The Yema Granvelle CMM.20 is the French brand’s entry into the shaped watch trend
Zach BlassYema has become a fan-favourite brand for budding and seasoned watch collectors alike. Though it has yet to permeate the mainstream watch market, the collecting niche has started to really tune into the brand, its rich past, and its modern-day offerings, which pair higher specifications with lower price points. Typically speaking, when we think of Yema, we think of its robust dive watch offerings like the Superman. This month, however, the French manufacturer is showcasing a different shade of its capabilities with a more casual, and somewhat dressy timepiece: the Yema Granvelle CMM.20.
The case
The Granvelle CMM.20 is said to be inspired by the arches of Granvelle Palace in Besançon, a region known for being the hub of French watchmaking and where Yema’s manufacture is based. Its 50-metre water-resistant steel case is 39mm in diameter, 8.6mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug, with its cushion shape exhibiting rich vertical brushing, mirror-polished accents, and a coined caseband for added texture and flair. At well below 10mm in thickness, it sits nice and low on the wrist thanks to its micro-rotor movement. Looking at a picture of the palace arches next to the Granvelle CMM.20 case, the throughline of their visual parallels is immediately clear.
The dials
We were able to get hands-on with both the grey and green dial variants, but for the record, a blue option is available as well. Aside from the colour of the stamped guilloché central medallion, all three dials are identical in layout and style. At the centre, two polished, alpha-shaped hands for the hours and minutes can be found. Normally, you would expect the guilloché to radiate out from the centre, but here, the concentric texture radiates out from the small seconds pinion at the 9 o’clock position instead. At the outermost perimeter of the guilloché medallion, a railroad minute track legibly denotes the minutes, only interrupted between 5 and 7 o’clock by the “manufacture française” text. Framing the coloured centre, there is a sloped, white chapter ring with hour markers carved into the metal, adding further visual intrigue and depth. With the bezel, outer chapter ring, and inner medallion all sharing the same cushioned shape, the eye is really drawn into the centre. There is a serene visual harmony to its aesthetic.
The strap
All three configurations of the Yema Granvelle CMM.20 are outfitted on a “premium” brown calf leather strap that tapers nicely from the lugs down to the case-matching deployant folding clasp. In order to ensure the best fit possible, Yema kindly packages the watch with two different-sized strap ends, a medium and a large, so that both average and larger-sized wrists can reach their ideal sizing.
The movement
As I mentioned before, it’s Yema’s expertise in micro-rotor movements that allows the brand to produce thinner watches. And though the calibre is thinner, it has ample power reserve and shock-resistance. On a full wind, the CMM.20 will last 70 hours off the wrist, with the micro-rotor not only winding the movement, but also affording a full view of the decoration. The CMM.20 inside of the Granvelle departs from its namesake seen in the Superman Slim, using a more traditional style of finish. Instead of darkened, matte black bridges, a sunray striping style can be seen radiating out from the micro-rotor at the top of the movement, guiding the eye towards the balance wheel, which is notably held by a full balance bridge. More than just a visually stimulating movement, Yema pledges an accuracy rating of +7/-3 seconds per day. That is nearly within COSC chronometer standards.
The verdict
With a price below US$2,000, it’s hard not to see the value being offered by Yema and the micro-rotor calibre-driven Granvelle CMM.20 by even the most stringent of standards. It all really boils down to whether or not you are fond of its arch-inspired cushion shape and its dial aesthetic. Personally, I think the carved hour markers really elevate the dials in a distinct way, and the coloured central medallions look great as well. The dimensions are ideal for those who prefer modern, yet compact sizing, and the case finishing and fluting are pleasing too.
One thing I would have been curious to see, but suspect the micro-rotor calibre may not allow, is a version of the Granvelle where the small seconds is positioned at 6 o’clock rather than 9. I only say this because of the somewhat empty real estate at the bottom of the dial, where the railroad track breaks. It looks good as is, but if the micro-rotor branding was removed, the small seconds positioned in its place, and the pattern radiating upwards from the bottom, I think it would suit my tastes better. Then again, while I don’t favour asymmetrically placed small seconds, the distinction of having the pattern radiate out from 9 o’clock is a refreshing visual.
Yema Granvelle CMM.20 pricing and availability
The Yema Granvelle CMM.20 is now available for purchase. Price: US$1,990
| Brand | Yema |
| Model | Granvelle CMM.20 |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 8.6mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Grey, green, or blue, concentric-textured centre |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Brown calf leather, stainless steel folding buckle |
| Movement | CMM.20, in-house, micro-rotor automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$1,990 |