The Legend of YEMA
YEMA originally came onto my Radar a couple years ago when I witnessed them become partners of the French Armed Forces. At the time I did not know their history fully but was extremely impressed that a French Watch Company was partnering with the French Military and I needed to know more. After studying YEMAs history I realised that this partnership was just the beginning and there was so much more below the surface. So bare with me as I go through a brief history of YEMA to truly hammer home what kind of company we are dealing with here and why they truly are a Powerhouse that has weathered the test of time brilliantly.
YEMAS History
(Photo Credit: YEMA Website)
(If you’re not into History, Jump to Unboxing: Marine Nationale CMM.10)
YEMA is an independent French watchmaker located in Moreau not to far from the France Switzerland border. The company is managed by the Bole Family which is a third-generation watchmaking family. The family has surrounded themselves with a team that has over 40 years in the business and brings a considerable amount of skill to the table.
1948 – Henry-Louis Belmont Establishes YEMA; Henry himself was a graduate at the top of his class traditional watchmaking who studied at the National Watchmaking School of Besancon. Henrys specialty from the beginning was ultracapable tool watches packed with certain features needed for the extreme outdoor activities such as diving, car racing, and military expeditions. Since then, YEMA has been known to be associated with men that are willing to push the limits in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Their motto “Time of Heroes” became the official slogan of YEMA shortly after its conception.
1950- YEMA is recognised on the world stages as a leader in Waterproof watches. In 1953 specifically YEMA was one of the first brands in Europe to manufacture dive watches that could withstand depths of 100 Meters and considering the times this was a very impressive feature.
1962- YEMA Becomes Frances Lead Watch Exporter and Is Rebranded YEMA International. In the years 1965 to 1968 YEMA begins selling 400,000 watches yearly to more than 50 plus countries.
1966-First Yachtingraf. YEMA releases their first chronograph powered by the Swiss ETA Valjoux caliber that has a countdown timer for regatta starts. In 1968 YEMA makes another major move and becomes the official supplier of the French Sailing Team something that is sought after by many other brands to this day.
1967- Birth of a Legend the YEMA Superman. YEMA files a patent for an in-house designed bezel lock system that changes dive timing like nothing else. They were the first to implement a bezel locking device that provides extra safety against accidental movement of the bezel in rough conditions. Along with robust crown guards this put the Superman into a whole new level of tough dive watches trusted by many water enthusiasts. The Superman also becomes the first French Dive watch to be rated to a depth of 990 Feet / 300 Meters making French watch History.
1969- Mario Andretti wins Indianapolis 500 sporting a YEMA Rallye.
(Photo Credit: YEMA Website)
1970- First Military Issued YEMA Tool Watch. YEMAS Superman is chosen by the French Air Force to equip its aviation Search and Rescue Swimmers which as with most SAR Techs these fearless men enter inhospitable environments to rescue people during the worst experiences of their lives. Having a time piece, you can rely on is more than crucial it is life saving.
(Photo Credit: YEMA Website)
1982-First Western European Watch into Space. June 24th, 1982, A French Astronaut Jean-Loup Chretien leaves Baikonur Base for a 10 Day trip into Space. On his wrist he wore a YEMA Spationaute I. In June of 1985 Patrick Baudry took his YEMA Spationaute II on board for the STS-51G mission.
1986- YEMA and Richard Mille Head to the North Pole. Speaking of austere environments, the North Pole is one formidable adversary. Richard Mille designs a titanium tool watch meant to resist extreme conditions that the arctic would throw at explorers. It was equipped with a compass bezel which would be insensitive to magnetic fields. The watch was called the YEMA North Pole accompanied Doctor and Explorer Jean-Louis Etienne on his 800KM Solo Journey across the North Pole in 1986.
(Photo Credit: YEMA Website)
1986- Hattori-Seiko Era, Instrumental to keeping YEMA alive Hattori-Seiko Co Ltd becomes the majority owner of YEMA brand by purchasing Matra Horlogerie shares. Japanese management lasted until 2004.
