YEMA Watches Review: Quality, Collections, and My Recommendations

YEMA is easy to like for its history, but I find the watches themselves more interesting than the nostalgia. There is a wonderfully straightforward racing chronograph at one end of the range, a whole assortment of characterful divers in the middle, and French manufacture movements that give the more expensive watches something substantial to talk about.

That variety is also what makes YEMA confusing to shop. Two watches with similar names can have different movements, crystals, warranties, and even countries of assembly. A Superman is not automatically the same proposition as another Superman, and a newer reference does not necessarily share the specifications of the watch I reviewed.

I have spent hands-on time with the YEMA Diver YDIV24-AMS and the Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda YMHF1580-AA. Both of my dedicated reviews are included below. For the rest of the range, my recommendations come from comparing the current designs and official specifications; I am not presenting those watches as additional hands-on tests.

The YEMA shopping links in this article are direct, non-affiliate links. I do not earn a commission from them.

Jump to the collection guide, my recommendations, or frequently asked questions.

YEMA Watches At A Glance

Category	My Take
Founded	1948 by Henry-Louis Belmont
Based in	Morteau, France
Ownership	French family-owned Ambre group; managed by the Bôle family
Best known for	Superman divers, racing chronographs, and French watchmaking heritage
Main families	Superman, Navygraf, Rallygraf, Flygraf, Wristmaster, and Granvelle, plus the other collections covered below
Movement choices	Japanese and Swiss quartz, Seiko meca-quartz, Sellita mechanical calibers, and YEMA manufacture movements
Representative prices	Rallygraf from $420; current Diver from $990; Superman Steel Blue from $1,890; Wristmaster Slim $2,490
Warranty	Checked quartz and Sellita models: two years; current CMM manufacture models: five years
Where I would start	Rallygraf for accessible fun; Diver for a simple automatic; Superman for YEMA’s signature design

Prices and availability were checked on October 9, 2026, using the US-dollar display on YEMA.com. Card prices refer to the pictured configuration, with new-condition examples unless stated otherwise. Regional storefronts, strap choices, promotions, and delivery dates can differ. Listed case thicknesses follow the product pages; crystal inclusion is not consistent enough across the range to treat every number as directly comparable.

Quick Verdict: Are YEMA Watches Good?

Yes, I think YEMA deserves a place on your shortlist, provided you choose the individual watch carefully. Its appeal is a recognizable design language, a real history behind the models, and a choice between affordable everyday movements and more ambitious manufacture calibers.

My Diver review captures the combination I like: a purposeful steel bezel, useful proportions, and more presence on the wrist than the diameter suggests. I also found its lume slower to charge and less convincing in transitional light. My Rallygraf review takes a different route, with distinctive subdials and the convenience of a battery-powered chronograph. Its mineral crystal and strongly sporting character are part of the trade-off.

Those experiences make me interested in YEMA; they do not establish the reliability or service quality of every model it sells. I would buy a YEMA because I liked that particular watch, with its movement and ownership requirements understood. I would not pay extra simply because a dial says “Manufacture.”

YEMA History And Where The Watches Are Made

YEMA’s official history begins with Henry-Louis Belmont in 1948. Its identity grew around watches for diving, motorsport, sailing, aviation, and exploration. The Superman’s bezel lock, the Rallygraf’s racing character, and the Yachtingraf’s regatta display are useful connections between that history and the watches you can recognize today.

A few milestones explain the brand better than a long list of heroic claims: the first Yachtingraf in 1966, the Superman bezel-lock patent in 1967, Mario Andretti wearing a YEMA Rallye during his 1969 Indianapolis 500 victory, and Jean-Loup Chrétien taking a Spationaute into space in 1982. I would keep those stories attached to the historical watches rather than use them as proof of a current model’s performance.

Ownership also changed. YEMA’s timeline dates the Hattori-Seiko majority acquisition to 1986, followed by French ownership in 2004 and Ambre’s takeover in 2009. Today the brand describes itself as an independent French manufacturer managed by the Bôle family.

French Watchmaking Does Not Mean Every Component Is French

The manufacture overview describes work in Morteau alongside specialist Swiss suppliers. For the CMM movements, YEMA manufactures components including bridges and mainplates and carries out assembly in its French workshops. The precise contribution varies by caliber: the CMM.20 documentation credits Olivier Mory in Switzerland with its design and development and identifies French and Swiss component production.

