I’ve always found myself drawn to watches with a vintage soul – especially dive watches. There’s something about their purpose-driven design, the patina-inspired tones, and that unmistakable tool-watch honesty that just resonates with me. Modern pieces are great, but when a watch manages to capture the charm and character of the past while still feeling relevant today, that’s where things get interesting.

That’s exactly where the Yema Navygraf Heritage steps in. To really appreciate it, though, it’s worth taking a quick look back.

The original Navygraf models date back to the late 1960s and 1970s, a time when dive watches were evolving rapidly into reliable professional instruments. Yema’s take stood out with its bold design language, most notably the distinctive handset and those quirky, almost playful hour markers that made it instantly recognizable. Built as a true tool watch, the Navygraf combined functionality with a unique aesthetic that helped it carve out its own identity among the classic divers of the era.

With the Heritage version, Yema isn’t just revisiting that design but leaning into it, aiming to recreate the feel of those early models as closely as possible.

Let’s talk about the watch, code name Ynav25-AM

The watch arrives in a practical leather travel case, which does a solid job of keeping it safe during transport and storage. It’s functional and well thought out, though it doesn’t quite reach the same premium feel as the packaging that came with the Skin Diver Slim Bronze CMM.20 edition. Of course, the two watches sit in different categories. The Navygraf feels more like an entry point into Yema’s dive watch lineup, while the Skin Diver clearly represents the more premium end of the spectrum.

First things first, let’s see the dial because this is where the Navygraf really shows its personality and also it’s the first thing we see after unboxing the watch itself.

At its heart are those matt yellow hands(in certain lights more white like) treated with some good lume, Superluminova Grade A, a true hallmark of the Navygraf identity. They’re not just there for looks either, they deliver excellent legibility and pop instantly against the dial in pretty much any lighting condition. It’s one of those details that feels both functional and full of character.

Surrounding them are the unmistakable exclamation point hour markers. Slightly playful, a bit quirky, but undeniably iconic. It’s a design language that sets the Navygraf apart from the usual dive watch crowd and gives it that instantly recognizable look.

And then there’s the date another subtle nod to the past. It blends in nicely without disrupting the overall symmetry too much, adding a bit of everyday practicality to an otherwise very character-driven dial.

Double-domed hesalite crystal and epoxy bezel

The double-domed hesalite crystal is a standout. From certain angles, it creates this beautiful distortion that instantly gives off strong vintage vibes. It’s something I personally love, not just for the character it adds on the wrist, but also for photography. It opens up so many creative possibilities with light and angles. That said, it’s not without its trade-offs. While hesalite looks fantastic and enhances the vintage aesthetic of the whole package, it’s also more prone to picking up scratches(I can see some on mine already) during everyday wear compared to sapphire. Don’t forget that such crystal is pretty easy to get polished, if you do not like to see them battle scars on it.

Paired with it is the epoxy bezel insert, which complements the look perfectly. Together, they produce that soft, warm glow you’d expect from a true vintage piece, rather than the sharper, more clinical feel of modern materials. The matching bezel insert keeps everything cohesive, while the overall execution stays very true to the original Navygraf models from the 1970s.

It’s these subtle choices that really bring the watch closer to its roots, not just in design, but in how it feels in everyday wear.

The 39mm 316L stainless steel case really hits a sweet spot in terms of proportions. With a 46mm lug-to-lug, it wears comfortably and feels well balanced on the wrist. The finishing is nicely executed too, mostly brushed surfaces that reinforce the tool watch character, contrasted by polished chamfers that catch the light just enough to add a bit of refinement.

The engraved screw-down crown feels solid and purposeful, exactly what you’d expect from a diver rated to 200 meters. It adds to that sense of reliability and everyday usability, whether you’re near water or not.

And then there’s the caseback, which is honestly a bit of art on its own. Yema’s historic coat of arms is embossed using a hydraulic press and finished with different micro-blasting techniques, giving it a nicely detailed and refined look. It’s one of those elements you don’t see while wearing the watch but it adds a lot to the overall experience of owning it.

