Hands-On: The Surprising Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10
Yema has been knocking out new releases one after another. The French brand focuses on introducing new additions to the brand’s “Manufacture” line of watches. It focuses on premium versions of existing models that feature the brand’s in-house developed movements and are generally also finished on a higher level than the regular models. The latest addition to the line-up is the Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10. the second Navygraf gets the “premium in-house treatment.” On top of that, the watch celebrates the 1970s Navygraf that was developed in collaboration with the Marine Nationale. As it turns out, it’s exactly the twist the Navygraf needs.
Back in May of this year, I had a chance to review the Yema Navygraf Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition. That first Navygraf model of the Manufacture line-up was a 200-piece limited edition, powered by the brand’s CMM.20 micro-rotor movement. The brand chose a slightly different direction for this new Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10. While part of the same series of watches with manufacture movements; the Marine Nationale is powered by the brand’s CMM.10 movement. On top of that, the new Navygraf Marine Nationale edition celebrates Yema’s decades-long partnership with the French Navy. The combination of both leads to a watch with a lot going for it.
The story of the new Navygraf line-up
When I saw the new Marine Nationale version of the Navygraf, the first thing I thought was, “That’s a cool version of a watch that I just reviewed.” But that was a little bit too easy. The difference in movement is significant, and the Marine National treatment was surprisingly fresh. Let me explain why. Last year, I had a chance to try out the Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT.
At that time, I marked a difference in the design philosophy for the Navygraf line. As I explained in my review, the case was updated, and a silhouette that perfectly balances retro vibes with modern influences was introduced.
Additionally, the dial of the new Navygraf references the Navygraf II from the late ’70s, whereas the previous Navygraf models took inspiration from the Navygraf I from the early and mid-seventies. It was an update that I very much welcomed.
The new Navygraf has much more character than its predecessor, and this new introduction shows that. The new Manufacture edition of the Navygraf combines the aesthetic with a really nice blue shade.
This makes this new Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 a really nice addition to the lineup, better than the GMT and the first Navygraf with the CMM.20 micro-rotor movement. The simple reason is the brilliant blue color of the new Marine Nationale.
The details of the Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10
Before I get into the nuances of the color blue, let’s look at some specs. The new Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 features a 39mm stainless steel case that is 13.5mm thick (including the 2.5mm domed sapphire crystal). Finally, it measures 46mm in length with a lug spacing of 19mm.
The case is rated up to 300 meters of water resistance and features a screw-down crown with an embossed Marine Nationale anchor logo. The neatly finished case features a vertically brushed finish with polished chamfers. It’s a nice canvas for the dial and bezel to shine.
To start with the latter, the 120-click unidirectional stainless steel bezel features a sapphire blue inlay. Side note: if you prefer a different aesthetic, there is also a white bezel version of the same watch. The bezel is treated with Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9, lighting up blue in the dark.
It ensures that you can read the remaining dive time if you plan to use the watch on any dive trips you might have planned. The blue bezel matches a matte blue dial featuring white printed hour markers in the typical Navygraf II style. The minute track is also printed in white on the outside of the markers.
The matte blue dial lights up nicely in the dark.
The dial features faceted steel hour and minute hands in white and a matte yellow seconds hand, matching the yellow Navygraf name on the dial. The hour markers and hands are also treated with the same Grade Super-LumiNova BGW9 to match the bezel. I have to say the lume lights up nicely in the dark, giving a very easy-to-navigate combination of elements.
If you turn the watch around, you get a nice view of Yema’s in-house developed CMM.10 caliber. We have seen the caliber used for different releases like the Superman Bronze CMM.10 that I reviewed late last year. It’s a modern movement regarding specs, architecture, and finishing.
The CMM.10 caliber comprises 208 components, operates at 28,800vph, has 27 jewels, and offers a healthy 70 hours of power reserve. With an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day, the movement exceeds chronometer standards, making it an impressive modern engine for the Navygraf.
Wearing the Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10
The Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 comes with the choice of a Marine Nationale “parachute” strap or a stainless steel bracelet. We were fortunate enough to try the watch while fitted with both. The standard H-link bracelet has a folding clasp with a dive extension.
While I like the comfort of the tapering bracelet a lot, as we have said on multiple occasions, the clasp could use improvement. The folded clasp is a nail-breaker to open, and the rattly quality is not up to par with the modern-spec clasps of competitors.
Therefore, the Marine Nationale parachute strap would be my preferred option. The elastic fabric strap fits the watch nicely in terms of color. It is also very comfortable on the wrist and easy to size. A nice detail is the engraved Marine Nationale logo on the buckle. It’s a nice reminder of Yema’s connection to the French Navy.
I prefer bracelets over straps, but this was a nice exception. Once on the wrist, the watch wears great. The overall dimensions are really nice, and the case is relatively slim at 11mm. The crystal adds to the thickness, but it mostly adds charm rather than visual mass.
Final thoughts on the new Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10
This watch stands out from other Yema models because it generally also wears a charm. Like I said, I fell for the color blue immediately. I love this vibrant color with a certain crispness without losing that connection to the Marine Nationale. It’s also a color that you don’t see often, which makes the watch stand out immediately.
Lastly, it contrasts perfectly with the white elements and the yellow details. It instantly transformed the watch from “just another Navygraf” to a proper standout in the collection. The new Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 is available for €1,590 on the strap or €1,690 on the H-link bracelet. You know what my pick would be.
As I mentioned in the Navygraf GMT Marine Nationale review, I really liked that watch. But I have to say that I like this new Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 even better. It also helped that the past few weeks have been great regarding the summer weather. The watch has a proper summery feel despite its serious French Navy backstory.
It made my time with this watch really enjoyable, and I would nominate it for a list of the best summer watches. Although the summer season is far from over, you will still have a great-looking watch, a great retro-inspired military diver, and a colorful twist after it does eventually.
For more information, visit the official Yema website. Also, don’t forget to let us know what you think of the new Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale CMM.10 in the comments section.
