Yema - Aviation Chronograph - No reserve price - 38969 - Men - 1960-1969

Yema Aviation Chronograph – Vintage Swiss Mechanical Chronograph – Valjoux 7733 – Black Dial – Silver Subdials – Blue Chronograph Hand – 17 Jewels – Tachymeter Scale

An attractive vintage Yema Aviation Chronograph, featuring a distinctive black dial, contrasting silver chronograph subdials and a striking blue central chronograph seconds hand.
This timepiece reflects the functional design of vintage aviation-inspired chronographs from the 1960s, when mechanical precision, legibility and practical timing instruments were essential characteristics of professional-style wristwatches.

The black dial features elegant Arabic numeral hour markers, luminous-style hands and two beautifully detailed silver registers with concentric circular finishing, creating a classic reverse-panda chronograph configuration.
The vibrant blue central chronograph seconds hand adds a distinctive visual accent, contrasting beautifully with the dark dial and polished case. A particularly interesting feature is the combination of the outer tachymeter scale, marked with speed indications in kilometres, and an additional numbered scale, reinforcing the watch's technical and instrumental character.

At the heart of this chronograph is the Swiss mechanical Valjoux 7733 movement, a respected manually wound chronograph calibre widely associated with vintage Swiss sports watches.
The watch is fitted with a blue perforated leather racing-style strap, complementing its sporty vintage appearance.
An appealing collectible chronograph combining French watchmaking heritage, Swiss mechanical engineering and classic 1960s design.

Technical Details
Brand: Yema
Model: Aviation Chronograph
Gender: Men's
Case material: Chrome-plated metal
Case diameter: 36 mm
Case back: Stainless steel
Case back number: 38969
Glass: Acrylic crystal
Dial: Black dial with contrasting silver chronograph subdials
Hour markers: Arabic numerals and baton markers
Movement: Swiss mechanical, manual winding
Calibre: Valjoux 7733
Jewels: 17
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, 30-minute chronograph counter,
Chronograph layout: Two registers at 3 and 9 o'clock
Central chronograph hand: Blue
Water resistance: Not tested for water resistance
Strap: Genuine blue leather strap with perforated racing-style design
Wrist size: Approx. 20–21 cm
Box: Generic box included
Condition: Grade B

Condition Report
This Yema Aviation Chronograph is presented in Grade B condition, showing signs of age and use consistent with its vintage character. The chrome-plated case displays surface scratches, small marks and areas of plating wear. These signs are consistent with the age of the watch.
The black dial remains attractive, with visible small marks, dust-like spots and natural ageing. The silver chronograph subdials retain their distinctive concentric finishing, while the Arabic numerals and hour markers show some ageing.

The blue central chronograph seconds hand remains a particularly attractive feature of the watch. The acrylic crystal shows signs of normal use, including minor surface scratches. The stainless steel case back displays surface scratches and handling marks. The engraved inscriptions “Antimagnetic,” “Dustproof” and “Stainless Steel Back” remain visible, together with the case number 38969.

The mechanical chronograph movement is visible in the supplied photographs, showing its traditional architecture, gears, bridges and chronograph components. The blue perforated leather strap is in good overall visual condition, with minor signs of use. Water resistance has not been tested and is not guaranteed.
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and illustrate the actual condition of the watch.

Story & Heritage
Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, France, Yema became one of the most recognizable French watchmaking brands, particularly celebrated for its sports watches, diving instruments and mechanical chronographs.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Yema developed a strong reputation for producing robust, technically interesting timepieces inspired by motorsport, aviation and underwater exploration. The brand became especially associated with distinctive chronograph designs, combining Swiss mechanical movements with bold and functional French styling.

One of the defining characteristics of vintage Yema chronographs is their emphasis on readability and technical functionality. This Aviation Chronograph reflects that philosophy through its contrasting black and silver dial, two-register layout and external timing scales.
The Valjoux 7733 is an important part of the watch's appeal. Introduced during the late 1960s, this manually wound Swiss chronograph calibre became widely used by numerous respected watch manufacturers.

Its robust cam-operated chronograph construction and practical two-register configuration helped establish it as one of the characteristic mechanical chronograph movements of its generation.
Unlike modern electronic timing instruments, mechanical chronographs of this period required considerable engineering precision, with numerous interconnected components working together to measure elapsed time.
The black reverse-panda dial, silver subsidiary registers and vivid blue central chronograph hand create an attractive combination that captures the technical spirit of vintage sports timing instruments.

The tachymeter scale adds another historical dimension, recalling the period when wrist chronographs were valued not only as personal accessories but also as practical instruments for measuring speed and elapsed time.
With its compact 36 mm case, distinctive dial and traditional Swiss mechanical chronograph movement, this Yema represents an interesting piece of vintage European watchmaking.
A characterful collectible for enthusiasts of Yema, Valjoux mechanical chronographs, aviation-inspired watches and classic 1960s sports timepieces.
Internal Reference Number - FL0 234