Vintage Yema Navygraf II Ref 55.025.6

Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, France, Yema began producing its first professional watch, the Superman, in 1963.  Considered indestructible by the French Military, the watch was chosen as the timepiece to be worn by French Air Force Pilots.  Later,
innovative timepieces were produced, including the Yachtingraf and Rallygraf, the latter of which was worn by Formula 1 driver Mario Andretti.  Yema quickly became the largest exporter of French watches, with more than half a million timepieces sold in over 50 countries by 1968.

The Yema Navygraf II Ref 55.025.6 features a 37mm x 45mm stainless steel case with squared lugs, large square crown guards, a flat mineral glass, and a rotating dive bezel with a locking system that keeps the bezel
secured in place, by a pin that locks into place through the lugs near the 6 o’clock position.  The matte black dial features circular hour markers, an arrow-shaped hour and minute hand, a lollipop-shaped seconds hand, and a date window at the 3 o’clock position.  The Navygraf II is
powered by an automatic 17-jewel movement.

This vintage Yema Navygraf II Ref 55.025.6 includes an aftermarket canvas strap with a steel buckle.  The dial has developed a tropical patina, with a pumpkin-colored patina on the hour markers and hands.  The hands on this timepiece have been relumed at some point, in matching color lume.