2009-AMBRE FRANCE. Independent watchmaker Amber France takes over YEMA. Amber France is a French family-owned watchmaking group base in Morteau founded in 1965 by Rene Four and Marcellle Bole. Bringing with them a new inhouse designed movement called the MBP1000. This movement was a standard caliber which combined manufacturing simplicity and gave great efficiency and precision at a respectable price point. Over the years a quarter million we produced and sold.
2020-Present. YEMA Becomes the Official Partner of the FRENCH ARMED FORCES.
History of Frances Marine Nationale
Okay so now you have some brief notes on important dates within YEMAs history this can now add some weight to their partnerships. YEMA has not only been at the forefront of innovation but also trusted without being too loud. What I mean by that is, In North America YEMA is not a household name like the glorified conglomerates the industry has pushed to us, but a sleeper watch company to most. One that serves quietly. Their bold designs and robust build quality has been something to admire.
The Marine Nationale was founded in the 17th century. The French Navy is one of the oldest naval units that is still in continuous service. The French Navy has taken part in key events in French History from the Napoleonic Wars to Both World Wars and played critical roles in establishing the security of the French Empire for over 400 years. When we think of pioneers the world can sometimes overshadow smaller countries or lesser know achievements here are some of the French Navy’s. Naval Technology such as the first steam-powered ship, first seagoing ironclad warship, first mechanically propelled submarine, first steel hulled warship and the first armoured cruiser. This history proves the French navy was a formidable force over centuries. In modern times the Marine Nationale operates a wide range of fighting vessels, including various aeronaval forces, attack and ballistic missile submarines, frigates, patrol boats, and support ships. They also operate the aircraft carrier named after a legendary French Soldier Charles de Gaulle Serving as the centrepiece of most expeditionary forces.
YEMA In Toronto
Upon my journeys from watch show to watch show I was able to shake hands and meet great companies. Being a fan of YEMA for quite sometime now when I was able to get firsthand experience at Toronto Time Piece show I jumped at the opportunity. I was able to speak with the YEMA reps and discuss their personal history with the brand and different models they had on display. I must make note I was representing the club that is my job after all and we discussed what we could do for them, so we traded contact information. These conversations and the over saturation of how busy these shows are sometimes leads you to thinking there is no chance in hell a company like YEMA is going to remember you. I am happy to report though after reaching out to YEMA via the email I exchanged with one of their Representatives, I had a very timely response from Lea! Who I would like to personally thank for sending me this watch to review. She was very professional throughout our exchange of emails and was instrumental in making this review happen.
Unboxing: Marine Nationale CMM.10
As stated earlier I have history ordering a watch from YEMA in the years previous, the YEMA Navygraf Forces Sous Marine from their partnership with the French Submarine service what I had seen as their take on a “Submariner” time piece. The watch has been bullet-proof for years and is still in my rotation weekly. I have worn the same YEMA while welding on nuclear reactors to cliff diving on R and R and it has served impeccably well as a companion throughout.
The Marine Nationale’s packaging was a step above, unboxing it felt very classy and elegant. This was not just a tool diver made for the men and woman who dive into harms way. It arrived in a simple carboard box for shipping, but what was inside was very impressive. Tossing the box away I was greeted with a Marine National and YEMA Signed Blue Cloth bag with a white string closure sinched tight. Opening the bag the watch box was in its own signed card sleeve for protection. The watch box itself is brilliantly done. With a wood grain finish and embossed YEMA logo it feels like French Luxury. Now for the first look, I cracked the treasure chest open and was met by a subdued royal/ocean blue stunner. Sitting on the pillow was the Marine Nationale with is striking Ocean Blue colourway and Crystal it had serious presence. This was not just a tool it was a piece that could transcend environments. From boardroom to boarding party in the Mediterranean.
Taking the watch in hand, it felt familiar but very much refined. As my Forces Sous Marine was brutalist the Marine Nationale was slimmed out, chamfered, and tough. I immediately unscrewed the crown and felt the new buttery smooth operation of the movement. This being a no-nonsense time only watch I quickly set the time and screwed the crown in. Speaking of the crown not only is it a pleasure to operate once the crown is screwed in all the way the famous embossed Anchor logo sits proud vertically giving it a touch of accuracy in construction most glaze over. Flipping the watch over I was able to see through the signed exhibition caseback, and boy does it not disappoint!
