Bought the Yema Superman Heritage in June. After receiving a watch with a faulty bezel, Yema refused to exchange the watch and instead replaced the bezel insert.... with the incorrect one. Yes... Yema replaced the bezel insert with a bezel insert from a different model 🙃After going back and forth for a few months and passed on to every customer service representative possible... I finally got a brand new replacement and love it! Great watch but terrible customer service!
The vintage look is not for everyone but I like it, though I prefer the Superman line of theirs. From a buyers perspective, Yema gives out tons of info on the dimensions of their watches. They even lay out infographs about the dimensions of their bracelet, at least on the "scales" limited edition. That is something I haven't noticed anyone do before. Many companies give out barely anything other than the movement and diameter, some fashion brands don't even bother that much.
Wearing my Yema Navygraf Heritage today. I have to say I love this watch. Great piece and that in house movement just makes it for me. Really interested to see what their imminent kick-starter in house chronograph movement is like
Lift angle is only relevant to measuring amplitude, not timing accuracy. You’re fine. Cool watch. I’ve always been interested in the Yema dive watches. Good review Jody.
Hey Jody. I bought this Navygraf as a small birthday gift for myself some months ago. Am pretty impressed with the built quality. I have 3 issues with it.. My bezel is slightly misaligned to the left at 12 o'clock. The watch stands a little too tall on my wrist.. wish the lugs were slightly more tapered downwards. Also, my Navygraf was running slow (in excess of 20s per day) in the first 2 days of usage! However, it miraculously recovered and now it runs about +1 / +2s per day! Overall, a very nice vintage diver that I am glad to have made the plunge for. 👍 good review
Hi Jody. Recently got my Superman Armee de L'air. Really happy with my purchase and love the almost spartan look. Mine has the MPB1000 which ran +20sec day. Also adjusted mine and got it to -1sec day pretty easily. Been consistent for like that for a month now. Overall a keeper if you ask me
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
Good review of this overlooked brand. I purchased the same watch earlier this year direct from Yema. Got the 15% discount and an extra leather strap. It arrived 3 days after I placed the order which is excellent service considering they are in France and I am in Toronto, Ontario. Mine has never run slow. I would say it is running the same as yours after you made the adjustment. They are going to release a GMT model soon which I plan to also purchase. Fantastic value for the money. Cheers.
Yes! Thank you Jodi! I left a comment on a previeous video that the yema superman or the navigraf and the zodiac sea wolf are some of the watches I would like in the 1000$ price range. New watches with vintage heritage... more affordable than an oris 65, and, very important for me, a smaller than average size for a dive watch. All the best from Romania!
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
Tried talking to Richard Legrande about my watch running too fast, basically told me it was tough, it was within manufacturing spec (22spd) so live with it.. shame as I like the watch, but no customer backup has meant I wouldn’t recommend anyone to buy one.
I love my Navygraph. I have the original M1000 movement, but recently recieved an email from Yema offering a movement swap for their newer M2000 at the cost of $250 usd + return shipping. I thought about it at first, but decided to pass since when the time comes to service the watch, Yema will swap out any worn parts with the newer movement anyway. As always, great review.
Excellent job Jody. My 1st comment ever that I recall. You were the 1st watch you tuber I ever subscribed to. I am also a Certified member of Jory. always love your vids
A gutsy move there Jody and full marks for doing it. I must agree that watch is how to do vintage properly. Orange because it’s the most legible under water (I think I read somewhere), and the yellow hands work well too. If I did not know better I would swear it was vintage plus as it picks up a few scuffs it will amplify that too. Shame it was not calibrated correctly to start with and the 19mm bracelet but everything else is spot on. Lovely 😍
Orange does NOT work well underwater. That was a marketing ploy by Doxa. Orange and red are the first colors to go when diving due to the water filtering the wavelengths.
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@saintsaturnoxious8344 You are totally right! I suspect they send used watches to so many people. Mine was scratched on the caseback and have you noticed they dont write the serial number? First time in my life. Now I am sure my defected watch was sent to another unlucky guy
I bought a 2-month old Navygraf second hand a few months ago and it was running 90spd fast. Mine has the original MBP1000 movement in it. Sent it back for repair (which I assume was only regulating). I paid for shipping there and they covered costs of getting it back to me. Was only 4 or 5 weeks in total. However it came back still around 30spd fast. So off it's gone again to Yema for fixing (regulating). This time it was a pre-paid collection. A real shame that they couldn't get it down to within tolerance first time and seeing Jody regulate his in really easy fashion makes me think maybe mine has got a more fundamental issue. LOVE the look of the watch and it is finished really beautifully for the money. But they need to have worked wonders on its accuracy for me to be won over with its performance. We'll see soon hopefully.
I got a good sub $100 diver for you Jody! Steeldive 1954... Sapphire, NH35, Ceramic Lumed Bezel Insert, 200m. It has the best lume I've come across on an Aliexpress diver (probably comparable to San Martin)! The only stumble is the pressed clasp, but that can be fixed with a $7 milled clasp pick up. There are two options, which both reference back to pretty unique Sub variants: Comex Dials and Sultan of Oman Dials. Not sure if you've already seen it, but if not, I hope I caught your attention!