Other current watches use Seiko, Miyota, Ronda, or Sellita movements. The checked Superman Heritage is explicitly described as Swiss Made and assembled in Biel/Bienne, while many other entry models state French assembly. I would check the exact reference before repeating a blanket “made entirely in France” claim.

Quality, Fit, And Everyday Ownership

The Details I Would Check Before Ordering

First, I would compare case shape and length, not just diameter. My reviewed Diver has a 46mm lug-to-lug measurement, while the reviewed Rallygraf measures 48mm. Both have a 39-something diameter, but those numbers do not tell the whole story of how they sit. Integrated bracelets add another reason to try a watch on or check the return terms.

Second, I would look at the crystal and bezel. There is sapphire across much of the manufacture range, but also K1 mineral on several quartz models and Hesalite on watches such as the current Navygraf Heritage. Sapphire resists scratches well; it is not scratch-proof. Hesalite brings a different look and a greater willingness to pick up marks. I would choose knowingly rather than assume that a familiar collection name guarantees the material I want.

Third, I would check the movement and shipping date together. Some watches below can be ordered but have a future shipping window. That matters if the watch is a gift or you need it for a particular trip.

Warranty And Servicing

The checked current CMM models list a five-year international warranty, while the checked quartz, meca-quartz, and Sellita models list two years. The older YEMA2000 Diver page also lists two years. Coverage is subject to the relevant terms and exclusions, so I would confirm the warranty for the actual reference and seller.

For servicing, a familiar Sellita movement and a YEMA manufacture caliber raise different questions about parts and who can carry out the work. I would ask YEMA support about the service route, cost, and expected turnaround before buying an expensive manufacture watch. I have not tested YEMA’s warranty service, so I would not turn the published warranty length into a promise about the repair experience.

YEMA Movements: What Changes As The Price Rises?

Movement	What I Would Know Before Buying
Quartz	VH31, GN12, or Ronda 1062; battery-powered convenience
Meca-quartz	Seiko VK61 / VK63 / VK64; quartz timekeeping with a mechanical chronograph reset
Sellita automatic	SW200 / SW200-1; checked examples list 38 hours of reserve
Manual chronograph	Sellita SW510 M; 60 hours of reserve and hand winding
YEMA2000	The earlier Diver I reviewed; 42 hours of reserve
CMM.10 / CMM.11	Manufacture automatics; 70 hours, with functions varying by model
CMM.20 / CMM.29	Micro-rotor automatics; 70 hours, with small seconds on CMM.29
CMM.31	Tourbillon; 105 hours in the Superman Titanium Tourbillon

The CMM.10 is YEMA’s conventional manufacture automatic. The CMM.20 uses a small winding rotor integrated into the movement’s architecture, helping it fit inside slimmer watches. That is a meaningful reason to consider the micro-rotor, especially if case height matters to you.

YEMA quotes −3/+5 seconds per day for CMM.10 and −3/+7 for CMM.20. Those are manufacturer-stated rates, not timing results I measured, and I would not describe them as COSC certification without an explicit certificate for the watch.

The important thing is to avoid a simple “quartz, automatic, in-house” ranking. I would happily choose a VK64 Rallygraf for the convenience, a Sellita Diver for the design, or a CMM Wristmaster because I wanted a slimmer integrated-bracelet watch. Each can be the right choice for a different reason.

The Full YEMA Range: Where To Start

This guide covers the current families and their meaningful movement, case, and design branches, with a representative watch for each. Color variations and limited-edition dial treatments are grouped where they share the same basic proposition. I also include Yachtingraf, whose collection page remains live even though the checked example is sold out.

Jump to Superman, Diver and Skin Diver, Navygraf, Rallygraf, Flygraf, Wristmaster and Urban Traveller, Granvelle, Radiance, Silberstein, or Yachtingraf.

Superman: YEMA’s Signature Diver

Superman is the family I would explore first if I wanted the most recognizable YEMA. The bezel lock is its signature detail, but the range includes several approaches to that mechanism and very different movements.

