seconde/seconde/ tags Yema’s Yachtingraf icon with graffiti flair

Zach Blass

Are you familiar with the Yema Yachtingraf? Born in the 1960s, the Yachtingraf was Yema’s answer to a chronograph built for the purpose of yacht racing and the importance of tracking 5-minute countdowns. In those days, it was a fully mechanical, Valjoux 7730-driven chronograph, but in the modern era, the Yachtingraf Croisière is positioned as a more affordable mechaquartz endeavour. Brands are often very precious about their design icons, but today Yema has let the horological world’s favourite vandal remix its Yachtingraf watch. A natural step considering his subversive style, seconde/seconde/ brings a graffiti twist to the Yema Yachtingraf, turning it into the Yema Yachtingraff – an extra ‘f’ added due to the graffiti twist.

The case

Its stainless steel case has very comfortable dimensions, measuring 38.5mm in diameter and 10.3mm thick. Befitting of its nautical origins, it has a 100-metre depth rating that makes it perfectly suitable for recreational aquatic adventures, despite being a chronograph. It handsomely blends finishes, with the bezel and lug hoods rendered in a mirror polish and the case flanks richly brushed. It is worth turning your attention to the mirror-polished pushers as seconde/seconde/ has even brought a twist to these small elements. You will notice coloured rings embedded within the pushers, evocative of mini spray cans that set the stage for the graffiti-inspired remix of the dial.

The dial

The star of any show made in collaboration with seconde/seconde/, at first, it would seem you have a somewhat plain black dial livened up by the coloured regatta-themed counters of the chronograph. Upon closer inspection, however, you will notice the countdown timer counter at the 9′ position has been hand-painted and appears like a graffiti artist tagged the counter in a style that also functions as a 60-minute timer with countdown sectors. Whether timing a race or merely popping popcorn in the microwave, it is visually pleasing and functional. The 24-hour counter has also been hand-tagged, and the chronograph hands painted to further add personality. I love how the counters are each dripping with paint, seemingly freshly tagged by the watch world’s very own Banksy. Lastly, the central hours and minutes hands and the applied hour indexes are treated with SuperLuminova for visibility in the dark.

The strap

Even as a graffiti remix, it would be criminal to have the 100 metres water-resistant Yema Yachtingraff seconde/seconde/ on a strap that was not rubber. Fortunately, the nautical-rooted Yachtingraff has been outfitted on a black tropic-style rubber strap to best match the dial, though there are no graffiti or coloured twists to this element. It is secured to the wrist via a case-matching pin buckle closure.

The movement

The Seiko VK63 movement inside may not be the most glamorous, but it is ultimately why the watch, even with seconde/seconde/’s hand-painted touches, can be priced at just US$449. The VK63 is a mechaquartz movement, a hybrid setup in which the watch is powered by a battery but has mechanical components that allow the chronograph to act and sweep just like a mechanical one would. Understandably, the Seiko VK63 is not exhibited on its caseback, and, instead, you have a solid caseback with a sign-off mic-drop phrase from seconde/seconde/, “La Croisière, ma muse” (The cruise, my muse), engraved into a sunken and frosted medallion.

The verdict

Recalling how popular seconde/seconde/’s outing with Furlan Marri was, and how collectable that collaboration remains, I think it was very wise that Yema was open to having him come in and bring his artistic twist to the Yachtingraf. This Yachtingraff will only bring more attention to the Yachtingraf and its legacy, and create some fun buzz for the brand with a very accessibly priced piece (at least in the context of luxury watches).

Yema Yachtingraff seconde/seconde/ pricing and availability

The Yema Yachtingraff seconde/seconde/ will be available beginning June 25th, 2025, with deliveries forecast for September 2025. Price: US$449

Brand	Yema
Model	Yachtingraff seconde/seconde/
Case Dimensions	38.5mm (D) x 10.3mm (T)
Case Material	Stainless steel
Water Resistance	100 metres
Crystal(s)	Hesalite, double-domed
Dial	Black, hand-painted counters and hands
Lug Width	19mm
Strap	Black rubber strap, steel pin buckle
Movement	Seiko VK63, mechaquartz
Power Reserve	N/A
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Availability	Orders open June 25th 2025, deliveries September 2025
Price	US$449