I've seen these everywhere lately, and I thought I'd love this watch by the end of your review. But instead, I found myself happily enjoying my RLG Odyssea III all the more. Similar size and finishing, not too distant style-wise... (the Yema is obviously a little more 'vintage') Yeah, ok-- so the Yema has an in-house movement, but I'm quite happy with the Miyota 9039 sitting behind the solid case-back of my RLG, and having saved a few hundred $$ in the process! Between the 19mm lugs, the poor lume, and the 90 click bezel... it's one of those times I wish they'd gotten the small things right. My tip... pick up the updated RLG Oceanfarer for less than $400. You won't regret it! 😁
Lovely looking watch. I'm pretty sure I nearly bought an original on eBay a couple of years ago that was badly advertised but went for a little more than I was willing to pay. Kinda regret that now.
Love this watch and came very close previously getting one. Hopefully one day I will pick one up. Love the colour scheme and the looks are definitely up my street. I've got a 70s Ricoh automatic that has a yellow/black gradient dial. Definitely a colour combo that works for me. Enjoy your Yema! 👍
Excellent video, Jody! I really like this one. I've been looking at Yema a lot recently and may pull the trigger on one or more models. This one looks the business and seems to represent great value for the cash. I'd say the weak lume is a bit disappointing at the price range, but in reality I don't use lume that much and I imagine this watch is pretty legible in low light situations, plus I keep a Casio on the nightstand in case I need to look at the time in the middle of the night. 90 click bezel also isn't a deal breaker either. Hope you can do more Yema soon! Maybe a Rallygraf or the Spacegraf. Thanks Jody!
Yema and the company behind the brand (Ambre) has had a lot of quality control issues, with their in house movement or the case (like asymmetrical lug size on their Superman bronze). On another note, if you like their clasp and driver's extension, you should definitely check and review the Tudor Pelagos 👍
@@misterman1371 I was not comparing it to a Pelagos, there is no competition there, the Pelagos easily win. I'm just saying that the clasp on the Pelagos is one of the best I've ever seen.
@@mephisst0 "easily win" in what category? Just curious; I've seen a lot of people make assumptions about Tudors that simply don't bear out. Crude in-house movements being the main one. I hadn't heard anything about any issues with Yema's quality control. The ones I've seen have been finished very nicely, though I found the bracelet rather basic and stiff.
Pelagos is in a completely different league price wise (probably 6 times the price of this one). It’s a luxury watch. In order to review one Jody would have to have one sent in by a viewer. I guess this channel is mainly about watches that are affordable for the many not just the few. That said, maybe Mr X could oblige?!
Excellent review Jody, also really cool on the spot adjustment! Yema did a great homage to their own watch, for the exception of the crystal, everything looks good. The 19mm bracelet, yeah that is a pain, anyway great vid!
I own the Yema Superman Maxi-Dial 2 with their in- house movement MBP1000. I've heard many people talk about how much they lose a day . I'm thinking that I must have really lucked out , as mine has consistently run about 4+sec a day for 5 months or so . I usually wear it in a rotation, but it gets weekly wrist time of 24-48 hrs and the rest of the time is in a winder . Anyway, great video and beautiful vintage peice.
I've had one for about a year. It's a bit of a dog to be honest. The bezel markers are misaligned in such a way that they would never be able to line up with the dial indices because the spacing is different. They claimed it was regulated at +\-6 spd, mine is a consistent +15. They didn't include a warranty card. The lume is just bad. It has a pleasing style but it's not worth the money imho.
I bought one in April and up till now the warranty card is still nowhere to be seen. Did you managed to get yours? Their CS is just full of shit tbh and super shitty communication and transparency
I also have one and I give it a solid C+. My bezel is the same way and it drives me nuts. The 12 is right at the detent so it will always settle one side or the other. The bracelet, while comfortable, feels tinny. The in-house movement (IMHO) is nothing but a liability-- any repair/service will have to be via Yema or long waits while your local watchmaker waits for parts. I would rather have an ETA/SLTA. Agreed on the lume, I can also do without the 'fauxtina' indicies which are half the problem of the lume issue. Otherwise it's fa great watch, very comfortable, nice and low-key, the size works well on my 7.5 inch wrist. I got lucky I guess, mine keeps pretty good time at +/- 8.
For once I got lucky, mine is running pretty well so far. I put a green canvas strap on it and looks great, but that bracelet is top notch like you said.
My Navygraf so far is pretty good. Everything lines up precisely and so far runs 2s a day slow, which I can live with. Very nicely finished. However I get the issue with a plastic movement holder, surrounding an in-house movement that they hype up (3 million development costs etc etc). It's like buying a bunch of nice flowers and dropping them into a styrofoam cup for safe keeping. Perhaps I'm being unkind, but there is also something about their customer reps being available on line 24/7 at a moment's notice - popping up in boxes when I hit the website. Having said that I'm on my second Yema - their Spacegraf is really spot on IMHO
I don’t understand all the excitement about in-house movements. in my humble opinion, they are only superior if they are actually superior in performance. I would much rather get an Eta movement than an in-house movement with inferior accuracy. That said, you were a little tough on Yema when the example sent to you was actually running within specifications at -24 seconds/day. I always prefer fast vs slow, but it was within stated specs. Nice thorough review. I wonder how easily local watch makers would be able to get replacement parts.
Agreed. I've found that most collectors are just aping what they heard, and, never stop to question what's so good about an in-house. Watches are the only thing I can think of where status seekers stupidly think that having something that is MORE of a pain in the ass to service is some kind of advantage. Now, in something that is entirely hand made and is a singular work of art, yes, I can see it. However, Omega (for example) has made a big to do about their co-ax movement with claims that, frankly, can be matched by most Seikos. Tudor, trying to shake their image of being wanna-be poor man's Rolex, came out with an in-house movement that may be no better than its predecessor just so they can claim "in-house". That being said, if one has several watches all with ETA or its clones, I can understand a collector's boredom and desire for something different. I'm more into design, but, some people are more into the movements.
