YEMA Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds CMM.29

French watchmaker YEMA has formally expanded its integrated sports watch collection with the introduction of the Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds CMM.29 line. This release marks the first integration of a small-seconds complication into the Wristmaster Slim architecture, representing a structural shift from the central-seconds configuration of its predecessors. The integration is facilitated by the deployment of the Calibre Manufacture Morteau 29 (CMM.29), a dedicated derivative of the brand's foundational micro-rotor movement. By utilizing a micro-rotor layout, YEMA maintains the established 9.00mm total case thickness while adding subsidiary seconds to the display. The initial rollout comprises three distinct references, utilizing identical underlying case geometries and calibers but differentiating heavily in surface finishing and dial execution. These include two standard-production variants with vertical-brushed dials, designated as the Blue Hour and Verdant Dial models, alongside a highly restricted, heavily stylized Camo Special Edition.

The introduction of the CMM.29 caliber into the Wristmaster chassis signifies an ongoing industry trend toward localizing supply chains and elevating mechanical specifications at accessible pricing tiers. Components for the movement are sourced from a tightly controlled 72-kilometer radius spanning the Franco-Swiss border, with final assembly occurring in Morteau, France. This localized production strategy allows for stricter quality control over critical elements like the mainplates and bridges, which YEMA manufactures directly. Placing the small seconds register at the nine o'clock position deliberately breaks the symmetry of the traditional dial layout. This asymmetrical visual weight aligns the watch closer to historical instrument gauges rather than traditional formal wear, firmly anchoring the new Wristmaster within the sports watch category while utilizing an ultra-slim profile.

The Case and Dial

The external architecture of the Wristmaster Slim relies on a complex 39mm asymmetrical octagonal case forged from 316L stainless steel. Achieving an overall thickness of exactly 9.00mm, including the raised sapphire crystal, places the watch strictly within the ultra-thin category of sports watches. The geometry is defined by sharp planar transitions and a signature bezel inspired by the historical YEMA Sous-Marine models of the 1980s. Inspection of the standard models reveals strict adherence to alternating surface treatments. The upper and lower bevels of the bezel display deep, straight vertical brushing, which terminates sharply against entirely polished transitions where the horizontal and vertical surfaces intersect. Such finishing requires exacting machine tolerances, as any deviation in the polishing wheel's pressure would round off the precise angles that give the octagonal shape its structural definition.

Dial executions on the standard production models emphasize legibility through a disciplined use of texture and high-contrast hardware. Both the deep indigo Blue Hour and the forest-inspired Verdant Dial feature a fine vertical brushing that aligns perfectly with the brushing on the bezel and case. Applied stainless-steel indices and faceted hour and minute hands are polished to a mirror finish, contrasting sharply against the matte absorption of the brushed base layer. The inclusion of the recessed small seconds subdial at nine o'clock introduces functional utility without overcrowding the primary time-reading sector. To ensure visibility in low-light environments, the prominent markers and broad hands are generously filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9, an industry-standard luminous compound known for its bright white daylight appearance and intense blue emission in darkness.

Diverging significantly from the standard line, the Camo Special Edition employs advanced manufacturing techniques to apply a uniform military motif across its exterior components. The snow camouflage pattern is not stamped or painted, but rather applied through selective laser brushing, an intricate process that ablates the top layer of the steel to create alternating depths and light-reflective properties. This laser-finished texture flows seamlessly from the dial onto the signature bezel, across the entirety of the case, and down through the integrated bracelet links. The result is a monochromatic, highly technical aesthetic that shifts in contrast depending on the ambient light angle. The matte, textured background of the camo dial further accentuates the polished rhodium-plated hands and indices, maintaining strict legibility despite the complex visual noise of the camouflage pattern.

The Movement

Driving the timekeeping functions is the proprietary Calibre Manufacture Morteau 29, a 32.20mm mechanical automatic movement characterized by its bi-directional tungsten micro-rotor. Unlike a conventional central winding rotor that rests atop the movement and adds substantial thickness to the caliber, a micro-rotor is recessed directly into the movement plate. This specific architectural choice allows the CMM.29 to measure a mere 3.70mm thick, enabling the watch's slim 9.00mm overall profile. Because micro-rotors have less mass and leverage than full-size rotors, winding efficiency is often compromised. To counteract this physical limitation, YEMA utilizes a high-density tungsten alloy for the oscillating weight. This heavy metal provides the necessary inertial force to reliably wind the large mainspring barrel, ultimately securing an extended 70-hour power reserve capable of running uninterrupted through a weekend off the wrist.

