Yema: The Affordable French Watch with an In-House Movement

[@h111551]

That bronze watch with an in-house movement really hits the mark. Yema was founded in 1948 by Henri Louis Belmont, a real French watch maker. It had great success and by the mid to late 1960s was consistently exporting 500,000 watches per year. Yema was big in divers and active sport watches. They passed out of the Belmont family hands into the watch division of Matra, a French conglomerate. Richard Mille, a trained engineer, veered into a management position with the Matra watch division. From 1988 to about 2009, Yema was owned by Seiko. The new turn that Yema is taking is exciting. As the owner of a Memosail Regatta Timer (a sailing race start watch with a 10 minted countdown), the Yachting watch is of great interest. Regatta timers were an adjunct to other marine activity watches and also to motor sports oriented chronographs made for road rally eras and racing enthusiasts. Heuer distributed a regatta watch made by one of the two Robert family brands Aquastar, a major force in dive watches in the 1960s, and ultimately some of these watches were branded as Heuer watches. The Robert family also owned J. Richard. One of the Roberts was a real diver and moved from Acquastar to Omega where he became a major force in the 1970s at Omega with a heavy involvement in the Seamaster line. Because of the nuances of regatta timers, the movements used were either modified Valjoux or Felsa 4000 N movement. Felsa was part of the Ebauches, SA cartel created in 1928 that ultimately turned into ETA. Felsa specialized in automatic movements and in the 1940s was a real generator of automatic watch innovations. Very worthwhile video.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Howard, thanks man! You used to run in regattas, no? You did see this UN video on their Marine Regatta- kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fRnZ6bbrSkqqc - ever since I saw that, I've liked any Yacht model with a count-down! Cheers, Bill

[@petercraw8188]

LOVE this video! All Yemas are works of art and my favorite is the Bronze Bordeaux. Beautiful.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Peter, cool watch ... Bordeaux wine-colored bezel with a bronze case. I've heard grumblings about Yerma's movements. Heard anything about that? Take care, Bill

[@Goob2112]

Great review Bill, I really enjoy your videos. I just ordered the Yema Superman French Airforce Steel limited edition, 39mm, they’re on sale for 999 usd on the Yema site, that’s a 30% discount, plus they throw in a free strap (no I don’t work for them lol) This watch uses their in-house movement which I think is really cool. Of course at this price some movement parts, probably most, are outsourced but I’m completely cool with that, Yema is one of the more upfront and honest manufacturers when it comes to what’s ticking inside as you alluded to in the video. I also love the Sellita 330 top grade GMT movement in my Farer watch, decorated simply but smartly. There’s room to love all types of movements in this crazy hobby of ours. Keep the great content coming and have a great week!

[@watchartsci]

Lix when you get your Yema and have worn it a while, let us know how you like it. Take care, Bill

[@Goob2112]

@@watchartsci hey Bill, when I first got the Yema it was 50+ seconds a day fast, demagnification didn’t work, so I sent it back. Their customer service was good, they sent a prepaid label and all customs documents to make it an easy exchange. The new one I got is 10 seconds/day fast on my wrist. Overall it’s a decent watch and I’ll probably keep it as sort of a beater, sales calls in Newark NJ and stuff like that lol 😂🤷‍♂️. It does wear big for a 39mm watch because of the case design and lugs. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and wouldn’t recommend it for any wrist smaller than mine unless it’s a wide flat wrist. That’s with the bracelet of course, a strap instead would be more accommodating for smaller wrists.

[@watchartsci]

@@Goob2112 Thanks Lix for that detailed update. Now that you've got Newark horologically covered...what about Connecticut? Happy New Year, Bill

[@Goob2112]

@@watchartsci oh I’ll be wearing the Yema into downtown Hartford too 😅, or the Vostok or seagull 🤣. New Canaan? My new Bucherer all day, just ordered it can’t wait til it arrives. Happy new year to you too!

[@watchartsci]

@@Goob2112 Downtown Hartford, you'd get mugged for the SeaGull...

