Vandalizing Velocity: The Yema x seconde / seconde / Yachtingraf

In the rarefied world of horology, where tradition often reigns supreme, a disruptive force has been quietly, and humorously, “vandalizing” iconic timepieces. That force is seconde / seconde /, the pseudonymous watch artist known for injecting unexpected twists and ironic artistry into horological heritage. Now, this mischievous maestro has turned his attention to a true icon from the 1960s, giving the Yema Yachtingraf Croisière a radical, graffiti-inspired makeover in a bold collaboration that results in the inimitable Yema x seconde / seconde / Yachtingraf.

This isn’t your grandad’s regatta timer, unless your grandad secretly dabbled in street art. The new “Yachtingraff” (yes, with two F’s, a clever nod to its irreverent spirit) pays audacious tribute to its nautical legacy, but reimagined with a subversive, urban flair. Every detail of this timepiece drips with creative rebellion, from the hand-tagged dial that looks like it’s been scrawled with a marker, to the chronograph pushers that cleverly resemble miniature spray cans. It’s a wild, exhilarating collision of horological history and unbridled urban art, bridging the gap from the yacht club to the back alley with audacious charm.

The famous regatta-style “big-eye” countdown, a signature of the original Yachtingraf, is still proudly present. However, in seconde / seconde /’s world, it’s “uninvited to the rules.” Whether you’re genuinely timing the start of a yacht race or, more likely, impatiently waiting for your microwave popcorn to finish, it offers five minutes of pure graphic punch. It’s a bold, almost chaotic burst of color and design that captures the urgency of a countdown, and frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Those pushers, designed to mimic mini spray cans, are a genius touch. They don’t just look like rebellion; they feel like it. A clever visual pun from seconde / seconde /, these pushers bring a genuine aerosol attitude to your wrist. Activating the chrono becomes an act of tagging time itself – albeit with the distinct bonus of producing no noxious fumes. This playful yet functional design element encapsulates the very spirit of this collaboration: a wink and a nod to both the watch’s sporting heritage and its new, edgy persona.

Despite its disruptive aesthetics, the watch retains a core of classic comfort and reliability. The Tropic rubber strap keeps things firmly rooted in vintage grip with its classic texture, while adding essential comfort for all-day wear. Lightweight and waterproof, it’s a strap that’s ready to follow you from a sun-drenched yacht deck to the grittiest urban landscape, or vice versa, with unwavering style.

Turn the watch over, and the story continues, told loud and clear. The back of the timepiece is engraved with the phrase “La Croisière, ma muse” (The cruise, my muse) – a poetic mic drop from seconde / seconde /. It’s a cheeky “vandal’s manifesto” laid bare, visible for all to appreciate, or perhaps ponder, as you go about your day.

Underneath this layer of artistic rebellion lies a robust and reliable engine. The Yema x seconde / seconde / Yachtingraf is powered by the Seiko VK63 calibre, a hybrid mechanical-quartz movement. This choice offers the best of both worlds: the precision of quartz (32,768 Hz) for timekeeping, combined with a mechanically driven chronograph module that provides that satisfying, crisp reset and sweep of a traditional mechanical chrono hand. This ensures a consistent and accurate performance for its 60-minute, 24-hour, and 60-second chronograph functions.

The watch is housed in a vertically brushed 316L stainless steel case with polished bevels, lugs, and bezel, measuring a highly wearable 38.5mm in diameter and a svelte 10.3mm in thickness. This compact size, coupled with 19mm lugs, ensures it sits comfortably on a wide range of wrists. A 2.00 mm Hesalite double dome crystal provides a warm, vintage aesthetic, offering excellent clarity and being more resistant to shattering than sapphire, a practical choice for a watch with an adventurous spirit. The dial itself boasts a painted surface with noticeable layers, adding a subtle dimension to the graffiti-inspired artwork. Applied faceted indexes, hour, and minute hands in stainless steel are generously treated with Super-LumiNova BGW9, ensuring excellent low-light visibility, while the chrono hands are painted to match the dial’s rebellious vibe.

The crown is circular brushed with a polished embossed Yema logo, and the pushers are polished to stand out. With a water resistance of 10 BAR (100m / 330 feet), this watch is more than capable of handling splashes, swims, and perhaps even an accidental dip off the yacht. For a price of $449, the Yema x seconde / seconde / Yachtingraf is a truly unique proposition, offering a slice of horological history reimagined through the lens of irreverent urban art. It’s disruptive, it’s clever, and as with all of seconde / seconde /’s creations, it undoubtedly comes with a smile.

The watch will be unveiled on Friday, June 20th, 2025, with the official launch scheduled for Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 4PM CET / 10AM EST on pre-order, with deliveries starting at the beginning of September 2025.

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