The French watchmaker, with its rich heritage and unwavering commitment to innovation, has once again captivated enthusiasts with the introduction of the
Yema Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition. This exceptional watch, limited to a mere 200 pieces, is a testament to YEMA's dedication to craftsmanship and its ability to push the boundaries of horological excellence.
YEMA's journey began in 1948, in the heart of French watchmaking, when Henry Louis Belmont founded the company in Besançon. From its early days, YEMA established itself as a purveyor of robust and reliable tool watches, earning a reputation for producing timepieces that could withstand the rigors of demanding professions and adventurous pursuits. The brand's commitment to quality and precision quickly gained recognition, and YEMA watches became the choice of pilots, divers, and explorers.
Courtesy of YEMA
One of YEMA's most iconic creations was the Superman, a dive watch that debuted in 1963. With its distinctive bezel lock mechanism and exceptional water resistance, the Superman became a favorite among professional divers and military personnel. The watch's reputation for durability and functionality solidified YEMA's position as a leading manufacturer of tool watches.
Over the years, YEMA continued to innovate, introducing new models and incorporating cutting-edge technology into its timepieces. The brand's commitment to in-house movements and its dedication to preserving traditional watchmaking techniques have ensured that YEMA watches remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The YEMA Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition is a worthy successor to the brand's legacy of excellence. This exquisite watch seamlessly blends classic design elements with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in a timepiece that is both timeless and modern. The watch's most striking feature is its hand-finished decoration, which adorns the dial, case, bracelet, and movement. Each piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that no two watches are identical.
The dial of the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The brass base is carefully hand-brushed, creating a unique texture that interacts with the PVD coating to produce a dynamic finish. The subtle variations in the brushing pattern and the interplay of light and shadow give the dial a captivating depth and character.
The bezel, inspired by a YEMA Sous-Marine model from the 1980s, is made from a single piece of stainless steel and features the same hand-brushed PVD finish as the dial. The bezel's geometry, with its interplay of angles and curves, adds a touch of sophistication to the watch's overall design.
Courtesy of YEMA
The 39mm stainless steel case is a study in refined elegance. Its asymmetrical octagonal shape, with its complex interplay of angles and facets, is a testament to YEMA's attention to detail. The hand-brushed PVD finish further enhances the case's visual appeal, creating a subtle contrast between the brushed surfaces and the polished angles.
At just 9mm thick, the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 is remarkably svelte for a sports watch. Its slim profile ensures that it sits comfortably on the wrist, whether under a shirt cuff or on display for all to admire. The watch's slenderness is a testament to YEMA's commitment to creating timepieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday wear.
The hands and markers of the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The watch's commitment to functionality is evident in every detail, from the luminous hands and markers to the screw-down crown that helps ensure water resistance up to 100 meters.
The integrated stainless steel bracelet is a perfect complement to the watch's overall design. The hand-brushed PVD finish and polished angles echo the aesthetic of the case and bezel, creating a seamless flow from lug to lug. The tapered links and butterfly clasp with micro-adjustment mechanism ensure a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
The heart of the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 is the in-house CMM.20 micro-rotor caliber. This exceptional movement is a testament to YEMA's dedication to horological innovation. The caliber's bridges are adorned with hand-finished decoration, showcasing the brand's commitment to artistry and craftsmanship.
Courtesy of YEMA
The CMM.20 caliber is not only beautiful but also technically impressive. Its ultra-thin profile of just 3.70mm allows for the watch's svelte dimensions. The tungsten micro-rotor ensures efficient winding, while the Glucydur balance wheel and Incabloc shock protection guarantee accuracy and durability.
The exhibition case back provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of the CMM.20 caliber. The sapphire crystal reveals the movement's hand-finished bridges, the oscillating micro-rotor, and the Glucydur balance wheel in action. Each case back is engraved with a unique serial number and the limited edition number, adding to the watch's exclusivity.
This Wristmaster Slim is housed in a 39mm asymmetrical octagonal case crafted from 316L stainless steel. The case design is a nod to YEMA's heritage, drawing inspiration from their iconic sports watches of the past. However, the execution is thoroughly modern, with a complex interplay of angles and facets that create a dynamic and captivating aesthetic. The case is entirely hand-finished, with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces that accentuate its unique geometry. The attention to detail is evident in every facet, quite literally, of the case construction.
