Yema is a French watch brand founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, the cradle of the French watchmaking industry. Coming from a long line of watchmakers, the founder graduated second in his class from watchmaking school, where he received a silver medal in recognition of the excellence and quality of his work. Since its inception, the company has sought to contribute to the prestige of French watchmaking and establish itself in both domestic and international markets. It quickly gained renown thanks to its timepieces that combine precision, quality, and innovation.
Yema made its mark in the world of sports by releasing its first series of automatic chronometers in 1952. The following year, the company became one of the first to launch diving watches capable of withstanding depths of up to 200 meters. In the 1980s, Yema strengthened its international reputation when it equipped Jean-Loup Chrétien, France’s first astronaut, with the Yema Spationaute 1 watch during a space mission. Today, Yema is considered a benchmark for watch enthusiasts seeking timepieces that are both functional and elegant. To showcase the design of your Yema chronograph, we offer a wide variety of watch straps compatible with the brand’s cases.
Yema’s Must-Have Watch Models
Since its founding, Yema has positioned itself as a company at the forefront of innovation. Technical ingenuity combined with French watchmaking expertise has enabled it to launch iconic watches such as the Superman in 1963. It was one of the first dive watches water-resistant to 300 meters, making it a top choice for professional divers. This watch features a rotating bezel lock mechanism that prevents accidental movement underwater—a feature that gives it a distinctive and functional design.
Yema also made history by becoming the first French watch brand to send a watch into space. The Yema Spationaute 1, produced in 1982, was worn by astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien during his mission aboard the Salyut 723 space station. This model was designed to withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight. The Yema Spationaute 2, meanwhile, made its debut in 1985 on the wrist of astronaut Patrick Baudry during the first Franco-American orbital flight aboard the space shuttle Discovery.
Yema also launched the Yachtingraf in 1966, developed specifically for sailors and regatta competitors. This watch features a countdown timer and a tachymeter, both essential for sailing competitions. This model helped establish Yema as a leader in the sports watch sector.
The brand also gained recognition in the world of auto racing with the Rallygraf watch, launched in 1967. This watch stands out for its design inspired by car dashboards and its precise chronograph, further reinforcing the brand’s sporty image.
A range of straps for Yema watches
Yema embodies excellence in high-precision watchmaking. Its watches are specially designed to accompany you on all your adventures, whether in the water, on land, or in the air. Our collection of Yema watch straps is specially designed to keep your watch case secure while showcasing its design. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of materials and colors to customize your watch to your preferences.
Rubber is the ideal choice for your sports or diving watch. This flexible and durable material ensures comfort on your wrist while being resistant to impacts and wear. Rubber’s water resistance also allows you to wear your watch during all your sports activities. rubber watch straps are also available in a variety of colors, ranging from understated tones to bright hues, to match your style.
Designed for the British military, the NATO strap is also an ideal choice for Yema watches. This nylon strap is extremely tear-resistant and water-resistant. Its flexibility also allows it to conform to your wrist for optimal comfort.
To add a chic and luxurious touch to your Yema watch, opt for a leather watch strap. Classic and elegant, calfskin is prized for its fine grain and soft texture. Over time, this material develops a unique patina that will add character to your watch. Calfskin also offers a wide variety of colors and finishes to personalize your watch. Saffiano, nubuck, or grained calfskin—it’s up to you to choose the style that suits your taste.
You can also give your Yema watch an exotic look by choosing a leather watch strap made from alligator. The distinctive alligator-scale pattern gives the strap a unique and distinctive appearance. Alligator leather is also renowned for its high resistance to wear, scratches, and moisture. A lizard leather watch strap, on the other hand, will add a touch of originality and elegance to your watch. Its tight, small scales give it a unique appearance that will highlight your watch case. You can also choose an ostrich leather strap. This leather, with its unique texture and natural patina, gives your watch a luxurious and refined character. Its speckled appearance—a hallmark of ostrich leather—adds a touch of originality to your watch case.
To order a watch strap compatible with the Yema brand, visit our website and easily add the strap of your choice to your cart in just a few clicks. You can also explore our selection of watch straps in person at our store located on rue du Dragon, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