Absolutely loving Yema! Very original designs and a great size. Love that bracelet too although 19mm strap can be a problem but with that bracelet, why change it! Great review as always! Ps, I bought the Gerlach Kosmonauta and I love it! Space, the 70s what’s not to love! Being born in 74 and I remember my dads Pulsar, I just had to have one and it doesn’t disappoint!
Another good and honest review.. I like the watch but as you say similar to the Oris diver 65 which I have... I’ve rewatched you review on the Axios flagship as I love the retro style of both these watches...
Hey Jody, great video! Was hoping for the timegrapher part as mine is also running slow... Had a bit of a journey with yema and had to return it a couple of times. The third one was flawless except the movement and dial alignment. Latter I was able to fix myself. One point I missed in the video is the ghost position of the crown as it has a date complication but no date on the dial.
Hi Jody, a successful regulating job can be very satisfying. I wouldn't also dare tinkering with the very expensive ones but I have already been able to turn some NH35 powered chinese specials into decent timekeepers. Cheers mate👍
Yema had a sale recently and I was able to get mine for $499.00 shipped to Texas just last week. Next is the pearl diver or the Nationale Blue Navygraf.
Looks good and the yellow hands are appropriate . Given that its a diver it doesn't look like its been built to a formula and has some character. Interesting to see they are offering to upgrade watches with the old movement for the new (albiet for $250)
Bear in mind though, those first links joined to the end links don't articulate much, meaning although a reasonable end to end distance, the watch doesn't wear well for smaller wrists. Just wanting to say, to keep people with smaller wrists being disappointed.
It’s a cool watch, I was hot on Yema for a while purchasing 2 watches then it all started to go south when they took my money for 10 days for a Heritage 63 Scales bracelet and then they sent me and email to say your Yema Privilege coupon is not valid and we want more money when their website accepted the coupon and my money. I didn’t feel good that they made it sound like I did something wrong so after a few more emails trying to come to a middle ground they said no. I got my money back but i can’t help but to feel I’ve been taken for a fool when they took my money for so many days and didn’t say anything. Yema doesn’t really care about customer retention, I’ve already bought 2 watches and really had my eye on at least a few more. The difference was $108, I was very surprised they would let a lifetime customer go over that little bit of money. I loved the brand but it’s run by very short sighted people who were only looking out for their month end commission check.
Thank’s for saving me headaches mate ! They are for sure very aggressive when you are in their web site... give this give u that bla bla , I love the watch’s and I know the brand Yema but never bought one and now for sure I’m not going to get one savoir fair it’s not the French way for this company!!!!
This is my affordable grail piece. Having almost entirely given up buying watches in the sub-£100 market, and not being interested in much below £300, I'm now saving my pounds for one of these.
@@NotoriousK_I_T Overpriced piece of "french", with quality issues, lousy customer support and with an in-house movement which implies high service costs.
@@damyr quality issues? In house movement implying high service costs? "French"? Sounds like you have a bit of an agenda against Yema. Is that from experience, or are you just angry in general?
Hey Jody - quick question: I've had the Navygraf for the past few months but haven't worn it much because the crown isn't completely flush with the case once screwed down all the way. Is that the case with your watch as well, or should I contact Yema about it? Quality video as always!
Isn’t it to do with the gasket system on this particular watch? Push/pull crowns can look flush against a case but without being screwed in against a gasket it’s not as effective. That’s my guess anyway. Edit: or could the crown not be threaded properly and stop before it’s supposed to? That seems unlikely though.
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
19 mm is bang on 3/4 of an inch. It is the standard strap size for watches sold in the United States market in the 1970s. For example the Rolex standard case (Oyster Precision/Date/DateJust) from this period has 19mm lugs. I own a variety of watches with this strap size; I also used to have a truly gigantic assortment of period NOS straps in 3/4”. When those wore out (and I think some were plain lost) I discovered that 20mm straps work just fine. I have my Rolex on a Vostok dress strap in brown, 20mm; the Rolex-signed buckle even fits nicely. I believe, btw, that 19mm straps were actually only ever sold as 3/4”; every strap from that assortment (which I bought from a retiring jeweler) from quite a few manufacturers were signed “3/4” rather than “19”. Calling them 19s is a recent thing.
I love this watch and have the Superman heritage. Would have been nice it they kept the date window from the original as there is a date wheel on the movement. Hope the second version of the movement improves the accuracy. Heard a lot of people on forums complain that the watch runs too slow/fast.
I would have to believe that the wild time variations are more likely caused by a few rough knocks in shipping... perhaps even a little unnatural overheating while stuff off in a shipping container for months. Bulk mail isn't known for its delicate handling.
For me this watch is a bit like Blade Runner: it's everything I love, but for some reason I just don't connect with it. I don't have that feeling in my chest that says "oh yes" in the same way that perhaps a Zodiac Olympos or the Mido decompression timer does. It's a shame, but great review!
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@saintsaturnoxious8344 I feel you. I like Jody's channel but I feel when you are affiliated with companies, the objectivity is questionable. I ordered a Cadison Cadis-oak based on his AliExpress sale video back in March. The watch was a piece of trash. Misaligned indices, uneven lume, ran fast and the bracelet was so badly put together, it regularly left marks on my skin. I now only buy if I have seen the watch in person and I'll never buy a Cadisen or anything from AliExpress again. I enjoy the channel, but I think it's wise to do more research because everyone has different tastes and values they look for in a purchase.
