Rallygraf Meca-Quartz II Classic Racing School

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 Meca-Quartz II Classic Racing School 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. This new release builds on the Rallygraf history by implementing modern designs on the watch, being dubbed the Rallygraf II. The Rallygraf II runs with a Meca-quartz movement in which seals a tasteful tribute to the 60s era in an affordable package.

Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz II Classic Racing School

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.

The Yema Rallygraf II is a 40mm chronograph that embodies vintage motorsports heritage with a stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter, 11mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug, masterfully brushed surfaces with a bronze PVD coating. Enhancing its racing-inspired design, the watch features a matte aluminum tachymeter bezel, allowing users to calculate average speed over a set distance. A scratch-resistant, double-domed K1 mineral crystal adds depth to its vintage aesthetics while ensuring durability. Functionally, the Rallygraf II includes three pushers controlling the hour, minute, and second hands, along with two sub-dials—one for 60-minute tracking and another for a 24-hour display—making it a stylish yet practical timepiece for motorsports enthusiasts.

Vintage inspired bi-compax

The Yema Rallygraf II boasts a retro black dial with two sub-dials that stand out as the stars of this timepiece. While the dial and sub-dials share a similar background color, the gilt-finished markers on the sub-dials—reminiscent of vintage race car dashboards—add a touch of contrast and elegance. Complemented by applied indices, baton hands, and a date complication positioned at 6 o'clock, the dial maintains a well-balanced and minimalistic aesthetic despite its multiple functions. Enhancing its sporty character, the center of the dial proudly displays the "Rallygraf" name and racing flags, further emphasizing its motorsport heritage.

Applied with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, its hands and polished metallic markers provide great readability in low light conditions. The Yema Rallygraf II 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 offers therefore perfect readability in the dark

This chronograph is paired with a 20mm Rallye leather strap, designed for both style and comfort. Featuring an engraved stainless steel buckle coated in bronze PVD, the strap complements the watch's vintage racing aesthetic.

The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz II Classic Racing School 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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