Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 LE

I have had the pleasure of reviewing a good number of Yema watches over the past few years. During the many hands-on experiences, I have found that I gravitate toward the brand’s quirky classics. My all-time favorite is the Superman FAF Search And Rescue Limited Edition from a few years ago. But I also love Yema’s Skin Diver series. What they have in common is the large retro hour markers that define the overall character. This lovable feature makes them stand out among the many vintage-style competitors out there. When the French brand announced a full-lume version of its Skin Diver as part of The Five Acts series, I was intrigued to find out more. Could the classic Skin Diver pull it off properly? It’s time to find out.

Let me start by explaining what The Five Acts series is all about. Yema decided to create a group of five limited editions, all powered by its in-house calibers and highlighting the design evolution of different models. The series consists of the Navygraf Phantom CMM.10, the Rallygraf Alpine Series MKII, the collaborative Yema × Silberstein Marine 2 CMM.20, the Superman Titanium Tourbillon CMM.31, and, finally, the Skin Diver Full Lume CMM.20, which I had the chance to review. For this intriguing lineup, Yema experimented with different materials, colors, calibers, and executions to create five wildly different watches.

The details of the Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 Limited Edition

Let’s take a closer look at the details of the Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 Limited Edition. The watch features the familiar 39mm stainless steel Skin Diver case with a 47mm lug-to-lug and a 12.2mm total thickness. However, the actual case only has a 9.9mm profile, with the double-domed sapphire adding the extra thickness.

This case also offers a 300m depth rating and features a predominantly brushed finish with polished bevels. The unidirectional diving bezel features a black sapphire insert with a white 60-minute scale that lights up blue in low-light conditions. The cream-colored lume pip at the 60-minute mark also lights up in the dark, but instead of blue, it glows green.

That same combination of lume colors continues on the dial. The case houses what appears to be a regular crisp white dial. But looks are deceiving because it is a full-lume dial that lights up bright blue in the dark. Adding to the fun are the applied black hour markers. These are filled with cream-colored Grade A Super-LumiNova that glows bright green.

As we know from previous Skin Diver models, the larger markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock feature quirky numerals. They add a nice retro charm to the overall aesthetic. The black hands contain the same cream-colored lume as the indexes and, therefore, also glow bright green in the dark. Finishing the look is a luminous white FKM rubber Scales strap. Like the dial, this comfortable rubber strap lights up blue in low light for a full-on lume show.

Yema’s Calibre Manufacture Morteau 20

If you turn the watch around, you will see the in-house Yema CMM.20. This automatic movement operates at 28,800 vph, offers 70 hours of power reserve, and is accurate to within -3/+7 seconds per day. It’s a slim, modern caliber featuring a bidirectional tungsten micro-rotor, Incabloc shock protection, and a Glucydur balance wheel. It also features satin finishing and a micro-blasted treatment on the mainplate and bridges.

Furthermore, the CMM.20 is treated with a black ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) coating. The dark finish nicely matches the watch’s black bezel insert. On top of that, it suits the modern character of this lume-heavy dive watch quite well. As I explained in a previous review of the Skin Diver Slim, the retro styling contrasts heavily with the modern look of the caliber. But in this new full-lume execution, the combination of the two feels much more natural.

Wearing the Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 Limited Edition

I usually prefer my dive watches with a stainless steel bracelet, but Yema’s retro dive watches all look great on a nice rubber strap. I even prefer a strap for some models because it increases the watch’s overall charm.

Some good examples are the bronze Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition that I reviewed last year and the stylish Superman Tropical CMM.10 Limited Edition that Yema created with Le Petit Poussoir. These show how straps increase the vintage feel beautifully. For this new full-lume Skin Diver, I would say it’s more about the overall concept, as the strap is bright white.

As for the wearing experience, the watch feels nicely proportioned and is a great fit for my 18.5cm wrist. On top of that, I love the thin profile, as it makes this Skin Diver Slim super comfortable. The new introduction confirms what I already knew and loved about the Skin Diver Slim. The big change, of course, is the watch’s luminous properties.

I can tell you that in the few days I had the watch, I turned off the lights in the office and my apartment quite a few times at night. The result was a watch that jumped off my wrist. Fire up the lume torch, and it gets even better. If there is one remark to make, it’s that a white rubber strap never stays crisp white. But in this specific case, it serves the overall concept. On top of that, it suits the watch’s look well.

Final thoughts on the new Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 Limited Edition

Overall, I like the idea behind The Five Acts series. It shows how far Yema has come as a brand. The array of in-house calibers is great proof of Yema’s technological developments. Additionally, the five limited editions show how modern materials and colors work well with the watches’ retro designs. Consequently, this series is an interesting new take on the brand’s usual aesthetic.

If we think in that context, this new limited edition is a fun, modern take on the classic Skin Diver Slim. While still firmly rooted in the ’60s, the full-lume treatment is the modern sauce that makes it different from the regular releases. Considering that it also contains the in-house CMM.20, I am sure that this limited edition will find its way to Yema fans quickly. The brand will produce 400 examples of this watch, each retailing for €2,450 / US$2,725 / £2,200. That makes this new Yema Skin Diver Slim Full Lume CMM.20 Limited Edition the next affordable Skin Diver Slim release powered by an in-house caliber, but this time, it comes with a nice twist.