[@andystuart4667]

I just purchased the Wristmaster with the micro-rotor, I was really surprised at what I got for the price. Small balance wheel because of the micro-rotor (4000hz or something), free sprung, clear caseback, metal non magnetic hairspring, integrated bracelet (not inspired by the Royal Oak they claim but their own 60s model) for about $1.6k USD second hand, they only made 1948. Thanks Bill, excellent review

[@watchartsci]

Great to hear Andy!!! Take care, Bill

[@bidipbo]

I have the Superman Worldtime GMT (2021) and it has become my favourite. This features the 3000 in-house calibre movement. So versatile and pleasing to look at.

[@watchartsci]

Martin, I always like to hear from watch owners who have information about their watches. Great to hear it's your favorite! Take care, Bill

[@whiterangerrr]

800 views and 42 comments on the same day. I feel like I stumbled upon a really good channel. First video and will be watching more.

[@watchartsci]

Welcome WR! We're very collegial and civil here and share what we can find about watches! Happy New Year and New Decade, Bill

[@richarda9961]

I have been watching this brand for a long time that they have an in-house movement is excellent and the fact that they list all the movements is even better I think you should make it a more in-depth video about this brand thanks always Richard

[@watchartsci]

Richard, you just gave me more work to do! I just introduce them; you do the follow-up research and report back to this comment section ... so get hopping! Happy New Year and New Decade, Bill

[@johanribaeus]

My local watchmaker says that the MBP movements are ETA-based. That's not a bad thing though! Easy to service etc. I have a Navygraf with the MBP1000 movement. It broke in less than a year. The watch was under warranty and Yema replaced the movement so really not a problem. They have excellent customer service! I also own a Superman Heritage 63 with a Sellita movement. For the price you get watches of fair quality from a brand with a cool history.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Johan! Most watchmakers love ETA movements ... they're used to working on them and they can get parts. That makes for affordable service, and most ETAs are 'not bad.' My only problem with an ETA (or Sellita, Soprod or Miyota...etc) is not their quality but when their base and brand are hidden from us; we don't know what we're paying for. As long as we know what's in a watch, we know what we're getting. Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@educarmar]

Hi Bill, This caliber made by Yema is an variant of an ETA clone made with chinese made components, final assembly is either made by Yema or directly at China by the chinese factory that suply the movement parts. I recently I have worked on an chinese ETA clone and have observed certain peculiarities in the parts that are 100% matching Yema 2000/3000 parts: - first of all: all the components are from an 2824 clone, layout in the movement side only has been mirrored and slightly rotated over ETA layout. I pressume the intention here was to make room for a intermediate crown wheel with matching teeth to the ratchet wheel. End of the design differences over a 2824, the rest of the changes are just consequences of this decission. - movement plates finishing fully matching to the chinese clone. - screws exact same with the chinese clone. - regulator arms very thin metal plate, same 100% chinese clone. - underside of reverser wheel almost closed in both. 100% chinese clone. - hour wheel pinion made of brass... first time I have seen this in a movement, this is a bad choice as it compromises durability. 100% the same in both. Granted one thing: both the chinese clone and the yema are good timegrapher performers, however, each component is subpar and of sensibly lower qualty than original ETA parts. Trying to rebuild a brand with lies and dishonesty is not a good policy - shame on you Yema management, despicable.

[@watchartsci]

That is interesting finding, and I have found that I'm equally adroit at breaking the Originals ETAs or the Chinese clone. Right now I'm working on a watch with a Soprod A10, but I cannot find a fitting dial for it in a 39mm case. Its dimensions are identical to an ETA 2892-A2, and the dial I ordered from China doesn't fit. Any suggestions Braunschweig & Marti? Take care, Bill

[@BillMrWild]

I have never heard of Yema must look it up. Thanks, Bill for the show. Happy New Year

[@watchartsci]

Bill, you're much closer to France than I ... you must run into a French watch collector now and again? They should have told you! Happy New Year and New Decade! Bill

[@fuzuli_]

Hi Bill. Thank you for informing us about Yema. Happy new year.

[@watchartsci]

My pleasure Mustafa! Happy New Year & Decade! Bill

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Great video on a very interesting brand. Happy New Year Bill.

