Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Yema Goes Back to Accessible Watches, with Sellita Movements and 4 different Models
A new collection of accessible watches alongside higher-end in-house models, powered by the reliable Sellita SW200
In recent years, French brand Yema has demonstrated its wish to move upward in quality and watchmaking credentials, while still offering classic, historically-inspired designs based on its icons, such as the Superman. This has been done through the development of manufacture movements, conceived and produced in France, including the CMM.10 Central Rotor, the CMM.20 Micro-Rotor, and the CMM.30 Tourbillon. But as we’ve explained in this article, Yema has operated an important transition, with the end of the Yema2000 and Yema3000 calibres, to be replaced by reliable Swiss-made movements by Sellita, starting with the Superman. With the idea to bring a wider accessible collection of mechanical watches next to its in-house powered models, Yema now launches not one but four new models – Diver, Flygraf, Navygraf Heritage and Urban Traveller – all powered by the reliable SW200, and all priced under 1,000 euros.
In a transparent strategic move, Yema announced at the end of last year that the production of its proprietary Yema2000 and Yema3000 calibres, movements that never fully convinced, was to be halted. In place of these calibres, which lacked reliability, Yema decided to rely on a trusted partner, Swiss giant movement maker Sellita, to continue to have an accessible range in its portfolio, while delivering reliable timekeeping and easy-to-service calibres. The in-house, French-made movements (CMM.10, CMM.20 Micro-Rotor, and CMM.30 Tourbillon) are still used in more high-end watches but have been joined by a new Sellita-powered Superman lineup earlier this year. And now, the Morteau-based brand introduces 4 new models powered by this outsourced Swiss movement, all based on classic designs, and reasonably priced – all priced right under 1,000 euros.
The Yema Diver
The first range of watches within that Sellita collection by Yema is a vintage-styled dive watch (not the Superman) with a sleek, redesigned and thin Monnin-inspired case, slimmed down and shorter than before, framed by a steel diving bezel. Equipped with a sapphire crystal and water-resistant to 200m, it has a cool utilitarian look with a compact 39.5mm diameter. The retro dial is available in white or black, and all elements, including the broad-arrow hands, are filled with cream-toned Super-LumiNova. It is available on a rubber strap (EUR 890) or a steel bracelet with diver’s extension folding clasp (EUR 990), and of course, a Sellita SW200 inside.
Quick facts: 39.5mm x 10.95mm steel case, unidirectional steel diving bezel – sapphire crystal – 200m water-resistant – white or black dial with lumed markers and broad-arrow hands – Sellita SW200 no-date, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – beads-of-rice steel bracelet or rubber tropic strap – EUR 890 on rubber, EUR 990 on steel bracelet
The Yema Navygraf Heritage
Another familiar model, once again inspired by aquatic activities, this new Navygraf Heritage takes inspiration directly from the original 1960s model, now reissued with even greater historical accuracy. Its case, not too far from that of the Superman (without the bezel lock system), has a classic skin diver look and is equipped with a colour-matched unidirectional bezel in epoxy, paired with a double-domed hesalite crystal and a 200m water-resistance. The dial is available in black or navy blue, with a date window, baton lumed markers and yellow-coloured hands. The 39mm case has been entirely redesigned with polished chamfers, more thinness and a shorter profile. It is available on a rubber strap (EUR 890) or a steel bracelet with diving extension (EUR 990). Once again, a Sellita SW200 beats inside.
Quick facts: 39mm x 10.85mm steel case, unidirectional steel diving bezel with epoxy insert in black or blue – hesalite crystal – 200m water-resistant – black or blue dial with lumed baton markers and yellow-toned hands – Sellita SW200 date, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – H-link steel bracelet or tropic rubber strap – EUR 890 on rubber, EUR 990 on steel bracelet
The Yema Flygraf Pilot
After two watches made for the sea, Yema also introduces its vision of a pilot/military watch with a new Flygraf Pilot model. This compact 38.5mm watch, with a thin below-9mm thickness, is once again a reinterpretation of a past model but modernised with angular lugs, a flat brushed bezel and a box-shaped sapphire crystal. The sandblasted dial, in green or black, adopts a sector style for a military look. Made of multiple concentric rings set at varying heights, it features applied numerals filled with lume and polished pearls for the hours. Powered by a no-date Sellita SW200, it can be worn on a leather strap (EUR 890) or a new, angular multi-link steel bracelet (EUR 990).
Quick facts: 38.5mm x 8.80mm steel case with brushed bezel – double-domed sapphire crystal – 100m water-resistant – military-styled sand-blasted sector dial in black or green, with applied numerals and pearls, and lumed pencil hands – Sellita SW200 no-date, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – multi-link bracelet with new angular design, concealed folding clasp or leather strap with pin buckle – EUR 890 on leather, EUR 990 on steel bracelet
The Yema Urban Traveller
Last but not least is a new version of Yema’s integrated-style watch, the Urban Traveller. This design, first seen on Wrismaster in 2021, was later seen with manufacture micro-rotor movement or Yema2000 calibre. It now comes back with multiple updates, including the adoption of a Sellita SW200 no-date, as well as a refined case measuring about 1mm less in thickness. The dials are also new, combining a silver-toned chapter ring with applied markers and a centre dial with a sunray brushed pattern. It can now also be ordered on a FKM rubber strap, or on the classic single-link integrated steel bracelet. Both options are priced at EUR 990.
Quick facts: 39mm x 10.80mm steel case with brushed surfaces and polished bevels – flat sapphire crystal – 100m water-resistant – sunray dial with silver-toned chapter ring, in blue, light brown or silver, with lumed applied markers and hands – Sellita SW200 no-date, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – integrated steel bracelet with butterfly clasp or integrated FKM rubber strap – EUR 990 on steel bracelet, EUR 990 on FKM rubber strap
For more details, please visit yema.com.
4 responses
Nice looking watches from Yema, as ever. The Navygraf has a hesalite crystal according to the Yema website though, not sapphire as your review states.
@Jonathan Doyle – correct, and now updated. Thanks!
Disappointed that Yema stooped to a cheap common movement. I will cherish my older Yema watches.
I am always happy to see ETA calibers of their clones. I will go out of my way to avoid “in-house” marketing BS that may have worked on boomers, but I know better. Yema is in a solid market segment. I hope they avoid the management consultants and hang back while the herd thunders upmarket to their slaughter.