The 'Retro Futuristic' Yema LED!

[@allenmontrasio8962]

Led watches of the 70s used to drain batteries like there was no tomorrow and were unable to display the time in daylight. But, hell they were cool.

[@chriscon8463]

I think 7-year-old me in 1980 would have loved getting something like this as a prize for selling greeting cards. 47-year-old me dropping $220...not so sure.

[@KabobHope]

This would have gone for between $20 and $30 back in the day.

[@chriscon8463]

@@KabobHope You’re right! It reminds me of my first clock-radio. Some people may really like this look...it’s not for me.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Nope, this watch isn't overpriced. I bought one and would gladly buy one again at double.

[@josemavalmateu791]

Yeahhh, It's like wearing a Battlestar Galactica's Cylon on your wrist. This watch rocks. Love it, thank you for the review.

[@StopFear]

That’s actually not the watch that looks most like a Cylon. There is an old watch either by pulsar or citizen that has a screen shaped like a trapezoid (not sure how to describe it if you do not know what shape that is). That’s just very very “Cylonic”

[@greamespens1460]

@@StopFear An LED with a Cylon / Knight Rider sliding flash would be kinda cool.

[@ltang5706]

@@StopFear Ahh the Bulova Computron. Pity there is no red LED + silver case. I have the red/gold version and it is the most commented upon watch in my collection.

[@morgan97475]

It has a plan.

[@dunderhay9169]

Sad to say, I am old enough to remember these in the 70s. They didn't make sense then, and they don't now. School kids of the 70s had to wait for Casio to take us to the Sci-fi future with cheap LCD watches that worked 👍

[@WeibenWang]

I remember. They were expensive, and impossibly cool. And I also remember when LCDs started appearing, also expensive, and people would debate whether LED or LCD was better. We all know which won.

[@mjmorrill081]

@@WeibenWang Liked, but LED watches were way cooler. Just not as practical.

[@JeeGee114]

And Seiko.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Rolled links and mineral crystal for that price... No thanks.

[@Furniture121]

I'm not a fan of the way Yema is doing the tiered "privilege" discounts. I think it's a bit shady to incentivize leaving reviews by giving extra discounts. If it was just based on spending I would be ok with it, as a way to reward loyal customers.

[@MrPleers]

Indeed. That is only one step away from Yema writing their own reviews.

[@MisterChickenWing]

It doesn't need to be a positive review!

[@Furniture121]

@@MisterChickenWing no, but why write a negative review to get a discount on another watch by them?

[@MisterChickenWing]

@@Furniture121 good point. But if they liked the product enough to buy a second one, surely it's a good thing that they leave a review, whether there is incentive or not... unless it's possible for you to leave a review for a product you haven't actually brought. In that case I agree with you.

[@Furniture121]

@@MisterChickenWing to me, anytime a review is incentivized it is suspect. That's why reviewers point out when they were provided a sample for review, so we know that the review may be influenced by an incentive. I'd rather read reviews by people who feel inclined to leave a review because of either positive or negative experiences, not by people hoping for a future discount.

[@orbitalgolem91]

I'll never forget the Texas Instruments LED watch I had back in the late '70s. All plastic. Burned through batteries like there was no tomorrow. Kept pushing the button everytime I was bored in grade school.

[@James-dx9ho]

Looks like the Thomas helmet from Daft Punk

[@nintendokings]

That’s what I was thinking too

[@ashneel]

that price is outrageous for what it is

[@bifflee3603]

Yeah they are overpriced, I saw one sell on eBay for £120

[@OmarZ77]

These make me glad Casio doesn’t try to charge $100 for the A158W/A168W, despite no one real competition really.

[@dedave]

I totally agree! Watch movement - $2.00 Bracelet - $ 25.00 (I am being generous) Case - $ 50.00 = $ 77.00

[@martinmowbray4304]

The Hamilton is worse. Around 900 pounds.

[@kencur9690]

@@dedave you get a travel pouch and you’re also getting heritage. To a degree at least. Perhaps still not enough to justify price for you, but you must take these into consideration, and then profit!

[@VolkerHett]

I remember the red LED watches, had one when I was 15 Nice watch for an aspiring SciFi fan back in 1975 but my StartUp lawn mowing business couldn't finance the batteries it ate. So I gave up both, the lawn mowing and the LED watches 😊

[@elarson312]

Having owned a Texas Instruments LED watch when they came out I had to get this one. I know it’s not for everyone but I’m enjoying it.

[@artmallory970]

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that Jody..."

[@tomsalewski]

Daisy.... Daisy....