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Bruce! Do you know when the RLD will arrive? Happy New Year and New Decade! Bill

[@TexpatOTG]

Happy New Year Bill -- love watching your show ... I always learn something new!

[@watchartsci]

Hey JR Happy New Year and New Decade to you too! What's your next project after the new neighbor has been in? Cheers, Bill

[@quarters-eye8922]

I own the Yema Superman Lagoon with in-house caliber. They're among the few watch brands that make everything in- house. A little tidbit concerning Yema. Yema are owned by the Ambre group - which also use their in-house caliber for two other watch brands they own..... Yonger & Bresson and Catena watches of Switzerland. The in-house MBP1000 caliber can be regulated to within +5 seconds per day, which is excellent considering the price. The name Yema, I believe is Spanish for - the color of egg yolk...…….which the founder of Yema first heard during a spelling contest - or something to that effect. But from what I understand - his real intention to use the name Yema was to show the naysayers who said he would never succeed, that they now have egg on their faces. Also Yema were the first ( or among the very first ) to have a 300 meter Dive rating with their Superman diver in 1963. Not even Rolex or Blancpain could claim that back in 1963. When the Yema superman was introduced - it was called the French Rolex, by people in France - due to it's extreme durability and diving capabilities. Yema also have a history with the French watch company Le Jour - which also made the Superman. Le Jour is still in business - and they produce the classic line under their own name, which can be found on the Le Jour website. Regards, Steven

[@watchartsci]

Wow Quarters-Eye! That's great information, thank you very much. I'm assuming that you like your Yema Superman too! Happy New Year and New Decade! Bill

[@quarters-eye8922]

WatchArtSci thank you Bill. Happy New Year to you too 🙂 Alas, my Yema was stolen this evening at a restaurant. I took it off for a moment and was momentarily distracted, and left the watch on the table. By the time I returned to the restaurant, it was gone. 🙁 I will replace it at some point in the near future - but there is some excellent news. I just bought the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Retrograde Calendar 👍🏻 I was able to find one pre owned in excellent condition. My version is the MP7268. With ML 150 Caliber movement which has the modified Unitas 6498. With Swan Neck Regulator. I absolutely love the watch bill. I’m looking to replace the leather strap in a few days. I’m curious to know if Andreas Stehler had a hand in the design of this particular version. I watched your excellent video about Maurice Lacroix - but I’m not sure if this particular version with the ML 150. Movement Was part of his work with the brand. I think the Masterpiece collection is often overlooked by watch enthusiasts, which is a real shame. Thank you for making the Yema video 🙂 My ultimate watches from Yema are the Andretti Rallye and the Flygraf models respectively. I’d love to own them both one day, along with the - Le Jour vintage Diver. Regards, Steven

[@watchartsci]

Steven, that Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Retrograde Calendar is a very cool watch! Sorry to hear someone bagged your Yema! Take care, Bill

[@richard8342]

Thank you Bill for showing this watch brand, I very much like the flygraf heritage .

[@watchartsci]

Hi Richard, the Flygraf is the one (I believe) became the official watch for the French Air Force! Cool choice, Bill

[@505pwned]

Currently wearing my Yema Superman 2 MaxiDial (discontinued). Runs really good. (+3) seconds a day. Unfortunately I've been hearing a lot of quality control issues and customer service issues from this company.

[@watchartsci]

Yes, same here. Great buys but too many lemons showing up. Hope Yema fixes that problem, LordsR-Us... Take care, Bill

[@scottsmith1513]

Great info Bill. What do you think of the Yema Rallye Andretti model?

[@watchartsci]

Hi Scott, I like the looks of it, especially the one with the smaller vent holes in the strap. (Shown in the box.) At $2,700 it's a little pricey and even at , $2,295, the ETA 7753 is still an inexpensive movement . The $1,500 Speedgraf (even with a less interesting Seiko) is more like it. What is Yema going to do if/when ETA cuts off their movement supply? SW500-1 or Seiko? Thanks, Bill

[@varunu4176]

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I just wanted to clarify if their in-house movement is based on a stripped-down version of the 7750 like Habring2 timepieces, some of the movement aesthetics looks close to a 7750. I love the 7750 and I would love the timepiece even if that's the case.

