Collectible! Restored Yema Tank Cal 1401/1 17J Mechanical Watch (OH) 1960s

Make: Yema, France
Type: Mechanical
Model: Tank
Year of Production: Circa 1960s
Movement: Cal 1401-1
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hands and Dial: Roman Numeral Indices with 10K Baton Hands
Width: 28.8mm
Height: 35.7mm
Thickness: 10.3mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: Brand New High-Quality Crepha Genuine Leather Strap

Yema was founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont, a graduate of the National Watchmaking School of Besançon.

The name “Yema” is said to have been chosen from a student competition—it doesn’t have a specific meaning.

In the 1960s, Yema became the French #1 exporter of French watches that were sold in more than 50 countries. Their best selling and most iconic was the Yema Superman, made specially for the French Air Force and professional divers. They also have the privilege of being the first French watch in space.

In 1988, Yema was integrated into Seiko France but in 2009, they were bought over by and came under the ownership of the Montres Ambre Group, based in Morteau, near the Swiss border. They continue to produce their own movements until today.

Here we have a highly sort-after circa 1960s Two-Tone Yema 17J Mechanical Timepiece in stunning condition.

A good and thorough clean-up revealed a beautifully preserved Roman Numeral Dial with 10K Gold Baton Hands.

Its classy and stylish tank shaped case was buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable. The original crystal was buffed and is in good condition albeit miniscule scratches are still present.

The unsigned crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The quick date and time-set is adjusted via the traditional method of uncorking the crown and turning the crown accordingly.

The Cal 1401/1 mechanical movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 7 April 2025. In short, it was given a thorough servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the high grade and highly prized 1401/1 Mechanical movement, it has 17 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows stunning readings of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 188 with a relatively straight centred line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 28.8mm (w/o crown) and 35.7mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 19cm; thus suitable for men and women.

The timepiece comes with a brand new hi-quality Crepha genuine lizard leather brown strap with gold buckle.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Yema components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

This timepiece is not water-resistant. DO TAKE NOTE.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

This extremely rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Because it is extremely rare, this 17J Yema Tank Mechanical Movement is not easily found on auction and online sites.

Take note that low-ballers, trolls and wannabe advisors (whose "advise" is completely unwelcomed) will not be entertained, and should they persist, they will be reported and blocked!

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a thorough servicing, and an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate, and S$ 40.00 to clean and buff the case - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Yema 1401/1 Mechanical in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.