Yema Daytona Chronograph

August 31, 2021

Today, #TBT ventures back into familiar territory by, once again, taking a look at a mechanical chronograph. This time, however, well talk about a watch from a brand that I really hadnt heard of up until roughly a year ago. I recommended the brand Yema, and its U.S. distribution name Le Jour, as a brand to watch in my Vintage Market Update from a couple months back because the watches combine some great style at a still-affordable price in the increasingly unaffordable vintage chronograph market. Lets take a closer look at one of the brands more popular pieces to see what it has to offer and also use this week to talk a little about finishing on vintage watches; the Yema Daytona is now on #TBT.The Yema Daytona…what s in a name?Guffaw and chortle away at the name of this piece, but the watch world is a goofy one when it comes to titles: especially the vintage watch world. Yes, this Yema is called the Daytona by fans for no other reason than, well, its a chronograph? Honestly, I dont get it because the watch looks a lot more Autavia than Daytona to me, but somewhere, probably in France (which will make better sense later), someone decided to use the same moniker as a certain 3-register chronograph from Switzerland. Anyhow, I found out the name of this piece when posting it on my Instagram account and people hurriedly chimed in to let me know its calling card; theres always something to learn in the world of vintage watches. With all that said, lets learn a little bit about the brand and then well investigate the curiously named Yema Daytona.The Yema Daytona posing next to another beloved French productYema, the brandYema was founded in Besancon, France in 1948 and was quite a popular independent watchmaker. They actually produced watches in France and seemingly utilized production capacity in nearby Switzerland. Per Wikipedia, Yema was the first French company to produce a completely French-made automatic chronometer. The company was famous for its interesting chronographs, especially its yachting pieces. These are highly desirable, especially in France, and some great information about them can be found here. An interesting turn occurred in 1988 when Seiko bought the brand. In 2005, though, the brand was purchased by local French owners and is now selling fashion watches. Alas-The Yema Daytona looks great on a weathered NATOI mentioned that I had not really heard of Yema before roughly a year ago, but I kept seeing them come up on for sale boards and eBay. Some designs, especially the chronograph with a wood-grain dial looked French quirky (Im thinking of 60s Citroens with this reference) while others looked quite of the times. So, when I saw the Yema Daytona for sale with a $600 buy-it-now, I took a chance. While it is certainly no Autavia, or Daytona for that matter, I am glad I pulled the trigger.The case back of the Yema Daytona is 100% confident!The Yema Daytona specsThe Yema Daytona features a stainless case, which is not always the case with Yemas as many are plated base metal, and measures in at 39mm in diameter. It features a period typical 19mm lug width and a screw down case back that claims that it is 100% waterproof to 10atm. The rotating 60-minute bezel is backwards counting, which is quite cool and seemed to be an option versus traditional clockwise versions. The crystal is domed acrylic. Pushers are submerged into the case: meaning one cannot see the posts.? The original crown is a large, finely ridged piece with a flat surface. Inside, beats the workhorse Valjoux 7730 handwinding movement that features a 45 minute recorder on the right sub-register.A head-on look at the Yema DaytonaThe Yema Daytona gets it right on the dial…The dial on the Yema Daytona is one of the nicer designs from a non-mainstream brand. Whereas some seem to throw everything but the kitchen sink onto the fa?ade (Yema was guilty many times over), the Daytona exhibits some restraint, especially when it comes to a lack of writing on the dial.A macro of the Yema Daytona dialYou can see that Yema actually had a cool logo during this time, which, by the way, puts this watch as a mid-60s make. Nice, applied hour indices contain a stripe down the center and are framed by a rather detailed chapter ring and tachymeter scale. The white sub-registers actually step sharply down from the dial and are fitted with hands of differing shape. Actually, if you look at a lot of Yemas Yachtgrafs, youll see some fairly creative hand designs, so its not surprising that the rightmost register contains something other than a needle. Speaking of needles, the central chrono hand contains a barely visible red tip. Perhaps time hasnt been so kind to the pigment as it unfortunately doesnt give the contrast that one would desire. Finally, if we take a look at the hands, theyre simple rectangles with lume that fit the watch very well. Yes, overall, a very well executed dial.Note the chunky lugs on the Yema Daytona…but the Yema Daytona falls slightly short on