[@watchartsci]

Perfectly good question, but what makes you think that the Habring2 is a stripped down 7750? The A11 Felix is a time-only watch with its own wheel works; while the 7750 is chronograph. A lot of people tend to know one movement and some think that all others are derivatives of that movement. You might as well say they are all derivatives of Abraham-Louis Breguet watches ... and in some ways there are similarities. The 7750 is a fine movement, but don't think every other movement is derived from it. Take care a be safe, Varun. ... Bill 😷

[@varunu4176]

@@watchartsci Stay safe, hope everyone's healthy. I spoke for the older Habring2 before they made their in-house caliber. If my memory's right, they won the GPHG for the pilot style deadbeat seconds for the modified 7750. The same timepiece was also featured in a three on three episode by Hodinkee.

[@watchartsci]

@@varunu4176 When you say, "Habring2 is a stripped down 7750," you're implying the current Habring2 ... so yes, the older ones (before 2011 when the A11 was introduced) did use Valjoux movements, and Richard Habring did enough modifications that he won GPHG prizes.When you say things like that people don't think that you know what you're talking about, and we don't want that, do we? So go find something new! You need to do the research and tell us something we don't know. You're just the man to do it too! So off you go! Take care a be safe... Bill 😷

[@varunu4176]

@@watchartsci Thank you for the comments, I just wanted to know more about the Yema's in-house caliber, hoping someone might have more information on it. I apologise for the miscommunication about the Habring2. Cheers.

[@watchartsci]

@@varunu4176 It's your turn Varun to find out about the Yema for the rest of us! Go get 'em! Stay safe! Bill

[@jamiesavery1973]

Great vid Bill happy new year

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Jamie, and a Happy New Year and New Decade to you! Bill

[@NowshedImran]

Bill, How the hell do you dig up these? Nice to know about this brand. Thanks!

[@watchartsci]

Nowshed, actually this one and many others I've simply looked at the comments you guys have made, and if there's a query about a watch or brand, I'm off to the races! My secret is that I really know how to have fun! Cheers, Bill

[@erics745]

I love the béret basque you wear !!!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Eric, this one is made in France of wool, but I got one almost the same in Barcelona a couple of years ago, and it might be Basque ... thanks for the béret info! Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@erics745]

Cheers man

[@ivanmejia6843]

Happy New Year Bill. What are your thoughts on bronze watch cases?

[@watchartsci]

I like the bronze cases Ivan. I've made a couple of watches using "bronze-plated" over stainless steel cases I got from China, but solid bronze...not yet. Happy New Year & Decade! Bill

[@amintaslneto]

Happy New Year dear Bill!! Interesting watch brand. Never heard of them to be honest. Thanks for sharing. The yachting model is definitively cool! ;) Best, Amintas

[@watchartsci]

There's something wrong with me, Amintas-I don't have a yacht and really don't want one, but I like the Yacht watches-my favorite is still the UN Marine Regatta! Happy New Year and New Decade, Bill

[@amintaslneto]

@@watchartsci 🤣 Yacht watches are definitively inspiring and cool my friend! Yes, UN makes some exciting regatta pieces. There is one in particular that is in my dream list: the Grand Deck Marine Turbillon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZjWfKN9ariYjKs

[@stevenfulkerson3819]

I bought one. It had a mineral glass crystal that scratched easily. I decided to replace the crystal with a sapphire crystal. I opened it up and popped out the stem and movement. I looked at the movement under my Bergeon loupe and just laughed. The "in-house" movement has all the signatures of a $30 Chinese movement from Alibaba. There are scratches on the screw heads and bridges. The lube is applied in ridiculous quantities and in the wrong places. The machining is rough at best. My take on the "in-house" claim is assembled in house but made in China. There is no way a movement with this sort of quality is made in Morteau. The watch is a wonderful piece of marketing.

