Yema Watches

Yema Watches

Yema is France’s original tool watch brand — born for the ocean, the sky, and the racetrack, with a back catalog that rivals any Swiss mid-century maker for pure style and spirit.

From skin divers to rally timers, Yema builds watches that feel vintage-correct without being try-hard, with legit in-house movements and real tool watch chops.

A Little History

Yema was founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, France — long before microbrands were a thing and long before “heritage” became a marketing buzzword.

By the 1960s, Yema had built a reputation for affordable, functional, and good-looking watches for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Their tool watches were worn by French Air Force pilots, naval divers, and even astronauts. And in the 1970s, Yema built some of the best-looking motorsport watches of the era.

After bouncing between owners in the 1990s and 2000s, Yema returned to independent, French ownership in 2017 — with a renewed focus on in-house movements

vintage reissues, and professional-grade builds.

What Collectors Love

Yema nails the retro tool watch formula better than almost anyone — with modern specs and excellent wearability.

Key collections include:

  • Superman — iconic 300m dive watch with patented bezel-locking system. First launched in 1963, now available in multiple sizes, colors, and movement options

  • Rallygraf — motorsport chronograph with panda and reverse panda dials, 39mm–42mm, quartz or mechanical

  • Flygraf — pilot-style watches and field/dive hybrids

  • Navygraf — military-inspired divers, often with 1970s styling and bold indices

  • Yachtingraf — regatta timers and sailing chronos, often with colorful countdown scales

Most models are available with Yema’s in-house mechanical calibers (YEMA2000 series) or Sellita/ETA-based movements, and many offer multiple case sizes

— including 39mm sweet spots for vintage lovers.

Why Yema Deserves a Spot

Because it’s one of the few affordable brands making real in-house movements, and doing it in France — with designs that aren’t just heritage-themed, but heritage-built.

Yema doesn’t chase hype. They do faithful reissues of their own history, with thoughtful proportions, great dials, and real-world performance specs. And they offer

serious value — in-house divers under $1,200 is no small feat.

Plus, if you want something outside the Swiss/Seiko axis? Yema’s got its own lane — and it’s a good one.

What’s Out There Now

Yema’s modern lineup includes:

  • Superman Heritage / Skin Diver / 500 GMT — 39–41mm, in-house or ETA/Sellita movements, 300–500m WR

  • Rallygraf Meca-Quartz and Auto — motorsport chronos with tachy bezels, domed crystals

  • Navygraf Marine Nationale — official military collabs, with lume-heavy dials and unique colorways

  • Yachtingraf / Urban Sport / Spacegraf — rarer, more stylized variants

Most models retail between $750 and $1,500, with premium GMTs or chronographs reaching $2,000+. Pre-owned market is solid, especially for older Superman models and LE runs.

Fed’s Take

Yema is a total sleeper hit.

I’ve seen a bunch of Supermans and Rallygrafs come through the shop, and they always wear beautifully. The bezel lock is quirky but fun. The dials are crisp. And the 39mm options?

Fantastic on the wrist.

If you want a legit tool watch with style, history, and actual French manufacturing, Yema is one of the best values in the game.

Check Out Our Yema Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Yema watches — especially Superman Heritage, Rallygraf Auto, and limited military or Yachtingraf models.

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