Yema Launch Astonishing Yachtingraf Tourbillon Mareograph 75th Anniversary Limited Edition

When it comes to French watch brands, two of the names that immediately come to mind are Yema and Baltic, which feels appropriate because both brands are on an absolute tear at the moment. Accessible French fine watchmaking has never been as exciting as right now. Baltic are doing things you’d never expect of such a small brand like releasing 1-of-1 perpetual calendars while Yema have just launched a stunning French tourbillon. Specifically, they’ve launched the Yema Yachtingraf Tourbillon Mareograph 75th Anniversary Limited Edition.

As the name of the watch indicates, the Yachtingraf has an aquatic theme while not being a dive watch. It’s a watch comfortable on or around boats but not actually in the water – although with 100m water resistance it should at least survive if you accidently take a spill and get out immediately. In some regards its similar to how the Rolex Yacht-Master isn’t really a dive watch either.

Where the aquatic aspect of the watch comes into its own is the Mareograph located at 12 o’clock, also known as the whirlpool complication tideograph. It’s essentially a lunar complication akin to a moonphase except that it translates that information into a display that shows the daily cycle of the tides. Particularly useful for sailors or those who want to know whether to bring flipflops or waders to the beach. The indicator also looks fabulous with the red-blue subdial and porthole ring around the edge, it oozes nautical instrument vibes and I love it.

Of course, what is more likely to draw attention to this watch is what’s located at 6 o’clock on the dial, the tourbillon. It looks awesome and is made even more special by the fact that it (along with the rest of the CMM.30 movement) was designed by the French watchmaker Olivier Mory. This is a true French tourbillon designed by a Frenchman and with a large number of components produced in Yema’s manufacture in Morteau, alongside a Swiss regulator.

The specs are also pretty crazy with a 105-hour power reserve, an accuracy of -3/+7 seconds per day as well as solid anti-magnetic and shock resistance.

There’s so much going on with the mechanics of this watch that I’ve totally neglected the case and styling. It measures 42.5mm in diameter and is available in either steel or bronze, limited to 75 pieces in each material. The aesthetic of the Yachtingraf Tourbillon Mareograph 75th Anniversary, with its fairly long lugs, round shape and shiny 60-minute bezel, is clearly inspired by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Although perhaps my brain is making that connection because Blancpain just released their own bronze rendition with a two-colour indicator in the form of the Act 3. Regardless, the Yema look fantastic.

On top of all that, it’s priced at €9,990 (approx. £8,650), which is great value for a specially designed tourbillon movement of such high specification. I really like this watch and it shows Yema’s commitment to improving French horology and push boundaries. Plus, it’ll make a decent splash at all those yacht-board cocktail party on the Cote d’Azur that you so regularly attend.

​Oracle Time 

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