The original Yema worn by Andretti.
MARIO ANDRETTI
AND HIS YEMA
CHRONOGRAPH
BY CHARLIE MOYER
Yema Rallye side view. Yema Rallye crown view.
LEGENDARY RACECAR CHAMPION MARIO ANDRETTI SAT
DOWN WITH IW SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR CHARLES MOYER
JUST PRIOR TO THIS YEAR’S INDY 500 TO TALK ABOUT
RACING AND HIS WATCH. MOST SPECIFICALLY, HE DIS-
CUSSED THE YEMA CHRONOGRAPH THAT LAUNCHED HIS
WATCH COLLECTING ENTHUSIASM. many races gave the winning driver an elegant dress watch or a sporty chro-
nograph in addition to the first place trophy. Some races awarded a watch to
the driver who won the pole position by having the fastest time in the quali-
fying laps prior to the race.
My collection grew to over one hundred watches and I had to get several
large safe deposit boxes at the bank to hold them all. So I love all my
watches and I can tell you a story about each one.
HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR PASSION FOR FINE WATCHES?
Mario Andretti: Ever since I was a little boy I have always loved cars and
watches. Both cars and watches are incredibly fascinating machines. I find
that almost all true car aficionados are also passionate about watches
because they are also intricate mechanical devices on a much smaller scale.
As my racing career developed and I began winning races, I bought some
really nice timepieces. Also, I was awarded many beautiful watches because
TELL US THE STORY ABOUT YOUR YEMA WATCH.
In April 1969, I was walking down Fifth Avenue in New York City and passed
by a jewelry shop. I glanced in the show window and an interesting chrono-
graph watch, this Yema, caught my eye, so I went into the shop to look at
it and try it on my wrist. I immediately loved it, bought it on the spot, and
started wearing it.
SUMMER 2019 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 93