The bracelet itself is good, really good. Made from 316L stainless steel with a vertical brushed finish, it fits the tool watch aesthetic nicely. The clasp features a double folding mechanism with the Yema logo, along with a diver’s extension, making it easy to adjust over a wetsuit if needed. You also get four micro-adjustment positions, which definitely helps in dialing in a comfortable fit.

On the wrist, the watch looks great and feels comfortable throughout the day. The proportions really work here, making it an easy wear in most situations.

One small downside, though, is the 19mm lug width. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does limit strap options a bit compared to the more common 20mm standard.

The movement

Inside the Navygraf beats the tried-and-tested Sellita SW200, a reliable workhorse that’s widely used across the industry. It runs at 28,800 A/h, features automatic self-winding, and offers a power reserve of around 38 hours, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and date. It’s a movement known for its robustness and ease of service, which definitely fits the practical, tool-watch nature of the Navygraf.

That said, at this level, I wouldn’t have minded seeing something a bit more elevated, either the SW300 or even one of Yema’s own in-house calibers. It wouldn’t necessarily change the day-to-day experience drastically, but it would push the overall package closer to that premium feel the design already hints at. Of course that would also significantly raise the price of the watches.

A small note

I’ve received quite a few questions on Instagram, especially in the comments, about QC and customer support when it comes to Yema, so I wanted to address my experience clearly in this review. I know there are rumours and discussions on forums about quality control issues and slow responses from Yema, but I can honestly say that I didn’t experience any of that. My emails were answered in a timely and professional manner, and the version of the watch I received had zero quality control problems, everything felt perfectly in order.

I also have to mention I only handled two of their watches, the Skin Diver Slim Bronze on loan and this Navygraf.

Final thoughts

The Navygraf Heritage isn’t trying to be perfect, it’s trying to be authentic. From the moment it lands in your hands, you can feel that it’s built with a clear sense of purpose and respect for its roots. The double-domed hesalite crystal, the epoxy bezel, the matt yellow hands, and those playful exclamation-point hour markers… all of these design choices prioritize character and vintage charm over modern perfection. They give the watch a personality that you don’t often find in contemporary dive watches.

On the wrist, it’s an absolute pleasure. The 39mm case, balanced lug-to-lug, and well-finished bracelet make it incredibly comfortable for everyday wear. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or out for a weekend adventure, it just sits there effortlessly, never feeling heavy or cumbersome. It’s the kind of watch that makes you want to wear it every day, and that’s a big part of its appeal.

Of course, it’s not for everyone. But if you’re drawn to vintage charm, subtle quirks, and a watch that feels alive with history while still offering modern reliability, the Navygraf Heritage makes a lot of sense.

And then there’s that warm glow under the right light, a soft, almost nostalgic shimmer that only hesalite and thoughtful design can provide(and the distortion from certain angles which I love a lot). It’s subtle, it’s characterful, and it’s exactly why this watch resonates so well with anyone who appreciates both form and function. In short, the Navygraf Heritage is a wonderfully wearable, genuinely charming piece that succeeds by staying true to itself.

In short, it’s a fantastic addition to any collection an absolute pleasure to wear and a worthy continuation of a strong heritage line.

Specifications for the Ynav25-am:

• Size: 39mm diameter, 10.85 thickness
• Case: 316L stainless steel, vertical brushed with polished bevels
• Crystal: Double-domed hesalite crystal
• Bezel: unidirectional rotating diving bezel with epoxy insert
• Crown: Screw-down polished crown with embossed Yema logo
• Water resistance: 200m/20bar/660 feet
• Lume: Super-LumiNova Grade A
• Movement: Sellita SW200 (38hours power reserve)
• Bracelet: 316L stainless steel
• Clasp: Double-security folding clasp with diver’s extension and Yema logo
• Lug width 19mm
• Price 990 euro

Link to the watch:

https://yema.com/products/yema-navygraf-heritage-ynav25-am