[@watchartsci]

Steven, that's awful! This is the movement that they advertise as "in-house" or one of their other movements? Let me check into that. Take care, Bill

[@stevenfulkerson3819]

@@watchartsci This is the one that they advertise as the 2000 "in-house." There's a reason they don't put an exhibition back on any of them. Another tell was the movement had multiple fingerprints on it. This is just not seen in a quality shop. There are no excuses. I bought it new from the factory. There are a lot of micro brands at about half the price that are better value. Consider different watches like Zelos, Boldr, RLG, Fonderia Navale. A standard NH35 or 9039 would be my choice over this mongrel.

[@watchartsci]

@@stevenfulkerson3819 I'm going to follow up on that. Other subscribers indicated that they were very happy with Yema's in-house caliber, so, I wonder if Yema ran out of their in-house movements and stuffed in a Chinese. If possible, could you take some photos of the movement and send them to me at: [e-mail]. Thanks, Bill

[@rusmatahmed5436]

Nice review, thanks so much!

[@watchartsci]

My pleasure Rusmat! Take care, and be safe, Bill 😷

[@andresfg6788]

Thanks for pointing it out Bill! Kind of an overuse of perlage in this movement don’t you think so?

[@watchartsci]

Hadn't thought about the amount of perlage ... I wonder why they had that much Andres? Take care, Bill

[@gc3169]

New and interested in Yema I stumbled into your review and loved it. Any opinion on Yema Superman blue heritage (39 or 41) with a bubbled saphir crystal and Sellita SW200-1 movement vs Superman mysterious blue (discontinued) 40cm, flat saphir but their BP1000 in house movement??

[@watchartsci]

G C31, if I were you, I'd read as many reviews as I could about Yerma. I've received some notes from not-too-happy customers. However, others have loved them; so proceed with caution, but do not dismiss Yerma. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@gc3169]

@@watchartsci thank you sir. Wise advise. I will continue to read and look at reviews before pulling the trigger. You stay safe too and I will looking for your videos.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Hi Bill I was looking at Yema Watches on Calibor Corner and you popped up , I'm not sure about Yema being made in France their marketing say's designed developed and assembled in France I'm not convinced there manufactured in France especially the inhouse movement . Your the one who has taught me to do research . I'm thinking these Watches are made in Hong Kong and assembled in France .Any thoughts on this ?

[@watchartsci]

Excellent Junior! That point flew under the radar and right under my nose! You're right to look carefully at all watch claims because they all tell fibs ... of one caliber or another! Let's see if we can find out which HK watchmaker creates the parts or ébauches used by Yema! Take care, Bill

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Bill I found a little more information about Yema , Jody from One More Watch talks about there movement in a three watch comparison he does ... GMT Fight Club ! Three Sub $1000 GMTs Compared. I'm still doing my research. 😃 He mentions it at 5:08 .

[@toncierceg7666]

Happy New Year! I really like bronze divers watches, the patina that develops over time really makes each piece unique. I find it strange Yema developed own automatic movement first, would expect to make hand wound and then move on to add-ons and upgrades. Bill, are you familiar with Czech watchmakers? How would you rate PRIM watches made by Elton hodinarska a.s.?

[@watchartsci]

Tonci, I am not familiar with Czech watchmakers. Which should I look at to learn more? Happy New Year and New Decade! Bill

[@toncierceg7666]

@@watchartsci Well, there is PRIM-two companies claim PRIM name today, Elton hodinarska a.s. and MPM-quality. PRIM by Elton produce their own movements, I believe they collaborated with ETA in the past, but they have some interesting pieces to offer that are new to me. Then, there is a master watchmaker Ludek Seryn ( when I think of his name for some reason I just go quiet). So, that's it, PRIM Elton hodinarska and Ludek Seryn. Happy New Year!

[@pierresangeorg2286]

I love their Superman Heritage Blue in 39mm.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Pedrito! The S-man in Blue is very cool! Cheers, Bill

[@curious5557]

Happy New Year!

[@watchartsci]

Chris, Happy New Year & Decade! Bill

[@russellalfonso2962]

I have a vintage Yema "Junior" diver . . . my guess, from the 1960s

[@watchartsci]

Thanks for that information Russell. What do you think of the newer Yema compared to the one you have? Take care, Bill

[@leyay7540]

I almost ordered the bronze Superman five months ago but withdrew due to the inevitable patina formation. Hope they can use more MBP1000(esp. the variants) in their portfolio.