detailsSo far, the Yema Daytona sounds like a winner and even more so at such affordable prices. Well, the watch does represent great value, but it does have a few shortcomings. First off, the stainless case looks a lot like an Autavias from head-on and even from the side, but upon closer inspection youll note that the lugs are a bit thick. An even closer glance at the lugs will reveal the lack of delicate chamfering found on models such as said Heuer. Theyre not bad, but if youll allow me to get geeky on you, the Yemas case looks more like a blank off the first station of a stamping press versus the finished product.The side shot of the Yema Daytona: note the ample winding crownMy second issue relates to the crown and pushers. I love a big, fat crown on a manual winding sports watch and the Yema Daytona certainly does not disappoint. It does, however, look a tad cartoonish, though, when compared to the stubby little pushers. So, yes, my issue is with the pushers and the fact that theyre so small. I know we are all about originality with vintage watches, but I would not begrudge someone for swapping longer pushers on this case; it would look much better.A little color next to the stark Yema Daytona#TBT goes on the soapbox with the Yema DaytonaThese aesthetic concerns about the Yema Daytona are really only noticeable if one really studies their watches and, believe me, I probably look too deeply. Furthermore, the issues are not overly evident when the watch is worn, but it does bring up an interesting point; not everything thats old is good. Yes, my Dad always tells me this when Im fascinated by some old piece of junk. Ok, that sounded harsh, but what I really mean to say is that there were differently priced options for watches back in the 60s (like today) and Yema likely wasnt anywhere near the top. Therefore, dont expect it to have the same finishing as a period or Heuer. That doesnt mean that this Yema isnt good; its just not ever going to be as well finished as a brand that likely cost 2-3x when originally sold.The Yema Daytona, at 39mm, looks nice on the wristSourcing a Yema Daytona is likely a French experienceSo, honestly, I did not mean to sound negative about the Yema Daytona; its a nice watch and it wears very well due to its size.? It also looks great on the rugged, Crown & Buckle NATO. Did I mention the pricing? Prices for these seem to hover around the $500-750 range and have started to sell quickly. You can find them on eBay, but youre better off heading to eBay France. France is the home of Yema and many show up for sale there or on French watch forums. Things to watch out for on this piece, and any Yema, are the typical concerns such as correct hands, dial, bezel, etc. Finding spares is darn near a fools quest. If you think those are tough, though, try finding crystals-nearly impossible. If someone knows something I dont, PLEASE let us know a good source below. As mentioned, the crown on this one is original, but I often see generic pieces fitted. Also, I have seen versions with nicely inscribed Yema logo case backs. Finally, youll see this case used in a number of versions such as one with a date at 6:00, a 3-register, and various Yachting variations. All look great, use easily serviceable and robust Valjoux movements, and are worthwhile.Note the red tip of the central chrono hand on the Yema Daytona…subtleI do think there is room for appreciation with Yema chronographs as they have great classic styling, a cult-like group of fans in France, and are equipped with great mechanicals. Do I think theyre the next Heuer? No, and they dont need to be! However, because they are often seen on social media and are affordable, that has increased their desirability. ?Plus, with pricing again in focus, they make a great starter watch for the new collector. Therefore, consider looking sooner than later to capture one at these bargain prices. I hope you enjoyed this weeks #TBT, a look at the Yema Daytona: a nice watch from the French marque that had evaded me up until only recently. Until next week-au revoir Note the finely detailed chapter ring and tachy scale on the Yema Daytona Sometimes, a 2-register chronograph exhibits great symmetry…the Yema Daytona exemplifies this Wear and all, the Yema Daytona is still an attractive watch The Yema Daytona, at 39mm, looks nice on the wrist A macro of the Yema Daytona dial Watches like this Yema Daytona feature robust Valjoux 77xx movements – they re robust and easy to service The Yema Daytona posing next to another beloved French product Note the red tip of the central chrono hand on the Yema Daytona…subtle The Yema Daytona contains the venerable, hand-winding Valjoux 7730 The case back of the Yema Daytona is 100% confident! The side shot of the Yema Daytona: note the ample winding crown A head-on look at the Yema Daytona The Yema Daytona looks great on a weathered NATO Note the chunky lugs on the Yema Daytona This version of the Yema Daytona contains a backwards countdown bezel. Traditional versions also exist