@@cdb5001 Don't blame Ali but do your research. I have some exceptional watches from Ali but try to stick with brands like Sharky/Heimdalr, San Martin, Pagani Design or even Parnis. Personally I don't mind experimenting with other brands, knowing that it's hit or miss. I have a gorgeous $60 "Carnival" dress watch which is perfect because I only wear a few days a year.
@@poulwinther I wasn't impressed with the AliExpress shipping process either. Overall, it was not an enjoyable experience and I'd rather save up my cash for nicer timepieces that are well made.
If you get a new watch from shipping running out of spec it has likely been magnetized somehow through shipping. Demagnetize it and check it’s accuracy before adjusting.
I've used sharp objects like you used there and after damaging the NH35 on my Invicta Pro Diver I learned that a flat wooden toothpick was easier to work with and actually made it easier to make minute (see what I did there🙃) adjustments. A handsome piece but why oh why 90 clicks? Thanks mate!
That Patent has been Pending since the 1960's - that is a LONG time ! :D So we have a slow running patent application as well as a slow running movement. Wonder it you can regulate the patent application in the same manner that you regulated the movement. What would the Patent Lawyers say? Great review (especially the Lume comparison).
Great video as always, Jody! I think the yellow hands and the colour of the indices make it a charming looking watch from an interesting manufacturer. My only gripe with the design is the (lack of) angle of the lugs combined with the protruding caseback, which leaves an ugly gap when on wrist (@ 9:57 in your vid). I don't agree with your reasoning that the indices aren't 'fauxtina' because the original had it as well. That just makes the original one of the first watches in history with 'fauxtina'. 😉
I have a flygraf that seems to be the same case but without the bezel and I agree: i wish the lugs angled down a bit more, especially considering the 39mm case diameter and thickness. It has a bit of "float" going - that gap you mentioned. Is it hideous? Subjective. But it's a thing for sure and it's been one of the reasons I haven't immediately purchased a navygraf, instead looking at other heritage/retro style brands that might have a tighter lay on the wrist.
Haha! It’s most of the channels. Guess dive watches are just hugely popular amongst watch geeks. I’d love to see a few more dress watches reviewed but they just don’t seem to sell these days.
Selling directly to the public, and the watch is actually available for purchase. What a novel idea!
Bought the Yema Superman Heritage in June. After receiving a watch with a faulty bezel, Yema refused to exchange the watch and instead replaced the bezel insert.... with the incorrect one. Yes... Yema replaced the bezel insert with a bezel insert from a different model 🙃After going back and forth for a few months and passed on to every customer service representative possible... I finally got a brand new replacement and love it! Great watch but terrible customer service!
The vintage look is not for everyone but I like it, though I prefer the Superman line of theirs. From a buyers perspective, Yema gives out tons of info on the dimensions of their watches. They even lay out infographs about the dimensions of their bracelet, at least on the "scales" limited edition. That is something I haven't noticed anyone do before. Many companies give out barely anything other than the movement and diameter, some fashion brands don't even bother that much.
Wearing my Yema Navygraf Heritage today. I have to say I love this watch. Great piece and that in house movement just makes it for me. Really interested to see what their imminent kick-starter in house chronograph movement is like
Liberté, égalité, Fraternité ! Excellent ! A Yéma on your channel ;)
Looks great! Love the yellow hands. Nice to see their heritage continues.
Gorgeous watch!
Lift angle is only relevant to measuring amplitude, not timing accuracy. You’re fine. Cool watch. I’ve always been interested in the Yema dive watches. Good review Jody.
Hey Jody. I bought this Navygraf as a small birthday gift for myself some months ago. Am pretty impressed with the built quality. I have 3 issues with it.. My bezel is slightly misaligned to the left at 12 o'clock. The watch stands a little too tall on my wrist.. wish the lugs were slightly more tapered downwards. Also, my Navygraf was running slow (in excess of 20s per day) in the first 2 days of usage! However, it miraculously recovered and now it runs about +1 / +2s per day! Overall, a very nice vintage diver that I am glad to have made the plunge for. 👍 good review
Quite like this, it's got a bit of something about it. I was screaming at you to open it up to see the movement and then you did! Thanks!
Hi Jody. Recently got my Superman Armee de L'air. Really happy with my purchase and love the almost spartan look.
Mine has the MPB1000 which ran +20sec day. Also adjusted mine and got it to -1sec day pretty easily. Been consistent for like that for a month now.
Overall a keeper if you ask me
Bought one and at first was thinking had I made a mistake. But the more I wear it the more I'm glad I jumped. So different from my other divers.
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@saintsaturnoxious8344 Sorry to hear of your disappointment. Hope you get it sorted out soon.
Just got mine. Was running +12 to +27 spd. Adjust to -2 to +3 spd now. Super happy now.
"Dad, why has it got a 90 click bezel?" - 'Son, .....it's French.....'
Buahahahaha...
Haha! This watch can be on your wrist only when month have R in it :)
Dmitry Lyakhovenko that’s 8 months innit!
@@villageroma But it's so french :)
😂 😂 😂 😂
Good review of this overlooked brand. I purchased the same watch earlier this year direct from Yema. Got the 15% discount and an extra leather strap. It arrived 3 days after I placed the order which is excellent service considering they are in France and I am in Toronto, Ontario. Mine has never run slow. I would say it is running the same as yours after you made the adjustment. They are going to release a GMT model soon which I plan to also purchase. Fantastic value for the money. Cheers.
Yes! Thank you Jodi! I left a comment on a previeous video that the yema superman or the navigraf and the zodiac sea wolf are some of the watches I would like in the 1000$ price range. New watches with vintage heritage... more affordable than an oris 65, and, very important for me, a smaller than average size for a dive watch. All the best from Romania!