[@GalaxysGreatestDad]

This is the only channel I watch every video for even if I'm not particularly interested in the watch that is the subject.

[@nickbyrne1962]

Probably not one for me, but if you’re into this style/type of watch it really does look to be excellent value - and I loved how it worked so very well with a wide variety of different straps.

[@JiPi019]

I got the Bulova Computron (gold one) last year and it's by far the watch that starts the most discussion about watches with the people I met!

[@Ekiboy1]

I also got gold Computron last year. Awesome watch, love how it wears, like a bigger watch. It's impractical, I have looked at the time maybe 10 times total, but as a fashion statement it rocks. Also design is beautiful if you are into retro-futuristic aesthetics. Now thinking about getting a Yema because I keep Bulova only for special occasions.

[@steviee67]

Great review Jody! Recently bought this watch and am delighted with it! I am old enough to remember LED watches and had a Timex one I think in the late 70s. I thought I was the dogs at school and remember laughing when someone showed me their LCD watch, thinking how they’d never catch on! Anyway I’ve worn the Yema for a couple of weeks and it’s like an anti-watch - it only tells the time when you press the button! Surprised how often I looked at my wrist to check the time, I like to wear the Yema when I don’t want to know the time. Don’t agree that the strap is a hair-nipper - fine for me and I quite like the retro, also a good fit/adjustment. Can’t wait to wear this watch out when we’re out of all these lockdowns to see the reaction!

[@Larry-gs8gb]

Should have put an expansion bracelet on it,that would have made it really 70's retro.

[@yuvalsheer]

Yes. The computron is a bit much. But if you are already going for a conversation piece, you might as well go all the way.

[@SWatchik]

Why, instead of just blindly making these recreations, they actually made them better? Like come on just keep the LED on for longer, or have an auto on when you rotate your wrist like a G shock back-light. Its 2021! Innovate please!

[@Amphibax]

With those changes done it would be a watch I would buy

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Again, the logical conclusion of your argument is that we all buy and wear smart watches, so...... 🤔

[@James-dx9ho]

@@JustOneMoreWatch LOL

[@SWatchik]

@@JustOneMoreWatch I think there is definitely a middle ground between the two, both have flaws 🤔

[@rembrandx]

@@JustOneMoreWatchYou're making quite the leap going from an auto light to a smart watch. Some innovation does not mean you HAVE to keep piling things on. This isn't Silicon Valley.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Didn't experience the 70s watches? Poor Jody, all that bracelet-swapping made him go grey early. 😂

[@bn9983]

Just leave your spring bar in the fish bowl

[@sanman1188]

I just picked up a similar watch by Armitron for $39 usd + shipping. I wonder how it stands up to these $200 versions. Same retro LED feel.

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

The Yema is certainly the one that still looks the most futuristic, but if you’re going for retro then for me it’s got to be the gold tone Bulova Computron. It’s even got a second time zone.

[@keys-bw9bc]

Jody, I remember the LED watches... Set the wayback machine to 1973. My father took me to see Live and Let Die... I thought James Bond's watch was the coolest thing I ever saw. My father bought me a stainless Pulsar P2 for my birthday. A pretty big purchase at the time. Of course as a kid, it didn't take me long to destroy it. Wish I had that one back. Just think, now you can buy a re-imagined P3 from Hamilton for only 750.00 USD.

[@flymorenow]

I am old enough to remember the LED's of the 70's and the impact of the LCD's. If you can find a copy of Car and Driver (or similar magazine) from that era you'll see what I mean. For example in my June 1977 of Car and Driver page 30 is a Tudor advertisement for a very nice self-winding chronograph for $395 ($1711 today) while on page 102 is the Microma LCD chronograph (similar to a Casio) for a whopping $95 ($411 today). I believe a well kept Tudor from 1977 would be worth more than the $395 ($1711) it sold for back then. Happy New year Jody.

[@philspencelayh5464]

A friend had a Sinclair Black Watch in the 70's. All of the same benefits and drawbacks of this one plus the 1 week battery life , that was probably because everyone wanted to press the button. The two hands thing is what you get with a smart watch, although some of them seem to display the time without fiddling with it, and people seem happy with that.

[@raserx63]

Oh yeah ....1975 . I was 6th in grade and got me a Texas Instruments LED watch. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.😅

[@stevefox8605]

Remember my Dad having one in the mid 70s. I don't do quartz, let alone digital so appeals to me as much as a Gshock or smart watch!!