[@watchartsci]

Leya, patina is not a bad thing...adds character and picks up its unique color chemistry from the user's wrist. Happy New Year and New Decade, Bill

[@leyay7540]

@@watchartsci I have an obsession with that, especially it may also stain my wrist or hand.

[@petercraw8188]

No, there is a steel case back that keeps the bronze from contacting your wrist while wearing it. Their Superman Bronze Bordeaux is the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen and It is my grail watch. The patina effect is an added bonus. Some people like it. Some don’t. Some appreciate the finer things in life.

[@samhouston5217]

How does this (Bronze) age in color? darken I assume. Wonder if a person could clean/polish it. any pics of one aged? Thank you for your very detailed analysis of watches.

[@watchartsci]

Hi William, the bronze does age, and depending on the body chemistry and environment of the user, it will take on a different patina. A soft cleaning clothes is all that I'd use. Here's the first of a 3-part article on bronze watches that will tell you everything you need to know: www.watchtime.com/featured/living-with-bronze-choosing-right-bronze-watch-advice/ Take care, Bill

[@feelgoodconcept]

Very nice review Sir Greetings from French Alps 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@watchartsci]

Hey, thanks Feel Good! Stay safe! Cheers, Bill

[@psbose1]

Nice work Bill. Own two Yema watches myself. Ordered them straight from my smartphone, i They have one of the most user friendly, customer focused service. Can you think of any other companies that are, literally, your service 24/7(chat). Although lately I can't access this feature from my phone. There's just a small thing, the main horological centre in France is Besancon, pronounced Besancon 😜

[@watchartsci]

Thanks for that update Psbose1. I am familiar with Besançon, it's observatory and the battle there between the Catholics and Huguenots-which the Catholics won. Many of the Huguenots retired to Geneva. The serpent''s head is the equivalent to a COSC punch. Cheers, Bill

[@psbose1]

Too busy writing didn't pay enough attention to the spellchecker 😞 It's pronounced Besanson of course.

[@martinrea8548]

Can any of you fine people tell me if their in-house movement is accurate and reliable? I've just ordered one of their new releases, the Flygraf Pilot Mk 2. The decision was made on looks alone, so I'm also keen to hear about functionality. I hope the watch is nice and I don't end up sending it back.

[@watchartsci]

Martin, next time you buy a watch check out the movement specs first-here they are for your Flygraf Pilot Mk 2 : (A ball-bearings rotor is very nice; 4Hz is pretty standard) -MBP1000 French In-House Movement Self winding with ball bearings rotor 31 Rubies 28 800 A/h -ACCURACY Minimum accuracy of +/- 12 seconds per day Observed accuracy of +/- 6 seconds per day Adjustments and checks made before and after assembly by our watchmakers After you have the watch for a month, report back to us to let us know whether it's up to snuff. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@martinrea8548]

@@watchartsci Hey Bill, thank you so much for that comprehensive and detailed breakdown of the watch's accuracy. My current watch is quartz, a Certina with a 944 movement. It is very accurate, I mean to second accurate since I bought it in January. The Flygraf will be my first automatic. I know they are not as accurate, but if I could get +/- 6 seconds a day I would be fairly happy. Is that considered good for an automatic non-COSC watch? Thanks again, Bill, and I will let you know how I fare with the new watch.

[@watchartsci]

@@martinrea8548 Since you're the first guy reporting on the MBP1000 , you'll be the 'canary in the coal mine!' If you bought a $100,000 COSC watch, it will not be as accurate as your quartz. Do you have a timegrapher? Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@martinrea8548]

@@watchartsci what's a time grapher, Bill? Is that like a watch to time a watch;)

[@watchartsci]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHrcfZutZp2npas Take care, Bill

[@lorenzomasia9024]

I have the Meangraf and it is my workhorse....very original shape and none knows what watch is: that´s the best value, however people see the good manufacture

[@watchartsci]

Quartz or Mechanical, Loren? Take care, Bill

[@lorenzomasia9024]

@@watchartsci mechanical, I recently bought it from YEMA, it is really well done and solid. Ciao!

