Yema Rallygraf SUPER 'Full Set'

Today, Yema Chronographs are very desirable, and there’s no wonder why. Yema is a French brand born in 1948 that quickly became famous as it is said that they launched the first automatic chronograph manufactured in their home country. With dimensions and shape similar to some “big” watches like the Heuer Autavia or early Speedys and racing dials, these chronographs have rapidly become a sought after collectors.

The Yema Rallygraf Super was likely introduced in the late 1960s and is a 3-register chronograph fitted with Valjoux 7736 or 72 calibers. These versions came with black and white dials with red racing stripes similar as old dashboards, perfect design for sports cars fans.

This entire backup was soon targeted by the motorsport business and Mario Andretti, one of racing’s all-time greats with the distinction of winning a F1 World Championship, the NASCAR Daytona 500, a class win at Le Mans, and the Indy 500, wore one of these racings Yemas. Andretti competed in the Indy 500 many times, until 1994, and came close to winning it on several occasions, but his lone win came all the way back in 1969. What was Mario wearing during this win? It seems he was wearing a Yema Rallye, a sportive chronograph with 2 registers.

This Rallygraf Super is a truly collectible piece amongst collectors, especially between Heuer fans, and one of the nicest examples we’ve ever come across. The dial is just flawless with no marks and miss-printing. All of the hands are original, with no re-painting. They remain in incredible condition with a perfectly matching lume. It has a well-desired 39mm excluding the original flat-step crown, all stainless steel 1st Exec. Heuer Autavia 2446 type of case, sharp and unpolished. It also has a tachymeter sportive bezel, with minor marks that remains in excellent sahpe, and an unpolished waterproof case back. It is powered by the robust Valjoux 7736 which is running great with last service dating from 29/08/2017. The acrylic crystal plexi is in good condition with no scratches.

It comes suited on a handmade leather strap which is an exact reproduction (taking exact measurements of an original example) of the original racing strap that these Yema’s came on. This strap was computer designed by ourselves with the help of a Yema fan and collector and his original strap, and manufactured by a custom strapmaker.

Just to add more things, if possible, to this example; it comes with the complete kit; boxes (inner wooden box and outer cardboard box) and guarantee paper sold in 1971 by a dealer in Andorra, a country placed between France and Spain (where we found it) that was occupied by the French during many decades. There’s only one other example known to exist complete as this one, and not in such great condition.

Indeed, a wonderful set and display that will stand out of the rest.