Superman Heritage: The Sellita Option

This sand-dial Heritage offers the familiar Superman outline with a Sellita SW200-1. The checked sand-dial listing is for a 41mm watch. I would confirm the selected size when ordering, because older Superman Heritage references have different dimensions. Its listed sale price of $1,004 is a temporary price, not a permanent benchmark for the collection.

I like this route for someone who wants the classic look without making a manufacture movement the main reason for buying. The polished case and bracelet also give it a different feel from the more heavily brushed current models.

Superman Steel Blue CMM.10: My Manufacture Starting Point

The Steel Blue is where I would begin comparing the manufacture Supermans: 39mm, 70 hours of reserve, a ceramic bezel insert, and 300m water resistance. YEMA gives this version a 47mm lug-to-lug measurement. The blue sunray dial and applied markers make it a little dressier than a plain printed tool-watch dial.

The pictured steel bracelet costs $1,999; the rubber option is $1,890. I would choose between them for fit and daily use before deciding whether to spend more on a special edition.

Superman Gilt CMM.10: A Warmer Look

The Gilt gives the same broad manufacture proposition a warmer dial treatment and a glossy sapphire bezel insert. The black example is my pick if I want that vintage mood without moving into a bronze case. The checked page offers 39mm and 41mm sizes; the pictured new-condition 39mm configuration is $1,999.

Superman Bronze CMM.10: Patina As Part Of The Appeal

I would choose the green Bronze for the combination of warm metal, gold-tone details, and a matching strap. Bronze changes with wear and exposure, so its evolving appearance needs to be something you enjoy.

There is a size discrepancy worth resolving before purchase: the page’s specification block says 39mm, while its selector says 38.5mm. I have used the specification figure above, but I would ask YEMA to confirm it if that difference matters to your fit decision.

Superman Dato: Date And A Different Bezel Lock

The Dato adds a date at six and replaces the familiar external clamp with a push-to-unlock bezel mechanism. Pressing the bezel allows it to rotate in either direction; releasing it locks it again. That changes both the look and the way you operate the watch.

YEMA markets this watch as Dato CMM.10 and describes a 70-hour manufacture movement with date. The checked example is 39.5mm and 200m water-resistant, with a 41mm option also listed. I would choose it for the date and cleaner case profile, rather than assume it is simply the regular Superman with an extra window. Shipping was stated for late October 2026.

Superman Slim CMM.20: The Micro-Rotor Choice

The Slim is the Superman I would investigate when I want the traditional bezel-lock look in a thinner package. The page lists 9.95mm thickness, a 70-hour micro-rotor movement, and 300m water resistance. The blue version shown is $2,790 on steel.

That premium buys a different movement architecture and case profile. It does not buy a longer power reserve than the CMM.10, so the slimmer watch needs to be what you actually prefer.

Superman Titanium MoonTide: Light Metal, Date Display

The MoonTide uses Grade 2 titanium, a textured dial, and the CMM.11 with date. Despite the name and lunar inspiration, the checked watch does not list a moonphase or tide-indication complication. That is an important distinction if the name caught your attention.

The titanium-bracelet configuration is $2,390, or $2,090 on rubber. I find the smaller 38.5mm case and titanium construction more relevant to an everyday buying decision than the edition size. The page states late October 2026 shipping.

Superman Titanium Tourbillon: The Collector’s End Of The Range

At $13,000, the 43mm Titanium Tourbillon is a very different purchase from the rest of this guide. Its CMM.31, 105-hour reserve, and visible tourbillon make it a showcase for the brand’s ambitions. The edition is limited to 50 watches.

I would consider it only if the movement and the Superman design were already strong personal attractions. For someone choosing a first YEMA, I would spend time with the more accessible divers before making this leap.

Diver And Skin Diver: The Alternatives To Superman

These watches deserve their own explanation. Diver is the straightforward steel-bezel family I reviewed. Skin Diver CMM.20 is a separate manufacture proposition, with additional Slim Bronze and Full Lume branches.

YEMA Diver YDIV24: The Watch I Reviewed

In my YEMA Diver YDIV24-AMS hands-on review, I particularly enjoyed the steel bezel, broad-arrow hands, and substantial presence within a manageable case. The 46mm lug-to-lug length helped the watch sit comfortably on my wrist. I also found the YEMA2000 pleasant to wind.