[@watchartsci]

@@lorenzomasia9024 Thank you Lorenzo!

[@almclennan5975]

I would be curious how similar their "in-house" mmts are to seiko mms, given seiko owned them from 1988 to 2005.

[@watchartsci]

Al, you are the man! Here's a mystery for you to solve, and given their openness of Yema, it should be pretty simple. So get your magnifying glass, deerstalker cap and cape-coat, and go get 'em! 🕵️‍♂️ Thanks in advance, and we look forward to hearing from you! Happy New Year, Bill

[@almclennan5975]

@@watchartsci ha ha. Yes, gonna crack open a caseback just before something else. Very best for 2020

[@watchartsci]

Go get 'em Al! Cheers, Bill

[@almclennan5975]

@@watchartsciinfo watch-movements.eu/blog/2018/09/02/ambre_mpb_1000-2/

[@watchartsci]

Al, It took me a while to unpack that article since I had to translate it to English, but it is an excellent article about the MB1000. It doesn't look like it was modeled after the ETA 2824-2, but there's no mention of Seiko. See what else you can find. Thanks, Bill🕵️‍♂️

[@leebalmforth2269]

Happy New year bill.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Lee, same to you and more-Happy New Year and New Decade! Bill

[@Stoneitful]

I have two with this movement. It runs +2 day

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Stone! It's always good to hear from those who have a watch reviewed, and +2 daily .... pas mal. Take care, Bill

[@bubbab7792]

Thanx Bill! Mmmmm not too bad. 👍

[@watchartsci]

Hey Bubba, pas mal, eh? Cheer, Bill

[@suanpersuanper3603]

A watch is good not only for its appearance or history, now the most important thing is the service, and this company, I say this from my own experience, has a disastrous service

[@watchartsci]

That's not good Suanper. What's your experience been with Yema? Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@markwolfson2023]

New Yema2000 and Yema3000 in-house calibres, to replace MB1000. The 3000 is for the GMT and will be sold on Kickstarter!!!!

[@watchartsci]

Thanks for the update Mark. Recently, one of the Yema customers complained about his Yerma and returned it. Do you think the new 2000/ 3000 will solve any of the problems or was the problem an isolated one? Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@markwolfson2023]

@@watchartsci Wow, not familiar with Yema in-house calibres, only that they say on their website that there have been improvements. I do know they have great customer service and back what they sell, and answer all questions 24 hours a day. I myself am not in the market for a GMT, but would be curious to see if their new 3000 has a jumping hour complication (like the Rolex, Tudor Omega and Grand Seiko). Yema has not release their prices for this yet either. I have the Superman 63 and it is so comfortable, elegant. It has the Sellita 200, and seems to be at +2spd, pretty good for a non-regulated movement. The trick is finding a slowing resting position. Take care.

[@9876karthi]

Once Seiko owned Yema

[@watchartsci]

Yes, from 1988 to 2004. It's now owned by Montres Ambre group. Interesting history, and I'd be very interested in knowing if any of the current calibres in Yema watches have Seiko-based movements. Soprod's A10 was from a Seiko 4L caliber and proved to be excellent. (Soprod is now owned by Spanish company, Festina.) Take care, Bill😷

[@haidweng7948]

i bought one of these yema,its a pilot watch. very good watch ,but after i oprn the case back . i am surprise by the finish. It look so cheap and so similiar if you have one of 2824. I do some digging,it is a chinese made 2824 super clone with some modify parts on,and they dont even brother use copper balance wheel. If they use cheap chinese movement,they shouldnt label it as france made,shame on them! but the dial look good,I will still keep it . Just buy a lesson. The strap is extremely hard ,fashion brand strap r way better. if you really want one,recommend change the strap .