[@smgeraldo]

I had one of the first Texas Instruments LED watches in the 70’s as a 17 year old couldn’t believe it! Felt like something out of a sci-fi movie!👍🤣

[@timeandnourishment1961]

I like your Swedish Chef T-shirt much more than the watch, Jody. Over £200 for this thing? Vert Ver Ferk indeed!

[@Eray2007]

I thought it was a bit funny

[@jeffm0518]

Thank you for introducing this watch to us! Happy New Year Jody!

[@mattsmiley8156]

Think this is a love it or hate it type watch. I'm not a fan, but can respect those who would. I will stick to my Timex T80 i grabbed for $50 on a stretchy band. Only need a single hand to read. But, glad this is out there. Always enjoy seeing something different :). Cheers.

[@danielhristov6175]

Wow Jody! As soon as you put it on a leather strap it looked so much better! Like something out of a “Dune” movie. Cool... damn it with my previous comment xD

[@shawnlavigne9069]

I like it. I'm old enough to remember the first led watches in the early to mid 70s. I like that it's a straight up led, and not a lcd made to look red.

[@loganholmberg2295]

I wish there was a way to have the watch display 24/7 if you wanted to with solar or something. I'd buy one in a heartbeat then.

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Oooh Yes now I was around in the 70’s to appreciate these LED watches. KOJAK Anyone? And his Gold Hamilton LED.Simply Awesome and reminds me of Raleigh choppers and Wrist breaking Clackers as well as when Snickers bars were called Marathons😜👍 LED Retro are Definitely coming back and personally I’m Happy about that. Great Review Sir from a new Subscriber and Seiko Divers Watch Collector but this one I like.🙏

[@jim.in.louisiana]

I received a Texas Instruments 402 digital in 1976 for Christmas. Wish I still had it. Brings back great memories!

[@adrianmorris3772]

Happy new year all the way from Sheffield South Yorkshire England 😀😺

[@cecilyau4440]

Just a general comment on Yema. They have the worst customer service I have ever experienced. I will not buy from Yema ever again, which is a real shame since I really like several watches in their catalog (Superman, Flygraf, Navygraf).

[@illyth63]

I agree, though to be fair it's actually been mixed. There's one particular individual (who regrettably seems to be in charge of customer service there) who is the worst offender in my interactions with Yema.

[@angelomauri813]

When I was a child, I had a Texas Instruments Led watch (fully black plastic). I loved it.

[@josephmarkey9096]

Proper retro. If buying Yema, buy a Spacegraf. I have the blue one. Insane lume. Like a Speedmaster has had kids with a Rolex Daytona and it came out Quartz, stunning and refreshingly different!

[@unknownriderinbound]

Still have fond memories of LED watches and games, but I'm happy to leave them in the rearview mirror. They felt gimmicky even when they were cutting edge, and made LCD watches seem that much cooler.

[@Dan-56]

Kicking and screaming I refuse to be dragged back into the LED ‘70’s 😜. And with my “Wooly Mammoth” hairy arms, the only thing worse than rolled link bracelets was the “Twisto-flex” 😱 !!!

[@SO-lh5ey]

Not Happy with Yema I purchased the Superman Maxi Dial and the Crown fell out when setting the time it's been sent back for repair but only had the watch 1 month and not expecting the issue to be fixed! I won't be buying Yema again.

[@danielhristov6175]

Over 250 bucks, french, folded links, mineral crystal, press botton to see the time, calendar till 2050. Not my slice of cake. Casio offers better stuff for 1/4 the price. Maybe it would grow on me later on but definitely not now. The actual review of the video: spot on! Thanks for the upload Jody.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Nope, this watch isn't overpriced. I bought one and would gladly buy one again at double.

[@StuntpilootStef]

If I were going to make a statement I'd rather have the Kosmonauta. Nobody remembers these watches (for a pretty good reason) and even less people have heard of Gerlach than they've heard of Yema.

[@b.vonschnauser207]

I am old enough to remember those watches from the '70s. The Yema reminds me of a Texas Instruments LED I gave to my dad back then. Another cool video Jody.

[@DaveK385]

I'm not going to lie, I am old enough to remember the red seven segment display watches and calculators. Hopefully these are not actually seven segment displays, nothing was as irritating as having segments burn out to where you can't tell a 3 from an 8 or an 8 from a 6 etc.

[@ichris2011]

I wish a company would do one of these led watches and actually put some work into the module/display. The original ones often had dot matrix displays or very thin slanted lines. these new ones look like an alarm clock lol

[@ForeverUnknowing]

The Tron watch? She's a looker for sure, but you'd think they'd do better than rolled links on the bracelet at that price. 😂 They really should have a mesh option out of the gate!

