Today, July 14, France celebrates its National Day.
Every year, the country commemorates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 - a key event in the French Revolution. Additionally, this day is dedicated to the Fête de la Fédération, a festival of French unity celebrated on July 14, 1790. Those who have been to France in July might have witnessed the grand celebrations on this day. Yema joined the festivities by unveiling three new Navygraf watch models, dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the French Navy. In this review, we will look at the Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition featuring a dial and bezel made of forged carbon.
History and Concept of Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to test several Yema Navygraf models. Compared to the popular Superman series, the Navygraf is a more elegant diver model. With its unique case and dial design, the Navygraf stands out, returning to its roots. As I have noted in previous reviews, the modern Navygraf version is inspired by the Navygraf II model from the late 1970s. The brand experimented with different dial options and materials and introduced its own movements. This has resulted in an intriguing series of retro divers that deserve the attention of experts and collectors.
For the new Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition model, the brand decided to pay tribute to the French Navy's submarine forces. Yema worked closely with the Marine Nationale in developing this limited edition. The model's name is linked to the Barracuda submarine program, with the key innovation being the forged carbon dial and bezel. The use of this material often leads to a radical change in the watch's appearance, but in this case, the model retains its retro 1970s style, enhanced by tactical red accents.
Construction and Technical Specifications of the Case
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 46 mm, and a thickness of 12.1 mm (excluding the double-domed sapphire crystal - 9.75 mm). Despite its compact size, the model retains the status of classic dive watches with water resistance up to 300 meters. The case is vertically satin-finished with polished chamfers, giving the piece a stylish and balanced appearance.
Features of Forged Carbon on the Dial and Bezel
The unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 fixed clicks features a forged carbon insert with a luminescent countdown scale. Special attention is given to the 20-minute sector, highlighted in tactical red. This time interval is not chosen by chance - it corresponds to standard submarine synchronization protocols, allowing the crew to quickly orient and coordinate operations.
The red shade harmoniously complements the Barracuda inscription on the lower half of the forged carbon dial. The dial is adorned with applied white Super-LumiNova markers, characteristic of the Navygraf series, making the model instantly recognizable. Unlike the Superman, such detailing emphasizes the unique design. The hour hand is shaped like a black pencil, the minute hand is a large red arrow-tipped hand, and the second hand is thin and white. All hands are coated with white lume, ensuring easy time reading in the dark.
The forged carbon material gives the model a special visual effect - unique patterns on the surface make each piece unique, while maintaining the overall retro style of the watch.
Red Accents and Their Functional Significance
The case back is fitted with a red sapphire disk engraved with "Forces Sous-Marines" - a reference to tactical night lighting aboard nuclear submarines (SSN). It is known that at night, submarines use red lighting because the human eye can perceive instruments under red light without losing dark adaptation. This maintains the crew's night vision sharpness, which is important when using the periscope or surfacing at night. The center of the case back features the French Navy's submarine forces emblem.
Yema CMM.20 In-House Movement
Behind the red sapphire glass lies the in-house caliber CMM.20. This is not the first time this micro-rotor movement has been used in limited Navygraf editions - it was previously used in the Navygraf Slim model. The caliber was developed and produced in Yema's workshops in Morteau, France. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 33 jewels, and offers a power reserve of up to 70 hours. The movement's accuracy ranges from -3 to +7 seconds per day. Despite the tinted glass, the movement stands out with a black satin finish and a contrasting tungsten micro-rotor on ball bearings.
Wearing Experience and Supply Kit
The watch comes on a black nylon NATO strap with a white stripe and a satin-finished steel buckle engraved with Yema. This option perfectly complements the overall style of the model. The second option is a steel bracelet with H-links, which significantly changes the appearance. Usually, I prefer bracelets, but in this case, I recommend keeping the NATO strap - it better highlights the features of the forged carbon dial and bezel. The strap is made of soft and comfortable nylon with fixed keepers, preventing it from moving during wear.
Especially impressive is how the dial and bezel look in natural sunlight - at this moment, the complex patterns of the material are revealed, adding visual depth and uniqueness to the watch. Indoors, the watch looks more restrained, but the play of light makes this version of the Navygraf particularly attractive.
Final Assessment of Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition
Despite the use of modern materials, the model retains an authentic retro style. The forged carbon adds visual interest and makes you return to the watch again and again. The slim profile of the case ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, and even with the NATO strap, the watch remains comfortable for everyday wear.
Yema has created an attractive version of the Navygraf with an interesting history, new material, and its own caliber, all while retaining the classic retro charm. Priced at €2,249 / US$2,590 / £2,040 on a strap and €2,499 / US$2,890 / £2,260 on a bracelet, the model offers excellent value for money. This makes the Yema Navygraf Barracuda CMM.20 Limited Edition a compelling offer in the dive watch market.
With a limited release of 400 pieces, there is no doubt about the quick sale of the model. The watches are already available on the brand's official website along with two other Navygraf models dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the French Navy. This is a worthy celebration, and we look forward to further releases in the Navygraf series.
