The partnership between Yema and Alpine has blossomed into a fruitful one. While the Renault subsidiary’s Formula 1 efforts are covered by H. Moser & Cie, the two French brands have come together to tribute Alpine’s other racing escapades, which there are many of. Previous editions included tributes to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but today’s novelty – the Rallygraf Alpine Cup – honours the Alpine A110 Elf spec series that sees the mid-engined, lightweight sports cars battle it out on some of Europe’s most respected circuits. To paint a picture, the 2025 season saw action at places like Spa, Zandvoort, and Mugello. As for the watch, Yema released three models to celebrate this particular occasion, and we got our hands on the panda dial – and as you may expect, had some thoughts.
The dial
If you’re familiar with any of Yema’s previous Rallygraf releases, the recipe for the dial is consistent. Its main differentiating factor is the contrasting, trapezoidal sub-dials, which is a look that the Rallygraf has been championing since its introduction in the 1960s. For this specific collaboration, branding is very minimal, with the Yema and Alpine Cup Series text opposing each other at 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively. Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind a bit more of that Alpine blue on the dial, perhaps as part of the Alpine brand name, but I really can’t complain. The highlight colour is cleverly integrated into the tachymeter scale printing, as well as the “BASE 1000” phrase, making for a pleasantly minimal dial.
In addition to this panda, two other dial colours are available. The first is essentially an exact inverse of this one, with white sub-dials against a black backdrop. But if you yearn for that blue, the only option would be to step up to the manually-wound Sellita model, adopting a light blue panda look.
The case
On the wrist, the 39mm diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug mean that the proportions are ideal. Sure, the thickness at 12.2mm isn’t ultra-thin by today’s standards, but it is in line with what I’d expect from a watch sporting this movement. The finishing is overall very pleasant, if not overly elaborate, but it gets the point of the Rallygraf being a sporty chronograph across.
What did surprise me was that Yema opted for a K1 mineral crystal. While this is one of the more affordable watches they make, I see no reason why they wouldn’t use a sapphire here, as they do on the light blue LE. Sure, it won’t have those vintagey reflections and warm feel, but it’s a tradeoff I’d be happy to take, and a feature I expect in a modern watch at this price today.
The bracelet
What kind of strap or bracelet do you expect a watch called the “Rallygraf” to have? It simply needs to have a perforated leather strap, designed in a way that it only looks really cool if you’re already oozing cool… Or does it? Yema took it a step further and chose to subtly integrate that same “perforated” design into the five-link bracelet. It’s a clever way of continuing the visual language, and the brushing seems superb. The only negative is the clasp, which is a pressed number.
The movement
As you might have inferred from the dial layout, the movement is a Seiko VK64 mechaquartz, the ubiquitous choice when making an affordable chronograph, and for the right reasons. It’s a proven performer and will last you some three years before you’d have to pop a new battery in. It’s hidden behind an Alpine “A” emblazoned caseback – giving me a moment to once again commend the showcased overbranding restraint.
The verdict
Yema have played this very cleverly. For those who aren’t into the racing and probably don’t want some random, big logo printed onto the dial, this subtle bit of text is perfectly acceptable. As a purely personal quip, I have to mention the distinct lack of Alpine blue – I would’ve really wanted to see a dial in the exact colour, but alas, with that we once again enter the dangerous territory of potential overbranding. The rest of the watch is exactly what you’d expect from Yema’s entry-level: decent finishing all around, care taken to make it wearable, and a novel design, like this perforated rally bracelet to tie it all in.
Yema Rallygraf Alpine Cup Series pricing and availability
The Yema x Alpine collection comprises three models – two mechaquartz, standard-production pieces, and a 100-piece edition powered by a manual Sellita chronograph movement – all of which are available now from Yema’s online boutique. Price: US$549 (mechaquartz), US$2,390 (LE)
Brand
Yema
Model
Rallygraf Alpine Cup Series
Rallygraf Alpine Cup Series Limited Edition
Reference Number
YMHF1589ALP-BM
YMHF1589ALP-AM
YRAL25ALP.CH-GG33S
Case Dimensions
39mm (D) x 12.2mm (T) x 47mm (LTL)
41mm (D) x 14.3mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) (LE)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
K1 mineral crystal front
Sapphire crystal front (LE only)
Dial
White/black panda and reverse panda
Blue/white panda (LE)
Lug Width
20mm
Strap
Perforated leather rally strap
Steel rally bracelet (mechaquartz only)
Movement
Seiko VK64, mechaquartz
Sellita SW510 M BH b, manual winding (LE)
Power Reserve
~3-year battery life
60 hours (LE)
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indicator, date, chronograph
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph (LE)
Availability
Mechaquartz is regular production, mechanical is limited to 100 pieces
Price
US$449 (mechaquartz, strap)
US$549 (mechaquartz, bracelet)
US$2,390 (LE)