My main reservation was the lume: it needed more charging than I expected and was less impressive in transitional lighting. That is a more useful point of reference than simply saying the watch has Super-LumiNova.

The photographs and observations belong to the older YDIV24 generation. Its checked product page is sold out and currently displays a rubber-strap variant. I would not use that page’s changing configuration or clearance price as a substitute for the reference and price recorded in my review.

Current Diver YDIV25: Same Idea, Different Movement

The current black YDIV25-AMS uses a Sellita SW200 with 38 hours of reserve, and its page lists a thinner 10.95mm case. It is $1,090 on the pictured bracelet or $990 on rubber.

The steel bezel and clear, no-date dial make it one of my most approachable YEMA recommendations. However, I have not reviewed this Sellita version, and my earlier YEMA2000 impressions should not be read as a test of its movement.

Skin Diver CMM.20: Manufacture Movement And Push-To-Unlock Bezel

The steel Skin Diver moves to the 70-hour CMM.20, a sapphire bezel insert, and a push-to-unlock mechanism. At $2,790, it competes for attention with the Superman Slim, but its 39.5mm case and 11.5mm listed thickness create a different proposition.

I like the sand-colored example for its restrained palette. I would compare this one directly with the Superman rather than assume every watch with “Skin Diver” in its name must be the thinner option.

Skin Diver Slim Bronze CMM.20

The green Slim Bronze brings the micro-rotor into a 39mm bronze case listed at 10mm thick. The pictured rubber configuration is $2,490. Its gilt details and sapphire bezel insert make it a richer-looking alternative to the plain steel Diver.

This would be my starting point if I specifically wanted a bronze YEMA with the CMM.20. I would still compare it with the less expensive bronze Superman to decide whether the case and movement justify the extra spend.

Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20

The Full Lume is the playful choice: a white luminous dial, black markers, and a luminous white rubber strap. It keeps the 70-hour CMM.20 and 300m rating, with a listed 9.9mm case thickness.

I would choose it because I enjoyed that striking white-on-black appearance. I have not tested its glow, so the full-lume treatment should not be confused with a measured claim about brightness or duration.

Navygraf: From Simple Divers To Meteorite

Navygraf is not just one alternative to the Superman. It covers affordable quartz watches, Sellita automatics, manufacture models, and more elaborate dial materials. For me, the first decision is which of those jobs I want it to do.

Navygraf Heritage: The Accessible Automatic

The Heritage pairs yellow hands, a date display, a Sellita SW200, and a Hesalite crystal. The steel-bracelet configuration is $1,090, with rubber at $990. It is a characterful everyday option if you like the dial and are comfortable with the softer crystal material.

The checked green example states mid-October 2026 shipping. I would compare it with the current Diver: similar spending, but a noticeably different dial, bezel, and crystal choice.

Navygraf CMM.10: The Core Manufacture Model

The black-dial CMM.10 is my straightforward Navygraf manufacture pick. It keeps the yellow hands and adds a 70-hour reserve, sapphire crystal and bezel insert, and 300m water resistance for $1,899 on steel.

This is the point where I would ask whether the manufacture movement and materials matter more to me than the Heritage’s lower price. The colors may look familiar, but the two watches should not be treated as equivalent specifications.

Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10

The Marine Nationale version brings the French Navy connection into the blue dial, crown, and presentation while retaining the checked 39mm, 70-hour, 300m specification. At $1,899 on steel, it sits alongside the standard CMM.10 rather than above it in a completely different class.

I would choose between them mainly for the design and the significance of the naval connection to me. The emblem alone is not a reason to expect different real-world durability.

Navygraf Marine Nationale 400th Anniversary: Quartz

The 39mm anniversary watch takes another route: Seiko VH31 quartz, a blue textile strap, and a bronze-tone case. The case is coated steel, not solid bronze. It also uses K1 mineral rather than sapphire.

At $590, I see it as an attractive option for someone who wants the naval design with straightforward quartz ownership. The stated shipping date is December 2026, so it is not an immediate-delivery recommendation.

Navygraf Marine Nationale 400th Anniversary Femme

The 34mm version has a mother-of-pearl dial, bronze-tone mesh bracelet, and the same VH31 movement type. Its listed 100m water resistance differs from the larger watch’s 200m, and its case is thinner at 8.95mm.

