Zach Brass
Yema has become a fanfare Bright brand for both budding and veteran watch collectors. Although it has not yet penetrated into the mainstream watch market, the collecting niche is beginning to truly adjust to the brand, its rich past, and its modern offering, combining its rich past, and its rich past. Usually, when you consider Yema, you’re thinking of offering a robust dive watch like The Superman. However, this month, the French manufacturer is showing off different shades of its capabilities with the Yema Granvelle CMM.20, a more casual and slightly dressy watch.
case
The Granvelle CMM.20 is said to be inspired by the arches of the Granvelle Palace in Besançon, a French watchmaking hub and a region known for being a manufacturing hub in Yemah. The 50-meter water-resistant steel case is 39mm in diameter, 8.6mm thick, and 47mm lugs with the cushion shape showing rich vertical brushing, mirrored accents, and coin-shaped case bands for adding texture and flare. It is less than 10mm thick and sits nicely and low on the wrist thanks to the movement of the micro rotor. Looking at the photo of the palace arch next to the case of the Granvelle CMM.20, the throughline of visual similarities is immediately clear.
Dial
I was able to practice both gray and green dial variations, but for records, the blue option is also available. Aside from the colour of the engraved Guillochi Central Medallion, all three dials have the same layout and style. In the center, two polished alpha-shaped hands are found for a time and a few minutes. Normally, the guilloche is expected to be emitted from the center, but here the concentric texture is emitted from a small second pinion at the 9 o’clock position instead. At the outermost boundary of the Guilloché Medallion, the fine tracks of the railway show the minutes easy to read and are suspended only between 5 and 7 o’clock by the “Manufacturing Française” text. Framing the coloured centers gives you a sloping white chapter ring with time markers carved into metal, adding more visual intrigue and depth. When the bezel, outer chapter rings, and inner medallions all share the same cushioned shape, the eyes really draw you in the center. There is a gentle visual harmony in its aesthetic.
strap
All three configurations of the Yema Granvelle CMM.20 are equipped on a “premium” brown calf leather strap that tapes well from the lugs, from the lugs to the case-matching unfolding folding clasp. To ensure the best fit possible, Yema kindly packages two different sized strap ends, medium and large watches, allowing both average size and large wrists to reach ideal sizing.
Movement
As mentioned before, it is Yemer’s expertise in micro-rotor movement that allows brands to produce thinner watches. And although it has a thin caliber, it has ample power reserve and impact resistance. In full condition, the CMM.20 lasts 70 hours from the wrist, and the micro-rotor not only wraps around the movement, but also gives you a full view of the decoration. The CMM.20 inside the Granvel begins with the name found in Superman slim, using a more traditional style finish. Instead of a darkened matte black bridge, we see the sunray stripe style radiating from the micro-rotors at the top of the movement, turning to the balance wheel, particularly held by the full-balanced bridge. Besides visually stimulating movements, Yema has pledged an accuracy rating of +7/-3 seconds per day. This is almost within the standard COSC chronometer.
verdict
With prices below US$2,000, it’s not hard to see the value Yema and the microrotor-driven Granvelle CMM.20 offer, even at its strictest standards. It all really sums up as to whether you like its arched cushion shape and its dial aesthetics. Personally, the engraved time markers really enhance the dial in a clear way, and the colored central medallions also look great. The dimensions are ideal for those who prefer modern yet compact sizing, and the case finish and grooves are also pleasant.
One thing I’m sure I’d wanted to see, but I doubt that micro-rotor caliber may not be allowed is the version of Granbell where small seconds are placed at 6 o’clock rather than 9. It looks like it is, but when the micro-rotor branding is removed, the small seconds in that location are removed, and the patterns are emitted from the bottom up, I think it suits my taste. Again, I don’t prefer asymmetrical small amounts of seconds, but the distinction between radiating patterns from 9 o’clock is refreshing visual.
Yema Granvelle CMM.20 Prices and Availability
Yema Granvelle CMM.20 is now available for purchase. Price: USD 1,990
Brand Yemma Model Granbell CMM.20 Case Dimensions 39mm (D) x 8.6mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) Case Stainless Steel Water Resistance 50m Sapphire Front and Back Dial Grey, Green, or Blue, Blue, Concentric Texture Center Rug Wrag Width 20mm Strap Brown Calfzaazaazahaus, Milekle for Fil for Fold cmm. 70 hours of functionality, minutes, small seconds available now priced US $1,990
