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Timekeepers Club / November 14, 2022

Yema Wristmaster Traveller Micro-Rotor Limited Edition

YEMA is an integral part of French watchmaking entrepreneurial history, a tradition and know-how that has existed for hundreds of years in France. The current transition into a true watchmaking Manufacture model opens a new chapter for the French independent watchmaker.

During the last two years, YEMA has made substantial investments aimed at insourcing a good part of its production, constantly improving the quality of the manufacturing processes as well as developing a future range of French Manufacture calibers.

This new chapter involves the in-house production of some key components but YEMA will also rely on new local key partners for a more responsible, higher-quality production. The French-Swiss Jura Arc is increasingly integrated, YEMA will now leverage from new watchmaking partners’ know-how, all of them located within a radius of 72 km around YEMA’s Morteau workshops.

Inspired by the emblematic 1960's YEMA Wristmaster timepieces, this unique model is equipped with the first ultra-thin micro-rotor French Manufacture caliber, which can be admired through a sapphire crystal exhibition case.

Designed as a luxury sports watch with integrated steel bracelet and water resistant to 100m thanks to a threaded screw-down crown, the Traveller Micro-Rotor Limited Edition is a rare and elegant high-end watchmaking timepiece at a fair price that works both on formal occasions as well as everyday wear.

The unique micro-rotor self-winding system and the impressive finishes are normally found in $15k+ timepieces, therefore backers are safe in the knowledge that they are investing in an excellent luxurious watch at a fair price fully designed and manufactured in France by YEMA, a long-established family-run independent watchmaker.

Limited edition 1948


This collector’s edition limited to 1,948 timepieces, each one engraved with a unique number on the micro-rotor winding mass, features 3 distinct dial colours matching the micro-rotor caliber. You’ll choose dial colour and preferred numbers after the campaign ends.

Caliber Manufacture Morteau CMM.20


Micro-rotor caliber developed by Olivier Mory whose components are manufactured by our watchmakers in our Morteau workshops.

For several years, YEMA's ambition has been to offer a range of high-end Manufacture Calibers involving the insourcing of components manufacturing within our Morteau workshops.

This significant development has required substantial investments in R&D, new equipment as well as the expansion and modernization of our workshops and production lines. YEMA’s Manufacture Calibers will benefit from improved precision and performance, they'll equip premium timepieces of YEMA's future Manufacture collections.

Baptised CALIBER MANUFACTURE MORTEAU 20, this new micro-rotor caliber project is the first stepping stone in YEMA's strategic plan to become a vertically integrated Manufacture and preserve our independent watchmaker status. The final prototypes will be unveiled end of 2022 and first production run is scheduledfor Q1 2023.

The micro-rotor’s oscillating winding mass is made of a high density tungsten alloy for smooth counterweight, allowing optimized winding and a decent power reserve of 70 hours.

Due to its smart architecture resulting in a contained thickness of just 3.70 mm (26% thinner than an ETA 2824), this new caliber will soon equip thin and refined cases.

The Traveller Micro-Rotor case measuring 39mm in diameter, features an asymmetrical octagonal flange married to a round bezel. The steel and satin case features dozens of facets finished with great attention to design, with brushed surfaces enlightened by polished bevels all around.

The integrated stainless steel bracelet, with brushed flat surfaces and polished bevels on the sides, is closed by a triple folding clasp. The continuous pattern of vertical brushed surfaces and polished angles naturally extends all the way from the top of the bezel, to the case and further into the integrated steel bracelet, creating the appearance of seamless integration.

The continuous pattern of vertical brushed surfaces and polished angles naturally extends all the way from the top of the bezel, to the case and further into the integrated steel bracelet, creating the appearance of seamless integration. The gently tapered links on the integrated bracelet (23.9mm to 23mm) continue the effect, vertical brushed surfaces continue meeting polished angles all the way to the butterfly clasp.

Unique bezel


The bezel is inspired by a YEMA Sous-Marine model from the 1980’s and is made from a single piece of stainless steel, yet it has three distinct finishes, with the top and bottom bevels featuring an elegant vertical brushing and an entirely polished transition where the bezel’s horizontal and vertical surfaces meet.

Elegant dial


The dial’s slightly curved embossing and subtle grading from light to dark revealed when exposed to full light, create a powerful yet refined aesthetic that perfectly complements the sheen of the bezel and case metal. The applied hour markers with matching steel hands, both treated with a luminescent coating, and the absence of a date complication are fundamental design elements that reinforce the luxurious minimalism and sporting elegance aspect of this unique timepiece.

The slightly raised sapphire crystal offers better readability, enhanced resistance and a resolute vintage look. Premium watches like the Wristmaster Traveller Micro-Rotor privilege sapphire crystal which is extremely hard (Moh’s scale 9 – Diamond is 10), and will resist scratching by most substances short of diamonds.

Super-Luminova


The hands and hour markers are treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A so as to offer perfect readability in low light conditions.

Exhibition case back


A micro-rotor is a smaller or more compact version of the usual rotor or oscillating mass that winds automatic timepieces. Unlike the central rotor, it is integrated into the movement, which allows watchmakers drastically reduce the thickness of the caliber and fully display the beauty of the movement through an exhibition case.

The 39 mm case diameter and 43.5 mm lug-to-lug width wear a bit larger than you would expect because of the fixed end-links increase the effective lug-to-lug width to almost 45 mm. The proportions are pleasant and the watch wears comfortably and ergonomically on the wrist with its impressive, innovative design that certainly turns heads. This timepiece perfectly fits wrist sizes from 6.3 inches / 16 cm up to 8 inches / 20 cm.  

Technical specifications


Yema Wristmaster Traveller Micro-Rotor

Limited edition of 1,948 pieces

Case

  • Material: 316L Stainless Steel
  • Diameter: 39 mm
  • Thickness: 9.20 mm
  • Lug-to-lug: 43.5 mm
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal
  • Screw-down crown
  • Water-resistant to 100 meters (10 BAR / 330 feet)

Dial and hands

  • Black, blue or green
  • Applied hour markers treated with Super-LumiNova

Movement

  • Micro-rotor Caliber Manufacture Morteau CMM.20
  • Automatic movement
  • Power reserve of 70 hours

Functions/Indications

  • Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

  • 316L stainless steel with polished-brushed effect
  • Double safety folding clasp with diving extension and YEMA logo

MSRP

  • EUR 1'499 * (-50% off future retail price)

* EU backers will pay €300 EU VAT during checkout i.e. €1'799 in total.

For more information, please visit yema.com

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