Yema and I go back in time. Well, actually back in 2021. One of the first articles I wrote for Fratello was about Yema watches…and not just any Yema watch. The Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT Limited Edition I wrote about marked the beginning of Yema’s military career as an official partner of the French Navy. The French Navy (Marine Nationale) has been sailing the seven seas since 1626 and is one of the oldest navies in the world, so it makes a lot of sense for a French watch brand to be ‘on board’. The dial of the LE was also Marine National Blue. The highlight is the soft, delicate, matte yet fresh light blue hue. More than three years later, a similar blue dial drew me to the 38.5mm Yema Navygraf Super Compressor.
Two versions of the Yema Navygraf super compressor, the blue reference YNAV24SC-GMS and the black YNAV24SC-AMS, were placed side by side in the watch box. When I was asked to choose one thing to write about, I didn’t hesitate for a second. The fresh blue version of this €990/$990 diver’s watch is perfect for me. Why the blue is better for me than the black version is very much a matter of personal preference, but it does explain why I chose the colored version over the more subdued Yema diving watch. It is important not only the shade of blue, but also the proportions.
Marine Nationale Bleu’s Yema Navygraf Super Compressor
If you’re not into blue dials, the new Yema Navy Graph Super Compressor, in a colorway inspired by French brand Marine Nationale, isn’t for you. Or is it? Similar to the Navy Graph Marine National GMT Limited Edition, the blue hue of the Compressor Diver’s dial is almost an introverted hue. Not only is the coloring on point, but there are no sun streaks, vertical brushing, or smoky effects, making it more neutral, less distracting, and easier to read. If the reasonably sized 39 x 12.85mm Navygraf LE is too big/blue for 2021, you can/should try the slightly smaller Navygraf Super Compressor. This watch has a diameter of 38.5 mm, a lug-to-lug width of 46 mm, and a thickness of 11.15 mm (excluding the 2.2 mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal). And since we’re talking numbers now, the lug spacing is also 19mm.
How is a 38.5 x 11.15mm watch better than a 39 x 12.85mm watch and how can it attract users? We’re talking about small watches where every millimeter counts. It is a three-dimensional clock. In that way. At small scales, small changes in ratios can have large effects. To be fair, the new Navy Graph Super Compressor is also quite different from the watch that started the collaboration between the French Navy and the Morteau watch brand in France’s Jura region. As you know, not all diving watches are created equal. A watch with an internal bezel is no different from a watch with an external one. It is a conflict between history and modernity.
clean and clear
Yema has been manufacturing Navygraf models since the 1970s. The dials of these watches feature indexes in the shape of exclamation points, giving this model a clean, distinct, and distinctive look. The Navygraf Super Compressor’s navy blue dial is generously coated with white Super-LumiNova, creating a striking contrast with the matte finish. Additionally, the genuine markers, hands and bezel treated with Super-LumiNova Grade A make it easily readable at depths of 300 meters.
A watch named Super Compressor may look just like that. But Yema has built a bona fide super compressor. This watch is equipped with a compression spring inside the case back, which increases the water pressure as you dive deeper, making it more waterproof. In addition to this feature, it has a typical super compressor look with two crowns with a waffle-like textured surface. A screw-down crown at 2 o’clock controls the internal 60-minute dive bezel, and another screw-down crown at 4 o’clock controls the movement. Yes, despite its attractive classic size and fresh, fashionable colors, the Navygraf Super Compressor is a robust and functional piece of equipment.
Pure retro drawbacks
One element that is purely retro and very 1970s is the shark-proof Milanese mesh bracelet. Perfectly fits the look of your watch. It’s very comfortable, but there are some elements I don’t like. It would be unfair to compare Yema’s bracelet to the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Silver Surfer” bracelet that I recently reviewed due to the large price difference. But since I was wearing both watches on the same day, it was inevitable.
The Seamaster ones may be a little bulky around the clasp, but at least they’re easy to adjust and operate. Yema’s clasp and adjustment system remain unchanged from the past. Don’t expect to keep your nails intact when adjusting the bracelet to your desired size. It is also dangerous if the safety lock on the clasp opens when you take the watch off.
modern elements of retro clock
While the mesh bracelet looks and functions retro, the Navygraf Super Compressor also incorporates modern elements. For example, a matte navy blue dial with an internal diving bezel can be seen through the double-domed sapphire crystal. The back of the caseback, which displays the polished Yema emblem, is engraved with the brand’s latest automatic movement, developed and manufactured in-house. It is a second generation YEMA2000 caliber with a daily difference of ±10 seconds and a power reserve of 42 hours. A sub-1,000 euro watch with an in-house movement made in a French watchmaking village rather than Switzerland or Japan is sure to make for great conversation over a glass of good wine with your mates.
Final Words About Yema Navygraf Super Compressor
For the reasonable sum of €990/$990, you can buy a very neat 300 meter rated diver’s watch with a very distinctive look that doesn’t just talk but actually walks. The supple Milanese bracelet looks great and feels great on the wrist, but it doesn’t adjust or open very well. Still, the overall impression is good, thanks to its reasonable proportions, functional super compressor case, and last but not least, the matte yet fresh navy blue (sorry, Marine National Blue) on the dial. It’s positive.
What do you think about the Yema Navygraf Super Compressor? Does it look like a winner to you? Let us know in the comments.