I would consider it by fit and style rather than let the “Femme” label decide who can wear it. The white dial and mesh bracelet make this a distinctly different-looking watch, not merely a scaled-down blue version.

Navygraf Phantom CMM.10

The Phantom gives the Navygraf a black-coated case and bracelet, a matte ceramic bezel insert, and yellow hands. Its listed 38.5mm diameter is also worth noticing beside the standard 39mm model.

At $2,090, this is a design-led choice for me. I would buy it because I preferred the darker treatment and accept that wear to a coating can look different from wear to plain steel.

Navygraf Pearl CMM.20

The Pearl combines a mother-of-pearl dial and bezel treatment with the CMM.20 micro-rotor. Its listed 9.75mm thickness and 200m rating distinguish it from the standard CMM.10 Navygraf.

I like the contrast between the practical dive-watch layout and the shifting dial material. The pictured new watch is $2,490 on steel, while the rubber version is $2,190. I would choose it for those visual and case differences, not because the micro-rotor adds more reserve: both movement families list 70 hours.

Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20

The Barracuda replaces the Pearl’s shimmer with forged-carbon dial and bezel surfaces, plus a red minute hand. It lists a 39mm case, 9.75mm thickness, and 300m water resistance.

The NATO version shown is $2,590, compared with $2,890 on steel. This is the CMM.20 Navygraf I would investigate for a darker, more overtly sporting appearance.

Navygraf Meteorite CMM.10

The Meteorite returns to CMM.10 but moves to a Grade 2 titanium case and bracelet with a meteorite dial. The green example shown is $3,350, with a 39mm case and 300m rating.

I find the natural dial pattern and titanium more compelling reasons for the premium than the limited-edition label. Each dial’s pattern varies. The product page states late October 2026 shipping, so I would confirm the allocation and delivery date before ordering.

Rallygraf: My Starting Point For Affordable YEMA

Rallygraf is where I would send someone who likes vintage racing watches and wants a recognizable design without starting at manufacture-diver prices. It is also a family where the movement choice changes the price dramatically.

Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda: The Watch I Reviewed

My Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda review covers YMHF1580-AA, the 39mm watch shown here. I enjoyed its dashboard-inspired subdials, downward-curving lugs, and perforated leather strap. At the $420 price recorded in the review and still displayed for the leather version, it remains an appealing way into the brand.

The VK64 has no running seconds hand; the 24-hour subdial is not a second time zone. I like that quieter dial when the chronograph is stopped, but someone who wants constant visible movement may feel differently. The K1 mineral crystal is another conscious trade-off.

Rallygraf Meca-Quartz II

The Meca-Quartz II keeps the Seiko VK64 but uses a 40mm case and a different dial treatment. The Panda shown is $450 on leather, or $490 on mesh.

I would compare its appearance and fit with the 39mm version before assuming the newer model is automatically better. My dedicated review covers the earlier reference, not this second-generation watch.

Rallygraf Alpine Cup Series: Meca-Quartz

The Alpine Cup Series brings the racing partnership into a brighter dial and an internal tachymeter scale. The blue example is $549 on the pictured Rally bracelet, with leather at $449.

It still uses VK64 meca-quartz and a 39mm case. I would choose it over the regular Rallygraf if I wanted this specific Alpine character and dial layout, rather than expect a step up to a mechanical chronograph.

Rallygraf Alpine Cup Series MKII: Hand-Wound Chronograph

The $2,425 Alpine MKII is the mechanical alternative. It uses a hand-wound Sellita SW510, a 60-hour reserve, and sapphire. YEMA lists a 41mm case and 47mm lug-to-lug length.

That is a meaningful change in ownership: winding and enjoying the chronograph movement become part of the attraction. I would compare it with other mechanical chronographs at the same budget, not judge its value by the quartz Rallygraf’s price alone.

Flygraf: Aviation Watches With Several Personalities

Flygraf ranges from an everyday sector-dial automatic to military collaborations and a compact quartz watch with a second-time-zone bezel. I would begin with the dial I wanted to read every day, then look at the movement behind it.

