On Holden’s list, Almost Favorites
Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda
The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda (YMHF1580-AM) is a chronograph from Yema: a 39 mm 316L stainless steel case, 11 mm thick and 48 mm lug to lug, with a Meca-Quartz Seiko VK64 movement and 100 m water resistance.
Going by its 48 mm lug to lug, it should sit within the flat top of a wrist of about 6.5 inches (16.6 cm) or larger.
Research found it at $420 list in the US (checked September 2026), $380 on the street (September 2026) and $250 used (September 2026).
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yema |
| Reference | YMHF1580-AM |
| Category | Chronograph |
| Production | In Production (introduced 2019) |
| Case and size [1][3][2] | |
| Case diameter | 39 mm |
| Lug to lug | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 11 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel |
| Crystal | 2.0 mm double-domed K1 mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 100 m (10 bar / 330 ft) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [1][3][2] | |
| Movement | Seiko VK64, Meca-Quartz |
| Power reserve | Unknown |
| Accuracy | ±20 seconds per month |
| Bracelet [1][3][2] | |
| Bracelet or strap | 316L stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet |
| Clasp | Sliding hook-and-lock foldover clasp engraved with historic Yema crest |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][3][2] | |
| List price (US) | $420 |
| Street price (US) | $380 (September 2026) |
| Used price (US) | $250 (September 2026) |
| Warranty | 2-year international manufacturer warranty |
Will it fit?
A watch wears comfortably when its lugs stay on the flat top of the wrist. Here is the 48 mm lug to lug against the flat top estimated for common wrist sizes.
| Wrist | Flat top | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in 15.2 cm | 47 mm | Likely overhangs |
| 6.5 in 16.5 cm | 51 mm | At the edge |
| 7 in 17.8 cm | 55 mm | Comfortable |
| 7.5 in 19.1 cm | 59 mm | Comfortable |
| 8 in 20.3 cm | 63 mm | Comfortable |
Check it against your own wrist An estimate, not a guarantee; how the method works is on the tool page.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- Authentic French motorsport heritage tied to Mario Andretti's 1969 Indy 500 victory and 1960s Grand Prix racing
- Distinctive trapezoidal dashboard-instrument subdial geometry and crossed checkered flags offer genuine identity rather than homage styling
- Seiko VK64 meca-quartz provides tactile mechanical pusher feedback and instant snap-back reset with zero-maintenance quartz precision
- 100 m water resistance is exceptional for a vintage-styled racing chronograph at this price point
- Compact 39 mm case with downward-swept lugs wears slim, balanced, and comfortably flush
Weaknesses
- K1 mineral crystal is more vulnerable to scratches than sapphire glass
- Seiko VK64 caliber has no running seconds hand, leaving the dial completely static when the chronograph is disengaged
- The 3 o'clock subdial is a locked 24-hour indicator rather than a functional 12-hour chronograph counter or independent second time zone
- Fully polished case finish readily shows hairline scratches and fingerprints
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 7.0 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 8.5 |
| Value at a realistic price | 8.0 |
| Long-term ownership | 7.2 |
| Movement and engineering | 6.5 |
| Wearability and proportions | 8.2 |
| Versatility and durability | 7.5 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 7.6 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other chronograph watches on his list.
- Parmigiani Fleurier Chronographe Mystérieux PFC908-1020001-100182
- Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC961
- Nezumi Studios Corbeau 702 / DLC CQ4.702
- Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia 1072-A
- Nezumi Studios Voiture VM2 Automatic Chronograph VM2.1102
Sources
- YEMA Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda yema.com · read September 30, 2026
- HANDS-ON: The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz is one of the best budget racing watches around timeandtidewatches.com · read September 30, 2026
- Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Reverse Panda In-Depth Review thewatchresource.com · read September 30, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.