My favorite watch channel. Look forward to seeing every video. Thanks for all your hard work
Thanks Michael! Thanks for watching the channel mate.
one of most nicest and cutest watch at your channel Sir :)
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
Usually not a fan of fauxtina but have to admit, she is a beaut! Really like Yema's design language.
Tried talking to Richard Legrande about my watch running too fast, basically told me it was tough, it was within manufacturing spec (22spd) so live with it.. shame as I like the watch, but no customer backup has meant I wouldn’t recommend anyone to buy one.
Stunning, the best brand for real world money out there right now. Right on my shopping list. Very elegant and wearable too. If Bond were french.....
I love my Navygraph. I have the original M1000 movement, but recently recieved an email from Yema offering a movement swap for their newer M2000 at the cost of $250 usd + return shipping. I thought about it at first, but decided to pass since when the time comes to service the watch, Yema will swap out any worn parts with the newer movement anyway. As always, great review.
Love the Music Jody!! Perfect! U are a real tinker! Thanks
Apart from the timing issue which I assume is a fluke, I love this watch. One of the best vintage divers on the market today imho.
Make sure you silicone grease up that caseback gasket! Excellent job regulating it!
Looks fantastic on wrist and it’s nice to see its so close to the original design, other company’s take note !!
Excellent job Jody. My 1st comment ever that I recall. You were the 1st watch you tuber I ever subscribed to. I am also a Certified member of Jory. always love your vids
Thanks Stuart!!
Love mine too. It looks great on a 19mm Uncle Seiko Tropic Strap.
Think Yema are doing brilliant stuff lately, nice to see their brand presence growing the way it is!
A gutsy move there Jody and full marks for doing it. I must agree that watch is how to do vintage properly. Orange because it’s the most legible under water (I think I read somewhere), and the yellow hands work well too. If I did not know better I would swear it was vintage plus as it picks up a few scuffs it will amplify that too. Shame it was not calibrated correctly to start with and the 19mm bracelet but everything else is spot on. Lovely 😍
Orange does NOT work well underwater. That was a marketing ploy by Doxa. Orange and red are the first colors to go when diving due to the water filtering the wavelengths.
m39fan I know nothing!! 😕
Re bracelet size: I suspect Yema will send a certified purchaser a couple extra links if requested. Keep at it!
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@saintsaturnoxious8344 You are totally right! I suspect they send used watches to so many people. Mine was scratched on the caseback and have you noticed they dont write the serial number? First time in my life. Now I am sure my defected watch was sent to another unlucky guy
I bought a 2-month old Navygraf second hand a few months ago and it was running 90spd fast. Mine has the original MBP1000 movement in it.
Sent it back for repair (which I assume was only regulating). I paid for shipping there and they covered costs of getting it back to me. Was only 4 or 5 weeks in total.
However it came back still around 30spd fast. So off it's gone again to Yema for fixing (regulating). This time it was a pre-paid collection.
A real shame that they couldn't get it down to within tolerance first time and seeing Jody regulate his in really easy fashion makes me think maybe mine has got a more fundamental issue. LOVE the look of the watch and it is finished really beautifully for the money. But they need to have worked wonders on its accuracy for me to be won over with its performance. We'll see soon hopefully.
Very nice T-shirt sir! And watch!
Hey there Jody.. I'm late in catching up with many of your reviews.. but I love them.. so well done!
Frank in Colorado
I got a good sub $100 diver for you Jody! Steeldive 1954... Sapphire, NH35, Ceramic Lumed Bezel Insert, 200m. It has the best lume I've come across on an Aliexpress diver (probably comparable to San Martin)! The only stumble is the pressed clasp, but that can be fixed with a $7 milled clasp pick up. There are two options, which both reference back to pretty unique Sub variants: Comex Dials and Sultan of Oman Dials. Not sure if you've already seen it, but if not, I hope I caught your attention!
it's pretty crazy that you can get a diver with an inhouse mvmt from a heritage company for less than a 800$. Wish they used a boxed sapfire tho
Yeah, Vostok is pretty cool...
@@SeventhShin lol
@@SeventhShin I have a Yema AND a Vostok.
Seiko... ☝🏻
Citizen
Beautiful watch. Great value. Love Yema.
Like the style and look if this piece.
I've owned mine since jan and it's my favorite watch , quirks and all. I do occasionally wear it on an Uncle Seiko Tropic strap which is great.
instagram.com/p/CANtIt2HQng/?igshid=2llejj2690yj pic for reference
That is Gorgeous! Wow Yema are knocking it out of the park. Also I just ate 1 million scoville unit ghost pepper hot sauce. Wow!
I've seen these everywhere lately, and I thought I'd love this watch by the end of your review. But instead, I found myself happily enjoying my RLG Odyssea III all the more.
Similar size and finishing, not too distant style-wise... (the Yema is obviously a little more 'vintage')
Yeah, ok-- so the Yema has an in-house movement, but I'm quite happy with the Miyota 9039 sitting behind the solid case-back of my RLG, and having saved a few hundred $$ in the process!
Between the 19mm lugs, the poor lume, and the 90 click bezel... it's one of those times I wish they'd gotten the small things right.
My tip... pick up the updated RLG Oceanfarer for less than $400. You won't regret it! 😁
Wow, those Odyssea's look great, going to have to look into those more. I have the Yeam Navygraf, almost 2 years now, and I love it.
Lovely looking watch. I'm pretty sure I nearly bought an original on eBay a couple of years ago that was badly advertised but went for a little more than I was willing to pay. Kinda regret that now.