Flygraf Pilot: Sellita Automatic

The current Pilot’s sector dial and slim-looking proportions make it my first Flygraf to investigate for everyday wear. The page lists 38.5mm diameter, 8.8mm thickness, a Sellita SW200, and sapphire.

It is $1,090 on steel or $990 on leather. I would compare it with the Urban Traveller if I wanted one automatic for a variety of settings, with the choice coming down to the case, bracelet, and dial style.

Flygraf Pilot French Air Force: Quartz

This French Air Force Pilot is a VH31 quartz watch, with a coated case, a grey dial, and a black nylon strap. It is $530, with K1 mineral glass and a 100m rating.

I would choose it for an easy-to-live-with aviation design and the collaboration’s details. Its specification is distinct from the Sellita Pilot above, despite the shared name.

Flygraf CPA10: Titanium And CMM.10

The CPA10 combines Grade 2 titanium, the 70-hour CMM.10, and a blue canvas strap for $1,899. YEMA lists a 40mm case and 9.4mm thickness.

It is the Flygraf I would consider when I wanted a manufacture movement and titanium without a dive bezel. The military connection adds context, but the material, proportions, and clear dial are what would drive my choice.

Flygraf Bi-Compax French Air Force

The Bi-Compax is a Seiko VK61 meca-quartz chronograph, with vertically arranged subdials and a 40mm case. Its Hesalite crystal is worth knowing about before comparing it with sapphire-equipped mechanical chronographs.

At $490, it offers a different personality from the Rallygraf at a similar budget. Unlike the reviewed VK64 Rallygraf, the VK61 layout includes a running-seconds subdial.

Flygraf UTC Femme

The 34mm UTC Femme combines Miyota GN12 quartz, a blue mother-of-pearl dial, and a 12-hour rotating bezel. That bezel is how you can follow another time zone; this is not a mechanical GMT with an independently adjustable hour hand.

At $399, it is one of the more accessible compact options in the range. I would compare its mesh bracelet and bright bezel with the smaller Navygraf before deciding which style suited me better.

Wristmaster And Urban Traveller: Integrated-Bracelet Watches

The Wristmaster family is where I would look for an everyday sports watch without the visual weight of a dive bezel. The broad case-to-bracelet transition is part of the appeal and also a reason to pay attention to fit.

Urban Traveller: The Sellita Starting Point

The current Urban Traveller uses Sellita SW200, with a 39mm case, a listed 10.8mm thickness, and a 38-hour reserve. The light-dial example on steel is $1,090.

I would start here if I mainly wanted the integrated-bracelet look. The manufacture Wristmasters below need to offer something I value beyond the name, because this is a substantial step down in price.

Wristmaster Slim CMM.20

The CMM.20 Slim moves to a 70-hour micro-rotor, a 9mm listed case thickness, and a bracelet with a micro-adjustment mechanism. The textured dial gives the watch a distinctive identity without relying on a large logo or bezel.

At $2,490, this is one of the YEMAs I find most interesting on paper. I would want to try the bracelet and confirm how the case sits before paying the premium over the Urban Traveller.

Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds CMM.29

The Small Seconds retains the 39mm, 9mm, 70-hour proposition but changes the dial balance with the CMM.29’s small-seconds display. The green example is also $2,490.

This would be my choice if I preferred a quieter central dial and enjoyed that separate seconds register. I would treat the central-seconds and small-seconds models as different expressions of the same idea, not as a simple upgrade ladder.

Granvelle: YEMA’s Dressier Manufacture Watches

Granvelle takes the micro-rotor story into a dressier case and leather strap. It is an important part of the range because it shows that YEMA’s manufacture movements are not reserved for divers.

Granvelle CMM.29

The original Granvelle combines a 39mm cushion-shaped case, a small-seconds display, and the 70-hour CMM.29. The black-dial example shown costs $2,250 and is listed at 8.6mm thick.

I like the offset seconds display and the contrast between the rounded case and the framed dial. With a 50m rating and a leather strap, this is the watch I would consider for dressier daily use rather than as a substitute for a diver.

Granvelle Renaissance CMM.29

The Renaissance reduces the diameter to 37.5mm and brings a more layered dial into the collection. It retains the 70-hour CMM.29, with a listed 8.5mm case thickness and a $2,500 price.

