Michael SatterfieldI can’t tell you how many back roads I have blasted down with Kavinsky’s 80s-inspired electropop blasting through the speakers. So, when I saw the Yema Kavinsky collaboration, I was excited. I first heard his music when he was touring with Daft Punk, and his albums have all made it into my “driving music” playlist. But the French musician gained wider fame after his song “Nightcall” was featured in the 2011 film Drive. Like many performers, Kavinsky is a character created by Vincent Belorgey. Kavinsky, the character, is a zombie who died after crashing his Ferrari Testarossa in 1986, only to be reawakened as a supernatural hero/antihero in 2006. Each song and music video tells part of the opera, and for this special collaboration with Yema, Kavinsky added to the story with a new song, “Renegade,” featuring Cautious Clay.
YEMA Kavinsky: The LED Watch Reimagined
The watch itself is inspired by the LED watches from the 1970s and 80s and isn’t Yema’s first LED; in 2020, the watchmaker introduced a reissue of its original LED watch. But the Kavinsky LED offers a more modern take on the LED watch, enclosing the screen fully within the bezel, small detail lines on the case, and an elegantly tapered bracelet, it has a retro-futuristic feel that just works.
First impressions, the YEMA Kavinsky is finished to a very high standard and feels very good on the wrist, the 35.5mm case wears well, and the 10mm thickness is perfect. For those who like a big chronograph strapped to their wrist, it might seem small, but for everyday use, it is comfortable to wear. Due to the end link design, you will have to embrace the bracelet, since you won’t be able to swap on any of your standard straps, but for this watch, the bracelet is perfect.
The watch comes in either stainless steel or black PVD. The classic stainless looks vintage, and the black PVD is the subtle choice that all but disappears until you press the button, illuminating the dial. The red plunger is the only pop of color outside of the red hue of the dial.
Pressing the silver button once will display the time for three seconds. Pressing again for the day and month and a third time displays the running seconds. The red button cycles through the modes to set the time and date. Press the silver button once your selection is flashing. You can also choose between a 12-hour and a 24-hour clock display.
The Yema Kavinsky launches on Kickstarter today; early backers will get the watch for €195 or around $216, a Kavinsky-branded canvas outer pouch, a Kavinsky-branded vinyl pouch, and a two-year warranty. For those who pledge $245, they will also get a vinyl record signed by Kavinsky.
You can check out the Kickstarter HERE.
Yema Kavinsky Specifications:
- MSRP: $363
- Movement: Quartz LED
- Dimensions: 35.5 x 42 x 10mm
- Material: 316L Stainless Steel (Black PVD an option)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 m
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel Bracelet
Quick Facts: Yema Kavinsky Limited-Edition
- Collaboration between French watchmaker Yema and French electronic artist Kavinsky
- Watch model: Yema Kavinsky Limited Edition
- Inspired by Kavinsky’s aesthetic and music, particularly OutRun and automotive culture
- Design includes black DLC case, automotive-inspired dial, and custom color accents
- Movement: Yema in-house automatic caliber
- Power reserve: Typical of Yema’s automatic lineup (~42 hours)
- Case size: Standard wristwatch proportions (around 39–41 mm)
- Strap: Custom leather or rubber strap themed to Kavinsky’s design
- Limited production: Collector-oriented run with a specific limited quantity
- Branding: Co-branded Yema and Kavinsky logos
- Style influences: Synthwave, automotive heritage, 1980s retro aesthetic
- Appeal: Motorsport fans, retro culture collectors, watch aficionados
- Price: Positioned as premium but accessible compared with other limited collabs
FAQ
What is the Yema Kavinsky limited-edition watch?
It is a co-branded limited-edition timepiece created by Yema in collaboration with French electronic artist Kavinsky, inspired by automotive culture and synthwave aesthetics.
Who is Kavinsky?
Kavinsky is a French electronic musician best known for retro-inspired sounds that evoke 1980s nostalgia and automotive themes, notably featured in pop culture like Drive.
What makes this watch unique?
The design reflects Kavinsky’s visual identity and music, including automotive-inspired elements, a dark DLC case, and thematic color accents, combined with Yema’s mechanical watchmaking.
Is this a mechanical watch?
Yes. The watch uses a Yema in-house automatic mechanical movement.
What kind of style does the watch represent?
Its aesthetic blends automotive heritage with synthwave and retro automotive influence, making it appealing to both car culture and watch enthusiasts.
How limited is the edition?
The release is limited, with only a specific number of pieces produced, cementing its appeal as a collector’s item.
Can the watch be worn regularly?
Yes. Despite its thematic design, it is a fully functional automatic watch suitable for everyday wear.
Who is this watch for?
Collectors of automotive-themed watches, fans of Kavinsky’s music, and anyone who appreciates retro design and mechanical timepieces.
