Meangraf Super Japan - Ltd Ed 500pcs

The Bôle family boasts a rich watchmaking history of several decades with its third generation, YEMA's Managing Director and Head of Design, Christopher Bôle, now taking the reins of this legacy.

In 2022, Christopher reinterpreted the legendary 1960s Meangraf model by adding updated specifications while conserving the distinct retro character of the timepiece. And today, we introduce you to the new YEMA Meangraf Lupin Edition – Ltd Ed 500pcs Ref. YMEAN23JP-BA33RS, a modernised take on the classic Lupin Meangraf. This watch first appeared on the anime "Lupin the 3rd", with a retro yet futuristic designed that aired back in 1971. The watch could be seen worn by the protagonist, Lupin, and has since been a topic by watch enthusiasts.

Yema Meangraf Super Japan - Ltd Ed 500pcs

Take its case for instance. Made from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 39mm in diameter, 13mm thick and only 20mm lug to lug. The Meangraf has polished sides and a generous bevel along the mid-case, but is satin brushed across the top. Moreover, the case back and crown are screw-down and with the installation of a helium escape valve, this timepiece provides a 100m in water resistance to tank through the daily beating.

Inspired by animated Meangraf, the original vintage white with orange and black highlights is an iconic design noticed by watch enthusiasts. What sets it apart is its imperceptibly recessed hour markers, huge minutes and 24h rehauts, smooth sweeping hands which is topped off by a date complication at the 4.30 mark. The Daytona-styled crown is a prominent point in this timepiece as well.

Original Neo-Vintage dial

Moreover, the appealing and functional bi-directional diving bezel with black insert is partially fixed within the case itself, enveloped on four corners, while remaining readily operable. Hence, the friction mechanism is shielded from wear and tear. Besides, the lumed aluminum insert is capped in sapphire for additional texture and depth.

Stealing the limelight is the thinner 2.3mm sapphire dome that leads to beautiful distortions from all angles. The dome enhances readability thanks to the placement of the applied indices on the inner portion of the dial by simply elongating those markers several millimeters at sharp angles.

Complex case construction with helium escape valve

The symmetry of the watch is ever so mesmerising, with the logo at the 6o'clock position which is balanced by the YEMA placed at the 12o'clock position which is connected by 2 streaming black lines. Furthermore, BGW9 Super-LumiNova coats the hands, markers, and bezel indicators for a superior glow.

Running this classic horological piece is the ETA Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph movement (in its native and predominantly unmodified base form, an uncommon sight in this day and age), a Swiss-made integrated chronograph caliber essentially deriving the same family as the venerable caliber 7750, a movement that has undeniably became an timekeeping icon in horological world for its robustness and impeccable mechanical performance. This 27 jewel movement operates at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) and features a healthy power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

Exact re-issue hour lame plots and handset

With its helium escape valve, swiss movement, and innovative case design, this watch is bound to be an all-terrain piece de resistance for professional or leisure uses. Yema has certainly done a stellar job in revamping the iconic limited edition Lupin watch to suit modern tastes.

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