: quality watches?
The question deserves to be asked honestly, and the answer is clearly yes. Yema is positioned in the mid-range and high-end segment, with a quality-price ratio which constitutes one of its strongest arguments.
On the side of movementsthe brand makes choices consistent with its positioning. Its accessible chronograph watches feature movements Japanese mecaquartz from Seikorenowned for their reliability and precision. Its feminine French watches are powered by calibers Swiss quartz signed Rondaa sure value in the field.
For automatic models, Yema uses calibers Sellita of Swiss originbut also offers its own manufacture movements developed in-house: the calibers Yema CMM.10, Yema CMM.20 And Yema CMM.29. A rare manufacturing approach at this price level, which demonstrates true watchmaking ambition and serious industrial investment.
The finishes, materials and the care taken in assembly also meet expectations. A Yema watch Well maintained is a watch that lasts!
Yema: between heritage and modernity
This is undoubtedly one of the most attractive aspects of the brand today. For several years Yema has undertaken a remarkable work of promoting its archivesby offering numerous reissues faithful to its historical models. The Yema Superman, the Yema Rallygraf and the Yema Wristmaster have returned to the spotlight in versions that respect the spirit and vintage aesthetic of the originals, while benefiting from contemporary manufacturing processes and materials.
The result is particularly convincing for lovers of watches with a retro aesthetic: we find the graphic dials, the emblematic bezels and the period proportions, with the reliability and manufacturing quality of a modern French watch. An intelligent and sincere way to honor one’s heritage without falling into hollow nostalgia.
Yema: who is it for?
You will have understood, a Yema watch is above all a watch aimed at enthusiasts of French watchmaking and its history. For collectors looking for a beautifully crafted piece, with a real story and a strong identity, which is unlike anything else on the market. For vintage style lovers who don’t want to sacrifice quality for aesthetics!
But beyond these profiles, Yema watches also appeal to all those looking for a watch capable of accompanying them for life. A robust and historically legitimized diving watch, a chronograph watch in the colors of a bygone era but manufactured with today’s demands: Yema knows how to do both, and this is precisely what makes it a brand as endearing as it is essential in the French watchmaking landscape.