Great looking watch! Sort of reminds me of the nth! Maybe that's where nth got their inspiration.
Some of the King Seikos had a F/S adjusting screw between the lugs. Very convenient!
I do love the retro look of this, but it's too expensive for me.
Love this watch and came very close previously getting one. Hopefully one day I will pick one up. Love the colour scheme and the looks are definitely up my street. I've got a 70s Ricoh automatic that has a yellow/black gradient dial. Definitely a colour combo that works for me. Enjoy your Yema! 👍
Domed Sapphire would have look great especially for that price.
Excellent video, Jody! I really like this one. I've been looking at Yema a lot recently and may pull the trigger on one or more models. This one looks the business and seems to represent great value for the cash. I'd say the weak lume is a bit disappointing at the price range, but in reality I don't use lume that much and I imagine this watch is pretty legible in low light situations, plus I keep a Casio on the nightstand in case I need to look at the time in the middle of the night. 90 click bezel also isn't a deal breaker either. Hope you can do more Yema soon! Maybe a Rallygraf or the Spacegraf. Thanks Jody!
Due to my love for Seiko and their 19mm lug width, this is the most common strap measure I have in my collection.😂
Yema and the company behind the brand (Ambre) has had a lot of quality control issues, with their in house movement or the case (like asymmetrical lug size on their Superman bronze).
On another note, if you like their clasp and driver's extension, you should definitely check and review the Tudor Pelagos 👍
Lol comparing this to a pelagos
@@misterman1371 I was not comparing it to a Pelagos, there is no competition there, the Pelagos easily win. I'm just saying that the clasp on the Pelagos is one of the best I've ever seen.
They now offers upgrading their movement to a new one at a good price
@@mephisst0 "easily win" in what category? Just curious; I've seen a lot of people make assumptions about Tudors that simply don't bear out. Crude in-house movements being the main one. I hadn't heard anything about any issues with Yema's quality control. The ones I've seen have been finished very nicely, though I found the bracelet rather basic and stiff.
Pelagos is in a completely different league price wise (probably 6 times the price of this one). It’s a luxury watch. In order to review one Jody would have to have one sent in by a viewer. I guess this channel is mainly about watches that are affordable for the many not just the few. That said, maybe Mr X could oblige?!
Excellent review Jody, also really cool on the spot adjustment! Yema did a great homage to their own watch, for the exception of the crystal, everything looks good. The 19mm bracelet, yeah that is a pain, anyway great vid!
I own the Yema Superman Maxi-Dial 2 with their in- house movement MBP1000. I've heard many people talk about how much they lose a day . I'm thinking that I must have really lucked out , as mine has consistently run about 4+sec a day for 5 months or so . I usually wear it in a rotation, but it gets weekly wrist time of 24-48 hrs and the rest of the time is in a winder . Anyway, great video and beautiful vintage peice.
Oooh very nice, like this one! Great review Jody.
One other difference to the original 70's version - it had a date complication!
That a pretty good looking watch Jody! Definitely Oris 65 vibes which is NO bad thing!! May have to consider this Yema 👍🏻
Absolutely love mine !!! + 2.50 secs....a month !!!!
I've had one for about a year. It's a bit of a dog to be honest. The bezel markers are misaligned in such a way that they would never be able to line up with the dial indices because the spacing is different. They claimed it was regulated at +\-6 spd, mine is a consistent +15. They didn't include a warranty card. The lume is just bad.
It has a pleasing style but it's not worth the money imho.
If you know about French car manufacturing quality, it's not a far stretch to assume the watch manufacturing is equally dubious.
I bought one in April and up till now the warranty card is still nowhere to be seen. Did you managed to get yours? Their CS is just full of shit tbh and super shitty communication and transparency
@@cdb5001 Yeah, this has Citroen vibes. Quirky, interesting to look at, kinda fun, but they decided to include a crepe maker instead of a spare tire.
I also have one and I give it a solid C+. My bezel is the same way and it drives me nuts. The 12 is right at the detent so it will always settle one side or the other. The bracelet, while comfortable, feels tinny. The in-house movement (IMHO) is nothing but a liability-- any repair/service will have to be via Yema or long waits while your local watchmaker waits for parts. I would rather have an ETA/SLTA. Agreed on the lume, I can also do without the 'fauxtina' indicies which are half the problem of the lume issue. Otherwise it's fa great watch, very comfortable, nice and low-key, the size works well on my 7.5 inch wrist. I got lucky I guess, mine keeps pretty good time at +/- 8.
For those who like flipping their watches, Yema holds their used price reasonably well
For once I got lucky, mine is running pretty well so far. I put a green canvas strap on it and looks great, but that bracelet is top notch like you said.
My Navygraf so far is pretty good. Everything lines up precisely and so far runs 2s a day slow, which I can live with. Very nicely finished. However I get the issue with a plastic movement holder, surrounding an in-house movement that they hype up (3 million development costs etc etc). It's like buying a bunch of nice flowers and dropping them into a styrofoam cup for safe keeping. Perhaps I'm being unkind, but there is also something about their customer reps being available on line 24/7 at a moment's notice - popping up in boxes when I hit the website. Having said that I'm on my second Yema - their Spacegraf is really spot on IMHO
I don’t understand all the excitement about in-house movements. in my humble opinion, they are only superior if they are actually superior in performance. I would much rather get an Eta movement than an in-house movement with inferior accuracy. That said, you were a little tough on Yema when the example sent to you was actually running within specifications at -24 seconds/day. I always prefer fast vs slow, but it was within stated specs. Nice thorough review. I wonder how easily local watch makers would be able to get replacement parts.