This is my first Granvelle to investigate for a smaller wrist or a more compact dress-watch preference. The checked champagne-dial version states mid-October 2026 shipping.

Radiance: A Small Rectangular Dress Watch

Radiance is a different kind of YEMA: 24 × 30mm, 6.3mm thick, Ronda quartz, and sapphire, for $425. The black-dial version shown has a steel case and black leather strap.

I like that the range leaves room for a simple, small dress watch instead of trying to turn every model into a tool watch. With 30m water resistance, I would choose it for its appearance and convenience, not for swimming. Other finishes share the same basic rectangular design, so color and strap preference can lead the decision here.

YEMA x Silberstein: A Different Kind Of Dive Watch

The Marine 2 CMM.20 collaboration with Alain Silberstein combines his colorful geometric hands with black DLC Grade 5 titanium, an internal rotating bezel, and the 70-hour micro-rotor. It costs $4,425, with black and burgundy rubber straps included.

I see it as a design purchase with serious mechanical content. The 40mm case and 200m rating give it practical credentials, but I would buy it because I wanted those hands, colors, and proportions. Someone who prefers the quieter Superman or Diver should feel no need to climb to this price level.

Yachtingraf: The Sailing Branch

Yachtingraf remains part of YEMA’s collection navigation. The checked Croisière Meca-Quartz has a 38.5mm case, Seiko VK63, Hesalite crystal, and colorful regatta-inspired subdials. Its leather-strap listing shows $420, but it was sold out online when checked.

I have included it to make the range coverage complete, with availability clearly separated from the design discussion. I like its asymmetrical display as an alternative to the Rallygraf’s racing symmetry. The colorful timing scale should not be mistaken for a programmable regatta countdown complication.

What About Older YEMA Collections?

Older pages and retailer listings can still show Sous Marine, Urban Field, earlier Superman quartz/GMT references, and Yachtingraf tourbillons. Those names are useful when researching a used watch, but they were not represented as available models in the checked main YEMA.com catalog. I would verify the exact reference and seller rather than fold those older specifications into today’s recommendations.

YEMA Vs Other Watch Brands

For a diver, I would read my DOXA brand review alongside this guide. YEMA’s range gives you several different design directions; DOXA offers a strong alternative if the SUB case and dial layout are what you enjoy. I would compare the actual watches on fit, readability, and price rather than make the decision by nationality.

For aviation watches, my Laco brand review provides a useful comparison with Flygraf. I would look at Laco for a more traditional pilot-watch appearance and YEMA for its sector dials, collaborations, and broader mix of movement types.

For a mechanical racing chronograph, my Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono review is a useful companion to the Alpine MKII. The YEMA is hand-wound; the Hamilton is automatic. I would compare the dial, dimensions, and current configuration before deciding which ownership experience I wanted.

If I wanted a very restrained dress watch, I would also explore my Sternglas brand review. That offers a different design direction from Granvelle’s more elaborate case and manufacture movement.

Which YEMA Would I Choose?

• For an affordable first YEMA: the 39mm Rallygraf Meca-Quartz. My own review gives it a strong foundation here, and I like its distinctive dial without needing a mechanical movement to justify the purchase.
• For a straightforward automatic diver: the current Sellita Diver, while keeping the generation change from my reviewed YDIV24 in mind.
• For the signature YEMA design: the Superman Steel Blue CMM.10. I would start there before paying more for an edition or more complicated movement.
• For a slim integrated-bracelet watch: the Wristmaster Slim, choosing CMM.20 or CMM.29 according to the seconds display I preferred.
• For a compact quartz watch: the 34mm Navygraf anniversary model or Flygraf UTC, chosen by style, bracelet, and actual fit.
• For something dressier: the Granvelle Renaissance if I wanted a manufacture movement, or Radiance if I wanted small dimensions and quartz convenience.
• For an enthusiast chronograph: the Alpine MKII, provided I actively wanted to wind it and its design appealed more than the alternatives.

What keeps me interested in YEMA is that these are different watches for different tastes. I do not need the most expensive caliber to enjoy a Rallygraf, and I do not need a historic connection to appreciate a well-proportioned Diver. I would start with the watch I kept coming back to, then check that its exact specification and ownership costs made sense for me.

Frequently Asked Questions