At first blush, there are a lot of similarities between the brand’s first watch, The James, and this more recent offering. Overall case construction comes to mind. The mid-century styling and the round, wire-like lugs are also familiar. The real differences come in the dial and again in the bezel.
The watch, inspired by a 1970s Navygraf reference, has a very vintage feel about it, particularly with the curved “smiley” line of text above the 6 o'clock position. I particularly like the fine red pip at the end of the seconds hand, which interrupts the otherwise two-tone agenda. Aside from being functional for a dive watch, it engenders a touch of sophistication. And, well, what can be said about a YEMA dome that has not already been lauded here and elsewhere?
La F. stands for “La François” and is named after one of Édouard’s closest childhood friends. It’s a mid-size watch by today’s standards as the case comes in with a diameter of 40mm, a lug-to-lug of 45mm, a thickness of 10.20mm (including the crystal) and a lug width of 20mm. As its dimensions indicate, it sits flat on the wrist and is extremely comfortable to wear. And one might think that with only 10.20mm of thickness and an early bird price tag of $341, one would find a quartz movement within. But one would be wrong.
Calibre321 