The world of dive watches is awash with iconic designs, each a testament to the relentless pursuit of underwater exploration. Yet, within this saturated market, YEMA, a French watchmaker with a storied history, has managed to make a splash with the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20. A modern homage to its 1960s predecessors, this limited-edition timepiece effortlessly marries vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge horological technology.
Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont,
Yema quickly established itself as a pioneer in the watchmaking industry. The brand's commitment to precision and durability led to numerous collaborations with French institutions, including the French Air Force and the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). YEMA watches accompanied French astronauts on their space missions, solidifying the brand's reputation for reliability under extreme conditions.
Courtesy of YEMA
In the 1960s, YEMA ventured into the burgeoning world of dive watches. The brand's Superman and Skin Diver collections became synonymous with underwater exploration, gracing the wrists of professional divers and adventurers alike. These vintage models, with their distinct designs and robust construction, have become sought-after collector's items, inspiring the creation of the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20.
The Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is a tribute to YEMA's legacy of crafting dependable and stylish dive watches. Drawing inspiration from the original Skin Diver models, this modern iteration retains the essence of its predecessors while incorporating contemporary design elements and manufacturing techniques.
The watch's 39mm stainless steel case exudes a vintage charm with its brushed finish and polished bevels. Its slim profile, measuring just 10mm in thickness, ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The double-dome sapphire crystal not only enhances readability but also adds a touch of retro flair.
The dial, a deep, dark grey, serves as a canvas for the oversized applied markers and broad hands, all generously filled with lime-colored Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. The triangular-shaped hour markers, along with the arrow-shaped minute hand and pencil-shaped hour hand, create a distinctive and legible display.
Courtesy of YEMA
One of the standout features of the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is its "faded ghost" sapphire bezel. This rotating bezel, made entirely of sapphire, seamlessly blends with the dark grey dial and brushed steel case. Its unidirectional rotation, 0-60 scale, and luminescent marker at 12 o'clock are essential features for any professional diving watch.
While the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, its true marvel lies within. Powering this timepiece is the in-house Caliber Manufacture Morteau 20 (CMM.20), a micro-rotor movement designed by French watchmaker Olivier Mory and manufactured by YEMA in its Morteau workshops.
This ultra-thin caliber, measuring just 3.70mm in thickness, allows for a slim and elegant case design without compromising performance. The movement's high density tungsten micro-rotor and large barrel ensure optimal winding and a power reserve of 70 hours.
With a daily rate of -3/+7 seconds per day, the CMM.20 boasts near chronometric precision, a testament to YEMA's commitment to horological excellence. The movement's Glucydur balance wheel, a non-magnetic and low-thermal-expansion alloy, further enhances its accuracy and stability.
Courtesy of YEMA
The CMM.20 is not just a technological marvel; it's a testament to YEMA's dedication to local production. All of the movement's components are manufactured in France and Switzerland, within a 72km radius of YEMA's Morteau workshops. This commitment to local craftsmanship ensures the highest quality standards and supports the local watchmaking industry.
The Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is far more than just a pretty face; it's a testament to YEMA's dedication to quality and precision engineering. The 316L stainless steel case, measuring a versatile 39mm in diameter, is robust enough to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration while remaining sleek and comfortable on the wrist. Its 47mm lug-to-lug distance ensures a balanced fit for a variety of wrist sizes.
The watch's 30 BAR (300 meters) water resistance is a testament to its diving credentials. This impressive depth rating is achieved through a combination of a screw-down crown, a sapphire exhibition case back, and meticulous gasket sealing. Whether you're exploring coral reefs or simply taking a dip in the pool, the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is ready to accompany you on your aquatic adventures.
YEMA's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20. The new Scales Slim bracelet, a reimagined version of the iconic 1960s YEMA Scales bracelet, has been slimmed down by 0.40mm to seamlessly integrate with the watch's thin case. This fully brushed bracelet not only complements the case's aesthetic but also offers a comfortable and secure fit thanks to its tapering design and double-security folding clasp with a dive extension.
Courtesy of YEMA
The dial, with its dark grey lacquered surface, exudes a vintage charm while maintaining excellent legibility. The applied hour markers and hands, crafted from polished stainless steel and filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova, create a striking contrast against the dark background, ensuring effortless timekeeping even in low-light conditions. The lollipop seconds hand adds a playful touch to the otherwise utilitarian design.
The "faded ghost" sapphire bezel is a true showstopper. Its unique appearance, achieved through a special manufacturing process, gives the watch a vintage vibe that's hard to resist. The bezel's unidirectional rotation and 0-60 scale are essential tools for divers, allowing them to track elapsed time with precision.
Perhaps the most captivating feature of the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is its sapphire exhibition case back. This transparent window offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the CMM.20 micro-rotor movement, a mechanical ballet of gears and springs that's sure to mesmerize any watch enthusiast.
Each case back is engraved with a unique serial number and the corresponding limited edition number, making each of the 500 pieces a truly special timepiece. This exclusivity, combined with the watch's exceptional craftsmanship and performance, makes the Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 a coveted collector's item.
Courtesy of YEMA
With its blend of vintage-inspired design, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous craftsmanship, the YEMA Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is a watch that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer to the world of horology, this timepiece offers something for everyone. Its versatility, reliability, and aesthetic appeal make it a watch that can be worn on any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal event.
The Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 is not just a watch; it's a statement of style, a testament to YEMA's rich heritage, and a celebration of horological innovation. It's a watch that's sure to be cherished for years to come. And with a retail price of $2,249, it's a worthy investment for anyone seeking a timepiece that's both stylish and functional.