Unless the repair or swapping the movement for a new one will cost a whole new watch it is cool 🤓
Agreed. I've found that most collectors are just aping what they heard, and, never stop to question what's so good about an in-house. Watches are the only thing I can think of where status seekers stupidly think that having something that is MORE of a pain in the ass to service is some kind of advantage. Now, in something that is entirely hand made and is a singular work of art, yes, I can see it. However, Omega (for example) has made a big to do about their co-ax movement with claims that, frankly, can be matched by most Seikos. Tudor, trying to shake their image of being wanna-be poor man's Rolex, came out with an in-house movement that may be no better than its predecessor just so they can claim "in-house". That being said, if one has several watches all with ETA or its clones, I can understand a collector's boredom and desire for something different. I'm more into design, but, some people are more into the movements.
Absolutely loving Yema! Very original designs and a great size. Love that bracelet too although 19mm strap can be a problem but with that bracelet, why change it! Great review as always! Ps, I bought the Gerlach Kosmonauta and I love it! Space, the 70s what’s not to love! Being born in 74 and I remember my dads Pulsar, I just had to have one and it doesn’t disappoint!
The lift angle for the MBP1000 is 52 degrees from Yema. I don’t have the 2000, but given their near identical architecture, I’d bet they are the same.
Thanks John! That was what the Weishi 1000 was set at by default.
I took the bait on the Navygraf, and while it does run 3-4ish seconds slow/day, scooping it up brand new for $650 makes me feel pretty good about it!
Outstanding video, wow!
Great stuff. Wish you had included video of your adjusting the movement. But, there are videos out there on that as well.
Looks amazing! Has a nice skindiver feeling :)
Another good and honest review.. I like the watch but as you say similar to the Oris diver 65 which I have... I’ve rewatched you review on the Axios flagship as I love the retro style of both these watches...
Nice shirt mate, Senna's lid can be spotted from outer space.
Hey Jody, great video! Was hoping for the timegrapher part as mine is also running slow... Had a bit of a journey with yema and had to return it a couple of times. The third one was flawless except the movement and dial alignment. Latter I was able to fix myself. One point I missed in the video is the ghost position of the crown as it has a date complication but no date on the dial.
good show keep them coming .
Where they beat Steinhart is the first centrelink on the bracelet... this one looks like integrated and flows much better around the wrist.
Merci pour cette revue . j'adore cette montre !!
Thanks for bringing this one to my attention. Definitely worth a look 👌
Must add though, Yema should really regulate their watches before sale.
Hi Jody, a successful regulating job can be very satisfying. I wouldn't also dare tinkering with the very expensive ones but I have already been able to turn some NH35 powered chinese specials into decent timekeepers. Cheers mate👍
Yema had a sale recently and I was able to get mine for $499.00 shipped to Texas just last week. Next is the pearl diver or the Nationale Blue Navygraf.
Good deal for that money. Just check the movement is running on time!
Beautiful watch really reminds me of the IWC Aquatimer 2000 3536
Absolutely great watch!
Looks good and the yellow hands are appropriate . Given that its a diver it doesn't look like its been built to a formula and has some character. Interesting to see they are offering to upgrade watches with the old movement for the new (albiet for $250)
Bear in mind though, those first links joined to the end links don't articulate much, meaning although a reasonable end to end distance, the watch doesn't wear well for smaller wrists.
Just wanting to say, to keep people with smaller wrists being disappointed.
It’s a cool watch, I was hot on Yema for a while purchasing 2 watches then it all started to go south when they took my money for 10 days for a Heritage 63 Scales bracelet and then they sent me and email to say your Yema Privilege coupon is not valid and we want more money when their website accepted the coupon and my money. I didn’t feel good that they made it sound like I did something wrong so after a few more emails trying to come to a middle ground they said no. I got my money back but i can’t help but to feel I’ve been taken for a fool when they took my money for so many days and didn’t say anything. Yema doesn’t really care about customer retention, I’ve already bought 2 watches and really had my eye on at least a few more. The difference was $108, I was very surprised they would let a lifetime customer go over that little bit of money. I loved the brand but it’s run by very short sighted people who were only looking out for their month end commission check.
I love the Navygraf but so many salty comments about Yema customer service does not fill me with confidence about the brand either mate.
Thank’s for saving me headaches mate ! They are for sure very aggressive when you are in their web site... give this give u that bla bla , I love the watch’s and I know the brand Yema but never bought one and now for sure I’m not going to get one savoir fair it’s not the French way for this company!!!!
This is my affordable grail piece. Having almost entirely given up buying watches in the sub-£100 market, and not being interested in much below £300, I'm now saving my pounds for one of these.
Great choice.
I'm sure you'll regret such expense, but well it's your money after all.
@@damyr why would I regret it??
@@NotoriousK_I_T Overpriced piece of "french", with quality issues, lousy customer support and with an in-house movement which implies high service costs.
@@damyr quality issues? In house movement implying high service costs? "French"? Sounds like you have a bit of an agenda against Yema. Is that from experience, or are you just angry in general?
Hey Jody - quick question: I've had the Navygraf for the past few months but haven't worn it much because the crown isn't completely flush with the case once screwed down all the way. Is that the case with your watch as well, or should I contact Yema about it?
Quality video as always!
How does it look compared to the one in the video?
Isn’t it to do with the gasket system on this particular watch? Push/pull crowns can look flush against a case but without being screwed in against a gasket it’s not as effective. That’s my guess anyway. Edit: or could the crown not be threaded properly and stop before it’s supposed to? That seems unlikely though.
