Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Chronograph Reverse Panda - Leather

Yema, an unsuspecting name coined by Henry Louis Belmont during a school contest back in his teenage years, goes on to attain a massive following throughout its 72 years of watchmaking. Graduating at the top of his class in the National Watchmaking School of Besançon, Belmont lives up to his title with exquisite timepieces that are out of this world, literally when the Yema Spationaute flew to space on astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien’s wrist. This year, this renowned French company brings you the Yema Rallygraf Ref. YMHF1580-AA which draws inspiration from the 1960s Yema racing chronographs. With a traditional vintage look, this watch celebrates racing with a tachymeter scale around its dial. The new Rallygraf Chronograph now runs with a Meca-quartz movement in which seals a tasteful tribute to the 60s era in an affordable package.

Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Chronograph Reverse Panda - Leather

Word has it that Yema watches are often spotted gracing the wrist of Mario Andretti, a highly decorated racing driver with the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship under his belt. He had even crossed the finishing line to claim the champion trophy at the Indy 500 race in 1969 with a Yema Rallye chronograph strapped on. The Seiko's VK64 hybrid movement are powered by a quartz caliber while the chronograph's function is controlled by a mechanical module which results in a smooth sweeping second-hand movement. The chronograph center-hand sweeps at 1/5th second intervals and all hands instantly reset. Best yet,  it has a battery life is approximately 36 months.

This 39mm Yema Rallygraf has a 11mm thickness and a lug to lug length of 48mm. As a tribute to its racing pedigree, it is fitted with an aluminium tachymeter bezel. Designed for motorsports and speed, the Rallygraf's tachymetric scale bezel allows you to calculate your average speed over a given distance.  This timepiece is protected with a scratch-resistant domed K1 mineral crystal which adds an extra depth to its vintage look. Additionally, the Yema Rallygraf features three push buttons which control the hour, minute and second respectively as well as two counters, for 60 minutes and an additional 24 hours reading.

Vintage inspired bi-compax

The retro black dial with two white sub-dialsis the star of this timepiece. Drawing inspiration from the classic line of “Panda” chronographs back in the mid-1960s, the Yema Rallygraf is popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Both its matte black bezel and dial offer a striking contrast to its white chrono sub-registers, allowing for maximum legibility. Spot the red tip on the central second hand which points clearly to the bezel marked with the tachymeter scale. The date is balanced off at 6’o clock position in tandem with the racing checkered flags on the top to accentuate its racing theme.

Applied with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, its hands and polished metallic markers provide great readability in low light conditions. The Yema Speedgraf is also fitted with a push-pull crown embossed with the Yema logo which allows for a 100m water resistance. Flip this timepiece over to admire the sleek 316L steel case back that flaunts the Yema's historic crest, elegantly embossed with a hydraulic press.

Super-LumiNova BGW9

This chronograph comes with a 20mm Rallye-style strap that is made by a French manufacture in Yema’s region. The grained, perforated leather strap has been specially designed to fit the Rallygraf's theme.

The Yema Rallygraf Chronograph Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda Ref. YMHF1580-AA is an exquisite collectible watch. As a competitively priced neo-vintage chronograph, this timepiece is a much-anticipated favourite of watch collectors from all around the globe. If anyone is looking for a vintage-styled chronograph with an authentic look and history, it's best to go to a brand that was actually around back then. Get your game on with the Yema which boasts a 60s racing style finished with a contemporary shine.

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