Yema Pays Tribute To The French Navy’s Submarine Forces With The Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition
Today, the 14th of July, is France’s National Day. Every year, the country celebrates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789, which was a major event of the French Revolution. Additionally, it commemorates the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14th, 1790. If you have ever visited France in July, you may have witnessed the celebrations on that day. Yema takes part by unveiling three new Navygraf timepieces celebrating the 400th anniversary of the French Navy. We had a chance to check out the Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition, which features a forged carbon dial and bezel.
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to review quite a few Yema Navygraf models. Compared to the brand’s popular Superman, the Navygraf is the more elegant dive watch. Thanks to its case and dial designs, the Navygraf steps away from the Superman and emphasizes its roots. As I explained in a previous review, the current Navygraf was modeled after the Navygraf II from the late ’70s. But the brand has played around with different dial designs and materials. On top of that, we have seen Yema introduce its manufacture calibers to the lineup. It has led to an interesting series of retro divers that I thoroughly enjoy.
The story of the Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition
For this newest addition to the lineup, the brand chose to honor the French Navy’s Submarine Forces. Yema worked closely with the Marine Nationale to develop this new Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition. It takes its name from France’s Barracuda submarine program and introduces a forged carbon dial and bezel. When brands use forged carbon, it often leads to modern versions of the original model that look completely different. But the Navygraf doesn’t have that “issue.” It remains a charming retro dive watch defined by its ’70s roots. Add some tactical red accents, and we have an interesting new take on the Navygraf.
Let’s discuss some details. The watch has a 39mm stainless steel case with a 46mm lug-to-lug and a 12.1mm total profile (or a 9.75mm thickness without the double-domed sapphire crystal). Overall, it still feels like a slim dive watch with a 300m depth rating. The case features a vertically brushed finish with polished bevels as nice visual accents.
The forged carbon details
The unidirectional 120-click bezel features a forged carbon insert with a countdown scale treated with lume for nighttime visibility. It also has a 20-minute countdown sector highlighted in tactical red. Yema chose this specific 20-minute window because it aligns with standard submarine synchronization protocols, enabling crew members to track and coordinate timed operational maneuvers at a glance.
The red hue matches the red Barracuda name on the lower half of the forged carbon dial. Furthermore, the dial dons applied white Super-LumiNova markers. Since this is a signature Navygraf dial, the cardinal markers make it instantly recognizable. Compared to the Superman dials, this is a nice detail that immediately sets it apart. Hovering over the dial are a black pencil-style hour hand, a large red arrow-style minute hand, and the slim white seconds hand. The hour and minute hands are also treated with white Super-LumiNova, making it easy to use the watch in the dark.
The fun thing is that the forged carbon looks fantastic on the watch. As I already said, the material doesn’t change the watch’s overall look. And as with all watches that use forged carbon parts, the unique patterns make each one look slightly different.
Red details hinting at tactical nighttime lighting
If you turn the watch around, you’ll be greeted by the special red-tinted “Forces Sous-Marines” case back. It is a nod to the tactical nighttime lighting used aboard nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). As some of you might know, submarines switch to red ambient lighting at night because the human eye can read instruments under red light without losing its adaptation to darkness. This keeps the crew’s night vision sharp for periscope use or surfacing after dark. In the center of the red sapphire crystal, you will find the French Navy Submarine Forces insignia.
The Yema CMM.20 manufacture caliber
Usually, I am not a fan of tinted crystals, but the story behind this one does make it cool. It immediately reminds me, and probably some of you, of classic movies like The Hunt for Red October. It adds a nice touch to the overall story. Hiding behind the tinted crystal is the Yema manufacture caliber CMM.20. It’s not the first time the brand has used this micro-rotor caliber to power one of the limited-edition Navygraf models. I reviewed the Navygraf Slim, which is powered by the same movement.
Calibre Manufacture Morteau 20 was designed and developed by Yema’s watchmakers in Morteau, France. It operates at a 28,800vph frequency, features 33 jewels, and has a power reserve of 70 hours. Additionally, it offers -3/+7-second daily accuracy. Although less visible due to the tinted crystal, the caliber features a black satin finish. And despite the red sapphire glass, the contrasting tungsten micro-rotor spinning on ball bearings stands out immediately.
Wearing the Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20
We received the watch on a black nylon NATO strap with a white pinstripe and a brushed steel buckle engraved with the Yema logo. It fits the watch’s overall aesthetic nicely. The second option is a stainless steel H-link bracelet that drastically transforms the look. Usually, I go for the bracelet, but in this case, I would make an exception. On the NATO strap, the forged carbon dial and bezel stand out much more. It creates a far more distinct look that I prefer over the watch on the bracelet. The black strap is a nice, high-quality NATO that wears really well. It’s made of soft, super comfortable nylon, and thanks to the fixed keepers, you never have to worry about them moving around.
What stood out to me immediately was how nice the dial and bezel looked in natural light. Especially when it is sunny outside, they really come to life nicely. That’s when you see the intricate swirling pattern, and it’s definitely a nice visual touch. When you go inside, the watch is slightly quieter, but the visual change is actually what makes this such a nice version of the Navygraf.
Final thoughts on the Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition
As said, the dial and bezel do not alter the watch’s retro feel. But thanks to the use of forged carbon, I found myself coming back to gaze at the watch time and again. On top of that, I am always pleasantly surprised by how well Yema’s Superman and Navygraf models sit on the wrist. Thanks to the slim case profile, the watch feels very slim. Even with the added thickness of the NATO strap, the Barracuda is still very easy to wear.
Overall, I would say that Yema has created a captivating version of the Navygraf with a compelling backstory, a new material in the lineup, and an in-house caliber, all while keeping the typical retro Navygraf charm. If you consider the watch’s price of €2,249 / US$2,590 / £2,040 with the strap or €2,499 / US$2,890 / £2,260 with the bracelet, you get a lot of watch for your money. It makes this new Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition a very compelling offer from the French brand.
As a result, I have no doubt that all 400 pieces that Yema will produce will sell out. The watches are available today on the brand’s official website, along with the other two Navygraf models celebrating 400 years of the Marine Nationale. It’s a celebration done well, and I can’t wait to find out what is next for the brand’s Navygraf series.
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