[@watchartsci]

Haid, how were you able to determine that the "super clone" was not really an ETA 2824? Thanks. Take care and stay well, Bill😷

[@haidweng7948]

@@watchartsci I am a chinese and I used to work with some chinese watch company,the finish inside is very similiar then a chinese hangzhou company called bit,one very important deature I know and only a chinese brand will have is that the yellow part on the rotor is painted on. An average watch rotor is copper and they chrome the silver material on it. The yellow part on yema is painting. And my yema broke yesterday,i tear it apart i find some parts is 100% same as a chinese 2824,and unlike eta 2824,chinese 2824 is sightly bigger,so I am 100% confirm that yema use a chinese 2824 super clone,or at least they copy some parts from eta 2824 movement and their movement is 100% made in china. I am having bad time with it ,try to sell it about 650cad on ebay,but no one really want it.Big rip

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Hello haid weng Your not the first person I heard say this is a Chinese movment if you look on Calibor Corner many people say the same , I'm thinking not only the movement but the entire watch is made in China and passed off as French, Very Sneaky and in my opinion dishonest. Thank you for your comment.

[@coronetmag]

Thanks for highlighting Yema! I show off the new Yema Superman GMT Pepsi released last month here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2O0oIV5e9t7mLc

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Danny! Nice video...what'd you use to shoot it with? Cheers, Bill

[@coronetmag]

WatchArtSci you’re too kind, but it was just a quick, fun video done on my iPhone and the app “Splice.”

[@fanzeekat8796]

Purchased the Flygraf MK1 three weeks ago. Bad quality, bad customer service. The hands don't align properly. Contacted customer service. They denied any defect. Photos don't lie. They wouldn't support product. No resolution. I was ripped off. Also, runs 45 to 60 seconds fast per day (two positions). Really disappointed in Yema. This is my first and last Yema.

[@watchartsci]

Man, I am sorry to hear that! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us; especially about customer service. They should have sent you a refund and be done with it or send you a watch lacking defects you described. Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@litestuf]

Hi... tell your listeners A: Rolex is overpriced. The movement is so complicated no one can work on it. Check if it's waterproof further than the bathroom sink. ROLEX. YES sir,,, that'll be 1,000.00$

[@watchartsci]

Hey Can NO d'Eau! All luxury watches are overpriced for mechanical timepieces. The Rolex movements aren't that complicated; the problem is that Rolex will only sell replacement parts to certified Rolex watchmakers. Their oyster cases are good for waterproofing. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@scottsodyssey2485]

Great informative video on Yema, great job. I posted my review of the new Yema Superman Heritage 63. I’d appreciate it if you gave it a view. Please and thank you Sir.

[@watchartsci]

Scotts, where did you post it? Let me know. Take care and stay safe, Bill😷

[@watchshowandtell7138]

Drinking the in-house movement Kool-Aid? Come on, let's start the new year right. An affordable watch with an in-house movement doesn't make a brand interesting. I think it makes it a target for a lot more questioning about quality control, parts sourcing, long term reliability, and after-sales customer care, support options, and processes. For instance, the brand's returns processing, after-sales service and maintenance are directly undertaken in Morteau (France). The movement may be designed and assembled in their workshops but that doesn't mean the parts are made in France. Can we really expect a $1300 USD watch to be fully made using French or Swiss labor? Are we again falling for the false narrative that in-house is better? It is my opinion that in this particular case, the fact that the brand has an in-house movement offers little to zero value to the consumer. Let's help new collectors by promoting critical thinking, thank you and happy 2020.

[@watchartsci]

Hey WST, I'm all for promoting critical thinking, and I don't start off with some trite "drinking the Kool-Aid' plug. Any watch company that invests in creating its own movement is a cut above those that do not. On more than one occasion I've remarked that I'd prefer a watch with a movement by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier (VMF) or a UWD 33.1 than most in-house movements; so don't pretend that you've discovered an observation that hasn't already been aired, thereby combining puffery with a hackneyed opening. So let's cut the crap and talk about how we go about determining whether a watch and its movement is worth the money. Here are a couple of starting places: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIPXcoN-rK6FmdU ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIeQY55mr89jq6M - there're lots of others on this channel. Lest we appear to be uninformed blow-hards, drop the usual easy-shots and focus on what goes into watchmaking and watch production. Cheers, Bill

[@britt5126]

Happy New Year!

[@watchartsci]

Happy New Year to you too Britt! See you next year! Cheers, Bill