Company
The French Air Force and YEMA collaborate in crafting professional tool watches specifically designed for the military. This historic collaboration dates back to the early 1970s with the supply of YEMA Superman dive watches to Helicopter Rescue Divers special forces. Subsequently, other Superman models were supplied to French Air Force pilots, making of the Superman a unique military tool watch with multiple uses.
Yema – French Watchmaker Overview
🕰️ Foundation & History
- Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, France—renowned as the heart of French watchmaking
- Gained early acclaim with hand‑assembled chronographs and pilot watches in the 1950s–60s
- Introduced iconic models:
- Yachtingraf (1960s) – racing-regatta chronograph
- Superman (1963) – professional diver’s watch with locking bezel
- Rallygraf – motorsport-inspired chronograph
- Survived quartz crisis via innovation and export focus
- Revived since 2004 with renewed heritage appeal, expanding global presence
📈 Market Position
- Positioned as a mid-range heritage brand: quality Swiss parts and French design at accessible prices (~€500–1 500)
- Appeals to enthusiasts seeking vintage style and robust purpose-built functions
- Gained respect in Europe and growing fanbase internationally through micro‑brand appeal and community engagement
⭐ What Makes Yema Unique
1. Authentic Heritage Models
- Modern iterations of the Superman, Rallygraf, Yachtingraf with faithful vintage details
2. Functional Tool‑Watch DNA
- Features like locking bezels, flyback chronographs, regatta dials tailored to sport and professional use
3. French Made & Designed
- Headquartered in Besançon, blending French aesthetics with precise construction
4. In‑house Movement Development
- Launched own mechanical caliber (YMXX) in recent years, showcasing technical growth
5. Quality-Value Balance
- Swiss-based movements, sapphire crystals, solid water resistance, all at competitive mid-price point
6. Community-Driven Relaunch
- Strong fan engagement via limited editions, modern crowdfunding, partnerships (NASA, French Navy)
📊 Summary
Yema stands out as a mid-tier European brand that blends genuine 20th‑century heritage, tool-oriented reliability, and modern horological ambition. It offers distinctive designs, robust functionality, and emerging in-house technology—all anchored by French roots and vintage charisma.
Models
Wristmaster
Premium mechanical in-house caliber designed and manufactured in our workshops in Morteau (France). All other components are sourced from Switzerland within a 70km radius of Morteau. Assemblies, calibrations and checks carried out by our watchmakers in our Morteau workshops.
Wristmaster Slim CMM.20
2,249 EUR
https://yema.com/de/products/yema-wristmaster-slim-cmm-20-76-24-05-sn-m
Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition
2,449 EUR
000/200 LIMITED EDITION
YEMA's iconic integrated bracelet model returns in a collector’s hand-finished Limited Edition equipped with our in-house micro-rotor caliber. Each time piece is individually crafted, ensuring no two watches are identical. The combination of one-of-a-kind finishing on the dial, case, bracelet, and movement ensures that each watch tells its own story, making each time piece an artistic signature.
Wristmaster Traveller
890 EUR (250707 reduced to 596 EUR)
https://yema.com/products/yema-wristmaster-traveller-ywtr24-gms
Flygraf
Flygraf Flieger French Air Force
990 EUR
FRENCH AIR FORCE CANVAS STRAP
Manufactured in our region (Franche-Comté), the canvas (fabric) strap has been specially designed for this military timepiece. It features French Air Force logo on its leather coating underside, providing an enhanced wearing comfort.
https://yema.com/products/yema-flygraf-flieger-french-air-force-yfly24aa-aas
Navygraf
Navygraf Super Compressor
949 EUR (250707 reduced to 636 EUR)
https://yema.com/products/yema-navygraf-super-compressor-ynav24sc-gms