Yema is a French watch brand that was founded in Besançon, France in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont. The name "Yema" comes from the French words "yeux" and "mains," which mean "eyes" and "hands" respectively, and reflects the brand's focus on precision and accuracy.
In its early years, Yema produced a range of affordable and reliable watches, including mechanical watches and chronographs. In 1953, the brand introduced the Yema Superman, a dive watch that quickly became a popular choice among professional divers and adventurers. The Yema Superman was notable for its innovative features, including a bi-directional bezel, a locking crown system, and water resistance up to 300 meters.
Over the years, Yema continued to innovate and introduce new models, including the Yema Spationaute III, a watch that was worn by French astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien on a space mission in 1983.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Yema struggled to compete with the rise of quartz watches and the decline of the Swiss watch industry, and the brand eventually went bankrupt in 2004. However, in 2009, the brand was acquired by the French group Louis Boleto and was re-launched with a focus on its historical models.
Today, Yema produces a range of watches, including re-issues of its classic models such as the Yema Superman and the Yema Rallygraf. The brand continues to be known for its innovative designs, high-quality construction, and dedication to precision and accuracy.