[@DogHumpsMonkey]

I’ve got an old Texas Instruments digital I found in a drawer at my grandmother’s house. I took it to have a battery put in it to see if it worked, but sadly the jeweler said the battery leaked and it was shot. He did mention that when he had the back off it, he noticed it’s serial number was 3. Makes sense since my uncle was a Vice President at TI in the 70s and 80s

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

when I was a kid I had a Star Wars C2PO LED watch.. I wish I had kept it..

[@bloodmuffin123]

This is now known as the Cylon.

[@darrensmith6999]

Looks like the Timex boys 55 Q LED watch I got for christmas 1977 when I was 12 years old. And it is still going 44 years later😀

[@wannabetechnician7451]

you should have shown some side-by-side with the kosmonauta and emphasize that the kosmonauta is the far better deal

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Definitely a different offering, very futuristically retro also. Would be better if it didn't cut out after 2 seconds!

[@MartyPape78]

I’m shocked there aren’t any real Chinese specials for this style. For what it is that would be the perfect place to go.

[@not-a-raccoon]

9:18 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm sorry Jody but I'm laughing entirely too hard at your misfortune

[@dinner_workingsly]

I wish it had a tilt to read feature, and a bracelet for my money. I’d be all over it if that were the case. Great review man!

[@robedmunds7163]

I am old enough to remember pocket calculators and LED watches hitting the market. LEDs were out for a very short time though, before LCDs eclipsed them . I had a Trafalgar brand one that looked like the Hamilton. Thought I was so cool and Gemini Man was on the box with his, think it allowed him to become invisible.

[@amickinflorida9008]

I had a Texas Instruments round LED when I was 12 in 1972. I put it on a Don Juan bracelet (can still get them on eBay) and thought I was living in the 80s! I was sooo cool. And the addiction started.

[@jeb-zf4un]

I'd like to see comparison between gerlach hamilton yema and maybe a $10 chinese LED watch.

[@nevillechapman9761]

I remember my mate showing me an LED watch back in the day and I can tell you. James Bond had just worn one in a movie, we'd never seen anything like it. Genuinely felt space aged. In short, for a very short period of time these were THE DOGS

[@gdwarbeck7374]

Casio lets you tilt your wrist to light the screen and you can set the duration too. I wouldn't have taken much to push this up the ladder a few rungs. Stopwatch is easy too.

[@seranadesongs]

I like it. I definitely would change that bracelet, especially with the mesh strap to keep that futuristic "George Jetson" look!

[@dns711]

I wanted a 70's style LED watch with sapphire crystal and solid link bracelet, so I just ordered the Kosmonauta direct from Gerlach. The Hamilton would have been nice, but is way too expensive.

[@JD-wi5zd]

It's cute, and I appreciate the retro feel (which they captured well), but it's not something I could see myself wearing. I'm sure I'd feel different if I have grown up with them (I have a couple fewer gray hairs than you Jody but not much).

[@violinmke]

It's proof that every watch has someone that loves it.

[@MidEnginedFan]

Mesh bracelet is spot on! I've been contemplating the Bulova in silver and blue...hoping you get the opportunity to review one of those models, looking forward to it.

[@fattmatt200]

I remember my father purchasing a Sinclair led watch in kit form, that had to be assembled at home.

[@khronokraze]

Out of all the led reissues, I think I like the Yema the most. I like the angular design and the price to have fun with an led watch most reasonable. Thre design is very retro scifi. I can imagine out being used in 70s scifi classics such as the 70s Battlestar Galactica or Logan's Run. If you're a music fan of Daft Punk, I think this could also be a cool offbeat tie in to such music style and band imagery.

[@richardedward123]

Gorgeous aesthetics. 2 second display? I'd prefer 5. Wonder if it's a scratch magnet?

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Found it for $180 Jody…new with full kit! Can’t wait!

[@GerryNaughton]

I so wanted an LED watch back in the seventies but never got one. There was one Christmas in particular, 1977 or 78 when quite a few lads at school rocked up with them. The battery life was not good! For them to be practical now, they need to respond to upward wrist movements, like my Garmin Vivosmart 4. Otherwise, they are indeed a retro looking bit of wrist garnish.

[@karlsenula9495]

Love to see a review of the Seiko SUP880 Solar Seiko Tank - very similar in look to the Cartier Tank.

[@nigelh4617]

My interest in watches really took off when I first saw LED watches, back in the early-mid 70s. Theo Kojak (Telly Savalas) is partly to blame for my obsession, as he used to wear a gold plated one.