Most of us watch enthusiasts know about Tudors partnership with the Marine Nationale and I think the popular opinion of most is that they were the first and that everything following may be nowhere near as impressive. I am here to tell you easily that YEMA has knocked this out of the park, ocean, whatever environment your in with this new Marine Nationale. From the size, the design, the feeling on wrist. It gives you a sense of this is not only purpose built, not just a brutalist tool but has been designed out of respect to the prestige and class of the French Naval Forces. Hats off to YEMA for putting this piece together I am looking forward to wearing this piece with pride and putting it through its paces.
“The new Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 diver is a refined, enhanced take on the 1970s historic model developed in collaboration with the Marine Nationale military personnel. Designed for purpose and built to be ruggedly dependable under adverse conditions, this military-grade dive watch features a sleeker steel case, great dial legibility, 300m water-resistance as well as chronometric performance and 70 hours power reserve.’
-YEMA
Detailed Review
As stated above the partnership with the Marine Nationale is something YEMA is very proud of and to be able to equip Frances Military Divers with a reliable time piece that they can take with them into the modern battlefield under some of the most extreme conditions is truly an honour most watch companies would be lucky to have bestowed upon them. The Marine Nationale was designed to withstand the toughest conditions with extreme durability and precision in mind and look very sharp doing so. The Marine Nationale being designed and developed jointly between YEMA and The French Military means that it in fact meets and exceeds the standards laid out by the French Navy.
Speaking of partnerships and watches used by Militaries around the world within the last 20 years or so we have seen a true push into that space by Tudor with the Marine Nationale, US Special forces and Omega has had a foot hold in the British Special Forces SAS and SBS community as well for some time now. YEMA being chosen by the French Military specifically the Marine Nationale since the early 2020’s was just the beginning. To be trusted and pass standards of elite units is not an easy task and I salute YEMA for accomplishing this.
The Case
The MN CMM.10’s Case is 39mm in diameter and made entirely of 316L stainless steel. The brushed finishing on the top, sides and bottom is done very well and the polished chamfers along the top of the case provide an elegant guide to the crown guards and crown itself. The Navygraf case has been redesigned 1.5mm in thickness to house the new movement which we will touch on later. The overall case is very well proportioned as to not lead to being too wide or too long but sits quite comfortably. The lug to lug is 46mm and the lug width is a 19mm which I know I will get some sighs from our readers but to me it’s something that I’ve dealt with before from YEMA and it does not change my opinions of this watch whatsoever. I had a 19mm brown leather strap already on standby from my previous YEMA and it fit like a dream and brings this watch to a whole new level.
The Domed Crystal, Caseback and Crown all paired together like a cohesive unit bring that 300M water resistance rating to life. The Screw down crown as stated earlier is very well done with the chamfers leading to purchase and the knurling providing proper grip for function. The decorated anchor on the crown is a nice touch and gives a subtle reminder to those who don’t know the history of the watch that it serves the Marine Nationle.
The signed exhibition Caseback is very well done and not only gives you a view of the heart of the Navygraf but has the specifications still included around the circumference of the caseback and has the applied signature of the Marine National Official Logo and the words “Depuis 1626” which is some serious history.
The Bezel
(Photo Credit: YEMA's Website)
The scratch-resistant sapphire, 120 click uni-directional count-up bezel helps military divers track elapsed time underwater. Its coin edge helps with operation even when wearing wet gloves and is a breeze to operate. There is zero back play in the operation, and it reassures you trust that it will not be accidently bumped or operated in austere conditions. The colour match to the dial lets the watch feel bigger while wearing small. The Grade A Super Luminova is beneath the sapphire, and it shines through easily for night dive operations. The bezel action is really superb, and the clicks are almost at a audible signature which could mean under water reading by sound to confirm proper alignment.
