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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.
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.
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Yema Navygraf Super Compressor Black |
Today, YEMA unveils its latest release, the Navygraf Super Compressor Black. The Super Compressor design holds deep historical significance in the world of dive watches. Developed in the late 1950s by Swiss case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), the Super Compressor mechanism revolutionized water resistance. Unlike traditional dive watches that rely on screw-down crowns, Super Compressor cases utilize increasing water pressure to enhance the case's seal as the diver descends. This innovative approach was widely adopted by renowned brands during the golden era of dive watches.
True to the iconic vintage Navygraf models, the YEMA Navygraf Super Compressor Black retains its distinctive case design, a hallmark of the Navygraf lineup. The stainless steel case measures 38.5mm in diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, and has been refined to a slimmer 11.15mm thickness, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist while maintaining its retro charm. Finishing is executed with precision, featuring fine satin brushing along the case sides, complemented by polished surfaces on the mid-case surrounding the dial. This meticulous blend of textures enhances the watch's refined profile, striking the perfect balance between sporty and elegant look ready for any occasion.
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Internal dive bezel |
The most fascinating features of the Super Compressor case is its ingenious spring-loaded caseback, which adapts to increasing water pressure by tightening its seal as the diver descends. This dynamic design not only enhances durability but also ensures exceptional reliability in deep waters, allowing the watch to achieve an impressive 300m water resistance, making it a true underwater companion built for adventure.
Moving onto the dial, it showcases a classic, matte rugged black colorway, a choice that will never gone wrong. The black tone carries an almost introverted charm, free from any elaborate textures or embellishments, ensuring a clean, distraction-free display that prioritizes readability. Staying true to the Navygraf design lineage since the 1970s, the dial features the signature exclamation mark-shaped hour markers, a defining hallmark of the model. Enhancing its functionality, the watch is equipped with a bidirectional internal dive bezel featuring a 60-minute scale and a triangular marker at 12 o'clock, seamlessly blending into the dial with the same black background for a unified aesthetic. Paired with bold baton-shaped hands, all hour markers and bezel indicators are generously coated in white SuperLumiNova, ensuring exceptional legibility in low-light conditions. Fully protected by the double domed sapphire crystal from any impact.
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Super Compressor case |
Controlling the internal bezel is a crown positioned on the outer case. Two crowns equipped positioned at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock respectively. The upper crown is used to adjust the internal bezel, while the lower crown winds the mechanism and allows time setting. Both crowns are screw-down to ensure water resistance and feature a textured waffle-like finish on the surface.
The YEMA Super Compressor is powered by the second generation in-house Caliber YEMA2000 automatic movement. This magnificent movement yields slightly enhanced precision and durability with optimized components compared to similar Standard Grade calibers, giving the movement a healthy power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This 29 jewel movement beats at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour with thorough accuracy checks by YEMA watchmakers. On top of that, the movement is gorgeously decorated with stripes and stunning perlage finishing that reflects on their fine craft in producing an in-house movement.
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Super-LumiNova Grade A |
Paired with a sleek stainless steel mesh bracelet engraved with the YEMA logo, the watch exudes effortless sophistication and flexibility. For a bolder look, the black Tropic strap in ultra-resistant Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) adds a rugged edge, totally perfect for thrill-seekers and adventurers. Built for diving, its refined sport-chic design transitions seamlessly from the ocean's depths to everyday wear.
All in all, the YEMA Navygraf Super Compressor Black is a remarkable timepiece that combines vintage charm with modern innovation. Its iconic Super Compressor case, offering unparalleled water resistance, ensures it stands up to the toughest conditions while maintaining a refined, versatile look. With its elegant dial, practical features, and robust design, this watch effortlessly blends sportiness and sophistication. Whether diving into the depths or worn casually day-to-day, this timepiece effortlessly bridges the gap between rugged tool watch and stylish companion, making it a standout in the world of modern dive watches.
Maker | Yema |
Movement | YEMA2000 In-house Caliber |
Dial | Black |
Luminous | Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9 |
Case | Polished 316L stainless steel with vertical brushed inner bevel |
Bezel | Bidirectional Internal bezel with printed markers in Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9 |
Crown type | Stainless steel screw-down dual crowns polished finish with engraved satined pattern |
Lug width | 19mm |
Crystal material | 2.20 mm double dome sapphire crystal |
Strap | Mesh bracelet in 316L stainless steel |
Water resistance | 300m |
Dimensions | 38.5mm in diameter, 46mm lugs to lugs, 11.15mm thick |
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