YEMA

YEMA was founded in 1948 by Henry-Louis Belmont, who graduated top of his class in 1931 from the National Watchmaking School of Besançon. Belmont pioneered automation in French watch manufacturing and specialized in ultra-capable tool watches for extreme conditions. By 1954, production reached 130,000 watches, and from 1965-1968, YEMA became France's leading watch exporter, selling 400,000 watches annually to 55+ countries. The 1963 Superman dive watch launched an collection, followed by the 1966 Yachtingraf regatta chronograph and 1967 Rallygraf racing chronograph. Mario Andretti wore a YEMA Rallye during his historic 1969 Indianapolis 500 victory. In 1982, YEMA became the first Western European watch in space when astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien wore the Spationaute I aboard a Soviet mission. After ownership by Matra (1982-1986, where Richard Mille led international development) and Seiko (1986-2004), YEMA was acquired by Ambre France in 2009. The family-owned Morteau group invested €3 million to develop the MBP1000 in-house movement by 2011. Over 250,000 MBP1000 calibers have been produced. In 2020, YEMA became official partner to the French Air Force and Navy. The 2023 CMM.20 marked the first French micro-rotor movement, followed by the CMM.30 tourbillon with tide complication.