The Bracelet
The bracelet like the watch case is made of 316L Stainless Steel known for its corrosion resistance which is paramount to the French Navy Divers and sport diving enthusiast. Its construction though primitive is very functional and feels tough. The bracelet is a H style link that has a fold over clasp with divers’ extension to aid in application over a wet suit. I must be honest here if I saw an Operator sporting a dive computer on one wrist and the MN CMM.10 on the other I’d be quite impressed. The colour way is not tactical in the slightest, but does it need to be? Answer to that is absolutely not. I feel the bracelet could be elevated a bit with more of a glide lock system, but for what you are paying and the robustness being spear headed by Naval Design there is reasons it stayed simple yet robust, I’m sure. Sizing the bracelet was a breeze and YEMA is one of those companies that does link size proper, I have had some purchases lead to a lose, hard to reach fit on my wrist via link removal and micro adjustments. The MN CMM.10 fit perfectly.
The Crystal and Dial
YEMAs construction of the MN CMM.10 includes a 2.50MM thick double-dome sapphire crystal which offers great readability with a touch of vintage appearance and viewing from an angle. Even with the thickness of the crystal the overall watch does not feel over done or thick. Its very well proportioned and sits low on the wrist. Perfect for under a shirt cuff or riding shotgun on your wrist with other equipment on operation.
The Familiar Navygraf Dial layout is included in the MN CMM.10 with its traditional hour’s markers. Starting from the outside working inward. At the 6 o’clock there is text related to the French Manufacturing under the minute track. The minute track itself is thin white painted on a blue dial spaced perfectly around the circumference of the dial. The 12 o’clock marker is two rectangles sitting on top of an inverted triangle also done in white. The 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions are a single rectangle sitting on an inverted triangle pointing inward. The rest of the markers are circular in shape, and all painted on markers are filled with a healthy dose of Grade A SUPER-LUMINOVA for an increased legibility in low light conditions. Just below the 12 o’clock marker is the YEMA “Y” and YEMA branding in white with Navygraf in bold yellow cursive just under the brand. Above the 6 o’clock is where the lineage of the watch shines, there are specifications like 300 Meters and Automatique in white with the proud display of MARINE NATIONALE in a radiused application. Overall, the dial is in perfect symmetry and well put together. Its so clean I can see why it won awards!
The Iconic Handset harken back to the days of the 1970s Navygraf models. The hands are coated with white paint and provide stark contrast against the ocean blue dial. This contrast gives a quick and accurate read of the time immediately. Paired with the lume application this watch remains legible in all sorts of light. Both the Hour and Minute hand reach perfectly to their desired task and are easy to differentiate. The sweeping seconds hand is done in a vibrant yellow matching the Navygraf branding under the twelve. The yellow on the blue originally shocked me a bit as a strange choice but over time it grew on me and works very well together.
The Caliber Manufacture Morteau 10
Buckle up, The CMM.10 was designed, manufactured, assembled, and calibrated by YEMA’s very own watch makers within their Morteau workshops in France. The movement boasts a 70 Hour Power reserve thanks to a large barrel which allows optimized winding while preserving a solid frequency of 28,800 A/H or 4 Hz. Now being on operations for days at a time this movement would easily keep up and be robust enough to endure anything you threw at it. The heart of this watch is built out of refined and high-quality parts that help ensure the longevity of accuracy and function. Speaking of function the CMM.10 Chronometric precision is -3/+5 seconds per day performance and has high resistance to magnetic fields and shocks. If you visit YEMAs website and search the CMM.10 there is a ton of information on each individual part, and you can tell it is something they are very proud of!
Conclusion
Okay I understand that was a long one, but it was for good reason. YEMA is a big name in the world of Military watches and should not be overlooked by any means. They provide a solid performer for any task and have incredible history that goes along with their time pieces. If you are looking for a reliable French Made Military Watch, the Marine National CMM.10 might be the watch for you! If not scan through YEMAs other models in their collection I am certain you will find something that fits your needs.
Special Thanks Again to Lea and YEMA!
As Always,
Stay Sketchy
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