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@varanid9 The crown on my watch definitely portrudes a bit more than the one on the video
@Paul Wieringa I would say its about 1mm
Also it's a dive watch. Yellow and orange are the most clear to read under water.
19 mm is bang on 3/4 of an inch. It is the standard strap size for watches sold in the United States market in the 1970s. For example the Rolex standard case (Oyster Precision/Date/DateJust) from this period has 19mm lugs. I own a variety of watches with this strap size; I also used to have a truly gigantic assortment of period NOS straps in 3/4”. When those wore out (and I think some were plain lost) I discovered that 20mm straps work just fine. I have my Rolex on a Vostok dress strap in brown, 20mm; the Rolex-signed buckle even fits nicely.
I believe, btw, that 19mm straps were actually only ever sold as 3/4”; every strap from that assortment (which I bought from a retiring jeweler) from quite a few manufacturers were signed “3/4” rather than “19”. Calling them 19s is a recent thing.
Great review as usual Jody 👌🏻. The ⏱👨🏼⚕️
I've been toying with the idea of getting one of these for a while!
I love this watch and have the Superman heritage. Would have been nice it they kept the date window from the original as there is a date wheel on the movement. Hope the second version of the movement improves the accuracy. Heard a lot of people on forums complain that the watch runs too slow/fast.
I would have to believe that the wild time variations are more likely caused by a few rough knocks in shipping... perhaps even a little unnatural overheating while stuff off in a shipping container for months. Bulk mail isn't known for its delicate handling.
For me this watch is a bit like Blade Runner: it's everything I love, but for some reason I just don't connect with it. I don't have that feeling in my chest that says "oh yes" in the same way that perhaps a Zodiac Olympos or the Mido decompression timer does. It's a shame, but great review!
If you're talking Blade Runner 2049, I fully agree with you. A film with a lot of flash but no soul.
I bought it and the quality control is horrendous. The bezel was terribly misaligned to the point where it's not pleasant to look at the watch. When I inquired to Yema about this they said this is normal for divers. Then they lied about when I'll get a a return label for them to fix the watch. I am very disappointed with the whole experience, not only with the watch itself but their apathetic customer service. Don't expect a return label or swift refund. Avoid the headaches.
@@saintsaturnoxious8344 I feel you. I like Jody's channel but I feel when you are affiliated with companies, the objectivity is questionable.
I ordered a Cadison Cadis-oak based on his AliExpress sale video back in March. The watch was a piece of trash. Misaligned indices, uneven lume, ran fast and the bracelet was so badly put together, it regularly left marks on my skin.
I now only buy if I have seen the watch in person and I'll never buy a Cadisen or anything from AliExpress again.
I enjoy the channel, but I think it's wise to do more research because everyone has different tastes and values they look for in a purchase.
@@cdb5001 Don't blame Ali but do your research. I have some exceptional watches from Ali but try to stick with brands like Sharky/Heimdalr, San Martin, Pagani Design or even Parnis. Personally I don't mind experimenting with other brands, knowing that it's hit or miss. I have a gorgeous $60 "Carnival" dress watch which is perfect because I only wear a few days a year.
@@poulwinther I wasn't impressed with the AliExpress shipping process either. Overall, it was not an enjoyable experience and I'd rather save up my cash for nicer timepieces that are well made.
If you get a new watch from shipping running out of spec it has likely been magnetized somehow through shipping. Demagnetize it and check it’s accuracy before adjusting.
Nice job Jody. You should take your watches apart more often. :) Would be nice if it had a date function.
Awesome review of a very attractive watch. This is a brand that I have been closely following. I just wish that they would put out some larger models.
Love the watch but... Yema, please make a 41 mm + 20 mm strap + 60 or 120 click + Boxed Sapphire Crystal. Merci. Great Review J...
I've used sharp objects like you used there and after damaging the NH35 on my Invicta Pro Diver I learned that a flat wooden toothpick was easier to work with and actually made it easier to make minute (see what I did there🙃) adjustments. A handsome piece but why oh why 90 clicks? Thanks mate!
That Patent has been Pending since the 1960's - that is a LONG time ! :D So we have a slow running patent application as well as a slow running movement. Wonder it you can regulate the patent application in the same manner that you regulated the movement. What would the Patent Lawyers say? Great review (especially the Lume comparison).
Great video as always, Jody! I think the yellow hands and the colour of the indices make it a charming looking watch from an interesting manufacturer. My only gripe with the design is the (lack of) angle of the lugs combined with the protruding caseback, which leaves an ugly gap when on wrist (@ 9:57 in your vid).
I don't agree with your reasoning that the indices aren't 'fauxtina' because the original had it as well. That just makes the original one of the first watches in history with 'fauxtina'. 😉
I have a flygraf that seems to be the same case but without the bezel and I agree: i wish the lugs angled down a bit more, especially considering the 39mm case diameter and thickness. It has a bit of "float" going - that gap you mentioned. Is it hideous? Subjective. But it's a thing for sure and it's been one of the reasons I haven't immediately purchased a navygraf, instead looking at other heritage/retro style brands that might have a tighter lay on the wrist.
Beautiful!
I think you should rename your channel into "Just One More Diver".
Suits me just fine 🤪
damyr
:D :D
I want just one more GMT 😭
New channel?
Haha! It’s most of the channels. Guess dive watches are just hugely popular amongst watch geeks. I’d love to see a few more dress watches reviewed but they just don’t seem to sell these days.
Love this watch.
Great t-shirt! A few years ago there was a tag-heuer Ayrton Senna model. Was he ever associated with "more loved" watch brands? Regards from Portugal