[@bt3750]

I always thought the red color in the crystal was to mask the unsightly circuit board. I think the LEDs are red no matter what.

[@markplayford5836]

Yeah (as below), I can remember LCD being the next thing so that left LED out in the cold. As a result I can remember petrol stations almost giving them away for 99p. Guess anyone who wears a mechanical watch is going backwards so why does this seem further back? Weird!

[@gervers]

It’s great but I prefer the look of the Gerlach Kosmonauta which I bought in Summer 2020. Thanks to your excellent review!

[@markbyrum4743]

That style of watch and display was all the rage in 1977 when I was commissioned in the US Coast Guard - we had such a time display mounted on the bridge of my ship for purposes of keeping accurate time and navigation (still had the hand wound, gimble-mounted chronometers though). I kept time as ship's navigator with my Accutron Spaceview. Good times.

[@rruiz9613]

Jody you should take a look at the Armitron Griffy. It's very affordable and the reviews are looking good.

[@buddhagunz]

I think the Armitron LED is the most affordable one

[@tmassey1465]

I had a Pulsar when I was about 10. It and a Timex Mickey Mouse watch that I also had did not react well with the pool. I purchased a Yema in silver, I should have it by April 5th...looking forward to it. Thanks for the review!

[@tenntrains]

I wanted one of these really badly when RadioShack came out with these LED watches, but they were totally too expensive. And today I agree they are still totally too expensive!

[@davidmullineaux6157]

Yema not getting any love from what I see from the comments. I think it's a cool watch that I purchased. I got a new customer discount and compared to Hamilton price it's not a bad deal. I enjoy it quite a lot and think it looks way better than bulova's LED.

[@mikesmith5389]

I have to agree with the other comments about the price, those LED watches were dirt cheap in their day and all Yema have done is housed an electronic module in a fancy stainless steel case with a dodgy band .. Jody that's a rip off, you can buy those type of watches from AliExpress from £2 GBPs up to about £10 GBPs. Maybe not an elaborate Stainless Steel case but hey .......

[@henryviiifake8244]

I get it's meant to be "retro", but the fact that you *ALWAYS* have to hit the light to read the time even during _daylight_ hours is a complete deal-breaker for me. (Like seriously, that isn't very "futuristic" lol). Better for me to set such money aside for an Orient Kamasu etc.

[@martinmowbray4304]

That’s to save battery life. I don’t mind it .

[@stusims6567]

I remember when the LED watches were quite popular. It was before the LCD watches came into being, and I still have one that my Dad sported for a while. Great video as always Jody!!!

[@sirthom3275]

I got the Armitron The Griffy - Silver/Black for $42 inluding shipping.

[@jjjtung]

Hoping Jody will do a review on this one

[@mahabir_navin]

Ditto

[@KabobHope]

Yes, the gold one fits right in with C3P0.

[@radekvamowski8092]

have to say, that module seems to be the same as in my $2-$10 china led watches I've got plenty of..... and that case does not seem to be worth $240 for me.... nice watch but i would only spend $25 max on it.

[@kabirh3626]

Where can I get the Chinese ones

[@johnmoorefilm]

Why not?! Why the hell not?!? Happy lovely cheery fun

[@juriendekter5042]

Makes me wish I kept my LED watch from the mid 70s. It had a round face and case shape. A real battery eater though.

[@craig2100]

Fun watch for sure

[@DouglasRosser]

My first watch was a red LED that I had to beg my parents to buy for me. Not cheap back in the 70's. I killed the battery in just a couple days... That was the ending of my love affair with watches until just a few years ago.

[@christopherswankie3244]

Mine should arrive this week from France! Also waiting on a Bulova Computron and a Armitron Griffy...

[@AlexanderB.]

This watch is pretty much Flash Gordon - it was considered futuristic in the past. The mesh bracelet fitted best in my opinion. It's the one from Vostok I reckon. Yema should have better included one of those, they aren’t all that expensive after all. Brilliant review, Cheers Jody!

[@pgwasilewski]

Gerlach has a sapphire crystal, that's a big one for me.

[@PoweReserv]

+1 for the Yema Daft Punk! 😎

[@bk14biker]

I wore one of these when I was a police officer in the 1970s. They were absolutely useless. You couldn't see the time in even moderate daylight unless you shielded the display with your hand and it switched off again after a few seconds, making telling the time a two-handed job. Not very practical to say the least. And battery life was diabolical. You'd have to be some sort of masochist to want to own one of them. 😉

[@johnquirke6743]

JOMW time travelled back to my mid teens