Vintage Yema Yachtingraf Regatta Timer Chronograph Valjoux 7733 - SOLD
Despite being a lesser known mostly domestic French brand founded in 1948, Yema has produced a number of classic watch designs. Signatures such as the Sous Marine and Flygraf are interesting and collectible vintage tool watches, but nothing compares to Yema's most revered watch, the Yachtingraf. Offered here is a second execution model powered by a Valjoux 7733 with a straight lug case in similar dimensions to the first generation Heuer Autavia.
The Yachtingraf debuted in 1966, a Valjoux powered chronograph with a unique patent-pending large regatta timer at 3 o'clock housed inside a perfectly sized 38mm straight lug steel case. The oversized colorful subdial has become the signature feature of the Yachtingraf, and the splash of bright color contrasting the black dial rounds out a handsome sports watch that manages to be fun, unique, and versatile.
The Yachtingraf is one of the most interesting and unique chronographs of the 60s. We have quite the affinity for quirky sporting chronographs, especially those used for specific purposes as they are a callback to an analog time where watches were used as genuine tools. It of course helps when the design is as eye-catching as the Yachtingraf.
Take a look at the photos and our condition description below:
Case: 38mm stainless steel case in excellent condition. The case shows only minimal signs of wear and there are no significant dings, dents, scratches or other detractions in the case.
Bezel: Original bi-directional bezel. The bezel turns freely. Some areas of the insert show wear as pictured.
Dial/Hands: Original matte black dial and hand set with three color "big eye" regatta timing register in very good condition as pictured. Both the dial and hands retain their original tritium lume which has faded to an even patina. There is some very light spotting in the yachting subdial as pictured.
Caseback: Original "100% waterproof" steel caseback with sharp engravings and light wear as pictured, including some old tool marks.
Crystal: Excellent acrylic crystal free of any major scratches.
Movement: Manual wound Valjoux 7733 in excellent mechanical condition. The chronograph starts, stops, and resets as it should, winding is smooth, and all functions work as they should. Movement was just service din June 2019.
Bracelet/Strap: An excellent condition original vintage Tropic style rubber strap with a stainless steel buckle is included.
Accessories: None, sold as watch only.