Yema Urban Traveller Review: The Affordable Integrated Bracelet Watch with French Style
Hey watch enthusiasts! If you’re after a watch that combines sporty vibes with a hint of elegance, the Yema Urban Traveller might just hit the spot. With its integrated bracelet and clean lines, this is a timepiece designed for those who want something a little different—yet perfectly practical for daily wear. Let’s dive into what makes this watch a great all-rounder!
First Impressions: Vintage Meets Modern
The 39mm stainless steel case of the Urban Traveller has a lot going on, but in a good way! It’s got this cool asymmetrical octagonal shape, which immediately sets it apart from other integrated bracelet watches. Yema's play between brushed and polished finishes gives it a certain finesse that feels fresh but timeless at the same time.
If you love watches that combine vintage cues with modern twists, you’ll appreciate the slightly raised sapphire crystal. It adds a touch of retro charm while boosting the durability you need for an everyday watch.
For more on Yema's design philosophy, check out our article on Yema’s French Heritage and Cutting-EdgeTechnology.
Dial Choices: Subtle Yet Sophisticated
The Urban Traveller doesn’t shy away from showing some personality with its honeycomb-textured dial. Available in powder blue, salmon, or pale silver, these soft tones keep things understated but stylish. The texture is subtle enough to not overpower the look, but it does add a little depth when the light hits it just right. After spending some time with all the dials, I have to say my favorite is the powder blue for its vibrant pop of color, though the black dial has its own classy charm.
The no-date clean dial design paired with the crisp applied markers ensures legibility is never an issue, regardless of lighting conditions. I found the honeycomb texture really comes to life when paired with the slightly raised crystal, creating an intriguing play with light that adds depth to the dial.
Under the Hood: The YEMA2000 Movement
This watch is powered by Yema’s own YEMA2000 automatic movement. Not only does it offer a +/- 10 second daily rate and a 42-hour power reserve, but it’s also built entirely in-house, which adds to its appeal for collectors.
Sure, it doesn’t quite match the 80-hour reserve of competitors like the Tissot PRX, but considering the YEMA2000’s smooth 28,800 bph sweep, it’s still a great performer for the price. The experience of having an in-house movement at this price point truly adds to the watch's charm.
The Integrated Bracelet: A Bold Design Choice
One of the standout features of the Urban Traveller is its integrated bracelet. During my time with it, I found the bracelet incredibly comfortable, with great articulation in the links. The butterfly clasp contributes to a seamless look when fastened, though it lacks micro-adjustments. This might be a drawback for some, but the small links allow for easy adjustments, so I managed to find the perfect fit.
The bracelet’s taper-free design gives it a chunkier, sportier look on the wrist while maintaining a touch of elegance. Whether I was at the office or out for a weekend adventure, it felt perfectly at home on my wrist. The way the clasp integrates into the bracelet is particularly noteworthy, offering both a snug fit and an uninterrupted bracelet flow.
Design Details: Small Touches, Big Impact
Yema has added some subtle yet impactful details to the Urban Traveller, like the recessed portions of the bezel. They offer a bit of visual interest and are very cleanly done, adding to the watch's overall refined aesthetic. I was also impressed with the screw-down case back, which is beautifully engraved with the Yema coat of arms, showcasing a level of quality that is evident in every aspect of this watch.
Competitor Watch Comparison: Yema vs. Citizen and Tissot PRX
In the world of affordable integrated bracelet watches, the Yema Urban Traveller faces stiff competition from the Citizen Tsuyosa and Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Both watches deliver excellent value, but the Yema has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The Citizen Tsuyosa brings a stylish integrated design, but Yema’s in-house movement and unique asymmetrical case give it an edge for those who love quirky design elements. On the other hand, the Tissot PRX stands out with its 80-hour power reserve, but the YEMA2000 holds its own with a smooth 28,800 bph sweep and unique French flair.
For more on the Citizen Tsuyosa or a deep dive into the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, check out our comparative reviews.
Pricing and Durability Comparisons
At $890 (£669), the Yema Urban Traveller is priced competitively for a watch with an in-house movement and unique design. If durability is your priority, especially in terms of materials, you might want to explore our Citizen SuperTitanium Review, which offers insight into another great material for everyday wear.
Curious to see how Yema's other models perform? Check out our Yema Superman Slim Dive Watch Review for more on their dive watches.
Specifications
Case Material: Stainless steel, asymmetrical octagonal shape
Case Size: 39mm diameter, 11.4mm thickness
Movement: In-house YEMA2000 automatic
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Crystal: Raised sapphire crystal
Dial: Honeycomb texture, available in powder blue, salmon, and pale silver
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Bracelet: Stainless steel, nearly taper-free integrated design, butterfly clasp
Price: $890 USD / £669 GBP
Final Thoughts
After spending a couple of weeks with the Yema Urban Traveller, it’s safe to say it’s been a fantastic experience. The watch is comfortable, practical, and versatile enough to look equally at home in formal or casual settings. The color options are vibrant and fun, with the powder blue being a personal favorite, but the classic black dial holds its own for its classy, timeless appeal.
The Yema Urban Traveller truly feels like a great all-rounder. With its quality build, eye-catching design details, and competitive price point, it’s set to be stiff competition in this segment of the market. Here’s hoping Yema continues building out this lineup, as it’s bound to become a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Check out the full range of watches here at Yema.com