Is This The 1?
Talented watchmaker Henry Louis Belmont established Yema in 1948. From 1975 to 1982, Jean Müller played a pivotal role as the designer of Yema watches. His creations during this decade were truly remarkable and greatly contributed to the brand’s reputation, bringing immense joy to YEMA enthusiasts. Notably, Jean Müller was the mastermind behind the creation of the Yema Navygraf.
The Navygraf “1,” made its debut in the late 1970s and became an instant sensation. The Navygraf 1 gained popularity among both professional divers and watch enthusiasts. Yema sought to provide a reliable and functional dive watch that could compete with other established brands.
The Revival
Renowned for its distinct yellow hands and indices resembling exclamation marks, it bore the name “Navygraf” in the catalog, with the reference 55.003.6 AS. Sharing similar beveled edges on the right side of the middle case as the mentioned chronographs, this watch was powered by the France Ebauche FE 4611 movement, featuring a quickset date function.
Yema’s collaboration with the French Navy further solidified the Navygraf’s reputation as a reliable and professional dive watch. The Navygraf became the official watch of the French Navy’s underwater demolition teams (Commando Hubert) and was extensively used by divers in various naval operations.
The Navygraf featured a robust stainless steel case with a rotating bezel, allowing divers to measure elapsed time underwater. The watch boasted a water resistance rating of 300 meters (approximately 1,000 feet), making it suitable for serious diving activities. The dial had large luminous hour markers and hands for excellent legibility in low-light conditions.
The French Navy Collaboration
Yema relaunched the Navygraf in recent years, capitalising on the growing interest in vintage-inspired watches. The modern Navygraf models pay homage to the original design while incorporating contemporary materials and movements.
The early Navygraf 1 watches are now really hard to come by. This one is marked with Navygraf II on the dial, but this is probably a transitional model, as the Navygraf 1 has an identical dial, apart from the signed name and earlier logo. The hands, case, movement are correct, but the bezel differs, so i may look to get that replaced if one comes up. But i really do love the look of this watch, it for me ticks so many boxes.
Navygraf Marine National GMT
This is Yema’s latest Navygraf, the Marine Nationale GMT. This has a stunning colour way and takes its inspiration from the original. Keeping with the tradition of the yellow hands, this is a striking watch looks amazing. Yema, you keep making great looking pieces, please keep them coming.
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