Navygraf Heritage Black - Rubber

Military timepieces have captured the interests of watch collectors worldwide for their rich heritage built throughout great world wars as an indispensable tool for military personnel. When it comes to steadfast military performance, the French Navy has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, being among the largest and most powerful naval forces in the world. In an effort to create a military-grade timepiece fit for military professionals that could handle the any situation, YEMA designed the Navygraf diver series intended for to take on any physical task with ease.

Yema Navygraf Heritage Black - Rubber

We all are familiar with countless exceptional watches made by the Swiss and Japanese that are dominating the market. Nonetheless, the French also displayed excellence in the fine art of watchmaking with the creation of many beautifully decorated haute horlogerie pieces and complex movements. While YEMA may not be a name that the masses are entirely familiar with, it is a brand synonymous with the production of fine French-made timepieces and an incredibly rich heritage. Founded in 1948 by French watchmaker Henry Louis Belmont, YEMA has demonstrated remarkable mastery in watchmaking with the creative integration of innovative designs to their ever-dependable tool watches. Today they unveiled the YEMA Navygraf Heritage Black, the classic Navygraf model with modern touches.
 
Drawing inspiration from 70s vintage Navygraf models, the YEMA Navygraf retains its distinctive case design seen throughout the Navygraf line up. The stainless steel case measures in with diameter of 39mm, a lug to lug distance of 46mm and a thickness of 10.85mm. With these dimensions, the watch evokes an appealing retro character that sits extremely comfortable on most anyone's wrist. Finishing is immaculately executed to a high level of precision, with enhanced proportions that shows off the brushed finishes which is contrasted by polished chamfers throughout the case. The watch also features an epoxy insert which mimics old bakelite bezels for the vintage aesthetic. The black unidirectional diving bezel adds a nice touch that captures attention whilst remaining subtle.

Bright yellow hands offering increased readability in all circumstances

Protected by a thick 2.50mm double-dome hesalite crystal lies the ever familiar black dial of the classic YEMA Navygraf Heritage. The hour markers are painted in the shape of the iconic exclamation mark, similar to the 1970's Navygraf vintage model. Fit with baton like handset in yellow and simple minute rehaut, this elements come together to create a perfect dial symmetry that is ever so satisfying. Balanced with YEMA, Navygraf signature at the 12 and "200 meters" and automatique at the 6, this piece balances a clean minimal aesthetic with a striking spark. These elements not only provide an aesthetic advantage but also a functional aspect from increased legibility with it's simplicity.
 
Adding on the legibility, the YEMA Navygraf boasts exceptional readability even in the dark with generously coated grade A SuperLuminova lume lighting up the hands and markers emitting a bright blue glow. With a see Yema embossed caseback, this piece a is good for everyday use with a water resistance of 200m.

Domed Sapphire crystal radiates the vintage charm of 70s divers

At the heart of the Yema Navygraf is the robust SW200, a self-winding movement from Swiss manufacturer Sellita. This reliable workhorse features 26 jewels, a high-frequency 4Hz beat rate (28,800 vibrations per hour), and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
 
To top off this incredible watch, it is supplied the classic 19mm 1960s Rubber strap made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane specifically for divers in mind.

Super-LumiNova offers perfect readability in low light conditions

Overall, the YEMA Navygraf Heritage Black reveals an interesting take on a 70s-inspired timepiece with an attractive modern design recalling past references. YEMA has been producing some really outstanding watches from their iconic Superman to various stunning collaboration models, however this latest vintage sports watch addition to the Navygraf series has impressed us once again, proving time and time again how amazing the French are at making such phenomenal timepieces.

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