Golf watches are now produced by a variety of manufacturers, but this genre was pioneered by Ya-man & Stübi, founded in 2007. After becoming a subsidiary of Misuzu in 17, the company improved the quality of its products and created even more attractive golf watches.
A different color version of the model on the right. The shock guard is omitted due to the small case, but the golf counter itself is highly shock-resistant. This is the ultimate golf watch. Automatic (Cal. A10-2). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel (38mm diameter). Water resistant to 50m. 1,298,000 yen (tax included).
(Center) Queen of Golf QG2
This women's model features a golf counter, a feature unique to Yaman & Stübi. Using the button on the side of the case, you can keep track of your score up to 18 holes. Automatic (Cal. A10-2). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel (38mm diameter). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 1,298,000 yen (tax included).
(Right) Royal Open RC1
A basic model that deliberately omits complicated mechanisms. However, it is equipped with a unique mechanism called "Shock Guard" that absorbs the impact of swings. Automatic winding (Cal. A10-2). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 44mm, thickness 11.6mm). Water resistant to 100m. 572,000 yen (tax included).
Interview and text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
A unique mechanical golf watch
The origins of Jahmann & Stübi date back to entrepreneur Urs Jahmann's personal experience. A self-confessed golfer, he felt that converting yards to meters and counting strokes while playing distracted him. He met watchmaker Pascal Stübi by chance during a lecture on communication strategies, and together they decided to start a watch manufacturer specifically for golf, suitable for use on golf courses. The two found the right supplier in the Jura Valley and created a one-of-a-kind mechanical golf watch that could count strokes per hole, total strokes, and the number of holes played. This was in 2007.
What made the Yaman & Stübi unique was that, in addition to being easy to operate, it also had enhanced shock resistance to withstand the impacts of golf. The movement holder that houses the movement is supported by rubber, dramatically reducing the shock at the time of impact. Unlike golf watches that existed before, Yaman & Stübi aimed to create a watch that could actually be used on the golf course. It was no surprise that it became the official watch of St. Andrews Links, the "birthplace of golf."
However, the road to success was not always smooth. When co-founder Urs Jahmann resigned due to declining health, the company was acquired by the Swiss company Excellence Holdings. Excellence Holdings was a large group that operated watch and jewelry stores, but eventually lost interest in running a watch manufacturer. Furthermore, watchmaking itself became difficult as suppliers stopped supplying parts.
This model commemorates golf becoming an official Olympic sport in 2016. Based on the Royal Open, the dial features the colors of Brazil, the host country of the 2016 Olympics. Automatic movement (Cal. A10-2). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 44mm, thickness 11.6mm). Water resistant to 100m. Price: 572,000 yen (tax included).
However, in 17, Misuzu, which operates Handa Watch World, acquired Yaman & Stübi and outsourced the design and manufacturing of its watches to HYSEK, allowing the company to once again release new models.
The new collection, created with the support of HYSEK, is characterized by significantly improved quality while retaining the individuality of golf watches. In fact, manufacturing costs have increased, but Misuzu explains that it has deliberately kept the price strategically low.
For golfers, the current Yaman & Stübi should be an attractive choice. The stroke and hole counting module, designed over a decade ago, is mechanically extremely stable, and the case with minimal distortion and vibrant dial color are truly reminiscent of a luxury watch.
Yaman & Stübi pioneered the mechanical golf watch genre in the world of watches, and is a brand that can be said to be a testament to golfers.