Protecting the dial is a raised sapphire crystal, providing both clarity and durability. Sapphire crystal is known for its scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch's dial remains pristine even with daily wear. The crystal's raised profile adds a touch of vintage charm, reminiscent of classic sports watches from the past.
The dial itself is a work of art. Crafted from a brass base, it undergoes a meticulous hand-brushing process that creates a unique texture. No two dials are exactly alike, as the hand-brushing imparts subtle variations in the pattern and intensity of the finish. This artisanal touch gives each watch a distinct personality, making it truly one-of-a-kind. The dial is then coated with PVD, a process that applies a thin, durable layer of material in a vacuum environment. The PVD coating not only enhances the dial's visual appeal but also provides added protection against wear and tear.
The hands and hour markers are crafted from stainless steel and meticulously finished with polished facets. The hands are designed for optimal legibility, with a bold shape that stands out against the textured dial. The hour markers are applied to the dial, adding depth and dimension. Both the hands and markers are generously coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of YEMA
The Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 is fitted with an integrated stainless steel bracelet that seamlessly extends the watch's design language. The bracelet features the same hand-brushed and polished finishes as the case, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. The tapered links not only enhance the watch's visual appeal but also contribute to its comfortable fit on the wrist. The bracelet is secured with a double pusher solid butterfly buckle, ensuring a secure and reliable closure. The buckle also incorporates a micro-adjustment mechanism, allowing for fine-tuning the fit to achieve optimal comfort.
Powering the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 is the in-house Calibre Manufacture Morteau 20 (CMM.20), a micro-rotor movement that showcases YEMA's commitment to horological innovation. This ultra-thin caliber, measuring just 3.70mm in thickness, allows for the watch's svelte profile. The movement is entirely designed and developed by Olivier Mory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, with the regulating organs manufactured in Switzerland and the bridges and mainplates manufactured by YEMA in its Morteau workshops.
The CMM.20 features a bi-directional oscillating micro-rotor winding mass made of a high-density tungsten alloy. This innovative design ensures efficient winding while maintaining the movement's slim profile. The caliber boasts a power reserve of 70 hours, providing ample autonomy for daily wear. The movement's accuracy is rated at -3/+7 seconds per day, ensuring reliable timekeeping.
The CMM.20 is not only technically impressive but also visually captivating. The bridges are meticulously decorated by hand, with each bridge receiving a unique finish. The decoration process involves sandblasting, hand-applied aluminum oxide, and gentle polishing, resulting in a surface that reflects light in a mesmerizing way. The bridges are then treated with a black galvanic bath, adding a touch of modern sophistication.
Courtesy of YEMA
The exhibition case back provides a window into the intricate workings of the CMM.20 caliber. The sapphire crystal reveals the movement's hand-finished bridges, the oscillating micro-rotor, and the Glucydur balance wheel in action. Each case back is engraved with a unique serial number and the limited edition number, adding to the watch's exclusivity.
The YEMA Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition is a watch that seamlessly blends classic design elements with contemporary aesthetics. Its hand-finished details, innovative micro-rotor movement, and limited production run make it a true collector's item. With a retail price of $2,449, the Wristmaster Slim CMM.20 offers exceptional value for a watch of this caliber. It's a timepiece that will undoubtedly appeal to discerning collectors who appreciate fine craftsmanship, technical innovation, and unique design.
Case: 39mm asymmetrical octagonal case crafted from 316L stainless steel with a hand-brushed PVD finish. 9mm thick with a raised sapphire crystal. 24mm lug width. Water resistance: 10 BAR / 100 m / 330 feet.
Movement: YEMA in-house Calibre Manufacture Morteau 20 (CMM.20) with a bi-directional tungsten micro-rotor. Ultra-thin 3.70mm caliber with a 70-hour power reserve. Accuracy: -3/+7 seconds per day. 4Hz (28,800 A/h) frequency. Glucydur balance wheel and Incabloc shock protection. 33 jewels and 190 components. Black galvanic decoration on bridges and mainplate.
Dial: Hand-brushed brass dial with PVD coating. Stainless steel applied and facetted hour markers with polished finish. Stainless steel faceted hands with polished finish. Hour markers and hands treated with Grade A Super-LumiNova.
Strap: 316L stainless steel integrated bracelet with a hand-brushed PVD finish. Double pusher solid butterfly buckle with micro-adjustment mechanism.
Price: $2,449.00
Notes: Limited edition of 200 pieces. Each watch features unique hand-finished decoration on the dial, case, bracelet, and movement bridges.