Fergus Nash
Since I first wrote about this French brand Yema in 2020They’ve come a long way since then, both in their catalog and with their customers. New in-house movements, bronze cases, and an expanding core range are all a result of their immense popularity and brand status beyond the Micro. While some of these new releases are entering new price ranges, Yema still caters to those who love affordable yet distinctive watches, such as the Yema Rallygraf. Retaining its meca-quartz movement and now available in five colors, the Yema Rallygraf has reborn as one of the best budget racing watches.
The races of the 1960s and 70s are often referred to as the pinnacle of motorsports for many reasons. The danger and instability of these experimental vehicles often led to a more exciting spectacle for spectators, and while safety improvements in recent decades have been great, there’s no denying that some people still try to romanticize that era. While the pit crew wore overalls and the bosses wore suits, a key feature of that era was the timepiece, specifically the Swiss chronograph, which was relied upon to keep accurate time. Yema was a strong force at the time, and Mario Andretti won the 1969 Indy 500 wearing a Yema chronograph.
Incident
The retro racing chronograph style is now pretty well established, and the Yema Rallygraf perfectly replicates it. The lugs are curved with truncated edges and polished to give it a unique appeal as a sports watch. The bezel insert, color-matched to the dial, is made of matte anodized aluminum, faithfully recreating the look of the original. Size-wise, the Yema Rallygraf may be a bit larger than a real vintage watch, but it still fits on a slimmer wrist and looks appropriately bold. It has a diameter of 39mm, a thickness of 11mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm.
Dial
Yema Rallygraf, in each new color configuration, somewhat plays on the panda theme with contrasting subdials and a monochromatic ring that runs around the perimeter of the dial. The shape of the subdials, consisting of the running seconds on the left and the 24-hour display on the right, is inspired by the funky shape of vintage car instrument clusters. The spacing on the dial is handled very well and never feels crowded, despite the many elements included. The top half is printed with three logos: Yema’s stylized “Y”, the capitalized logo, and the Rallygraf script. The bottom half features crossed checkered flags that pay tribute to the company’s motorsport roots, the French name, and a date window symmetrically placed at 6 o’clock. Rallygraf is available in traditional Panda and Reverse Panda models in vintage-inspired black and off-white, as well as new colors: Racing Green, Bright Blue, and Burgundy Red.
motion
Seiko’s VK64 is a fairly polarizing movement, drawing both criticism and praise from both sides of the debate for bridging the gap between quartz and mechanical calibers. But if you want the smooth running of a chronograph without paying the mechanical price, there’s no better option. Meca-Quartz technology uses a combination of a mechanical chronograph and a battery-powered quartz movement that’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but can also measure intervals faster than one second.
strap
Racing straps are perforated to prevent sweat from accumulating, just like the perforations used on leather seats, steering wheels and gloves. Although it has very practical origins, the look of the perforated leather watch strap has evolved into a sporty icon in its own right. These calfskin straps are colour-matched to your choice of dial and are made in France. If you prefer metal, the Yema Rallygraf is also available with a steel mesh bracelet that offers great flexibility and fit. If you want to try an aftermarket strap, the 20mm lug width gives you plenty of options.
Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz pricing and availability:
The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz is available to order now from Yema’s website. Price: $369 USD (leather strap) / $399 USD (mesh bracelet)
Brand Yema Model Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Case Size 39mm x 11mm x 48mm Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 100m Crystal Mineral Crystal Dial Panda, Reverse Panda, Blue, Green, Red Lug Width 20mm Strap Leather or Steel Mesh Movement Seiko VK64 Power Reserve Approximately 3 Years Availability Currently Available Price US$369 (Leather Strap) / US$399 (Mesh Bracelet)