The timekeeping foundation of the CMM.29 relies on advanced materials within its regulating organ to achieve a near-chronometric daily accuracy rate of -3 to +7 seconds. Oscillating at a frequency of 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement provides a smooth sweep for the small seconds hand. The primary component ensuring this stability is the Glucydur balance wheel. Glucydur is a specialized non-magnetic, low-thermal-expansion metal alloy heavily utilized in modern watchmaking. By resisting dimensional changes caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and effectively repelling ambient magnetic fields, the Glucydur balance wheel ensures the oscillation rate remains constant. Furthermore, the delicate balance staff is shielded by an Incabloc double cone shock protection system, preventing catastrophic damage from sudden impacts and reinforcing the movement's viability for daily sports use.

Visual inspection of the caliber through the sapphire exhibition caseback reveals significant differences in decoration between the standard models and the limited edition. The standard production CMM.29 movements utilize rhodium-plated bridges that undergo galvanic treatment before being heavily decorated with a Côtes de Genève sunray pattern, radiating outward from the balance wheel to create a dynamic light effect. Conversely, the 100-piece Camo Special Edition features a highly bespoke finishing technique. The bridges of these specific calibers are entirely hand-frosted by artisans in the Morteau workshops. Hand-frosting utilizes an abrasive tool applied directly to the metal to create a granular, multi-faceted surface that scatters light softly. Because this abrasive technique is executed manually, the grain structure and depth vary subtly, guaranteeing that no two movements in the limited run possess an identical visual signature. Additionally, the tungsten micro-rotor on the limited edition is physically engraved with the specific watch's production number, matching the edition sequence.

The Bracelet

Securing the Wristmaster Slim to the wrist is an integrated 316L stainless steel bracelet designed to function as an uninterrupted continuation of the case geometry. The link structure tapers gradually from the 24mm case integration point down toward the clasp, distributing the physical weight of the watch head and improving overall ergonomic balance. On the standard models, the top surfaces of the links receive identical vertical brushing to the case, flanked by high-polish bevels on the outer edges. The Camo Special Edition maintains this exact structural taper but carries the complex, laser-ablated snow camouflage motif uniformly across every individual link.

The closure system consists of a double pusher solid butterfly buckle that sits entirely flush against the wrist when secured. Recognizing the inherent sizing difficulties of integrated steel bracelets, particularly as wrist dimensions fluctuate throughout the day due to temperature and hydration, YEMA has engineered a mechanical solution directly into the clasp. The butterfly mechanism houses a concealed micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to execute rapid, tool-free length adjustments ranging from 1.5mm to 3.0mm. This technical addition prevents the watch from restricting circulation during physical activity while maintaining the seamless visual flow of the bracelet when fully closed.

Pricing and Availability

The retail strategy for the Wristmaster Slim Small Seconds CMM.29 positions the collection aggressively within the highly competitive sub-$3,000 integrated sports watch sector. The standard production Blue Hour and Verdant Dial references are priced at $2,490. Given the inclusion of an entirely proprietary ultra-thin micro-rotor caliber, this pricing model undercuts several major Swiss competitors relying on standard outsourced movements. The Camo Special Edition commands a slight premium at $2,649, reflecting the additional manufacturing costs associated with the extensive laser brushing and the manual labor required for the hand-frosted movement bridges.

While the Blue Hour and Verdant Dial references will enter standard continuous production, the Camo Special Edition is strictly capped at 100 numbered units globally. Upon retail delivery, each reference is supplied within a brown lacquered wood presentation box featuring a suede-like interior lining. Ownership also enrolls the purchaser into the YEMA Privilege program, securing a five-year international warranty on the mechanical caliber and providing direct access to the brand's continuous customer service network for future maintenance requirements.

Technical Specifications

Case: 39mm asymmetrical octagon, 316L stainless steel, 9.00mm thickness, 24mm lugs, raised sapphire crystal

Movement: YEMA Calibre Manufacture Morteau 29 (CMM.29), mechanical automatic micro-rotor, 4Hz (28,800 vph), 70-hour power reserve, -3/+7 seconds daily accuracy

Dial: Vertical brushed (Blue Hour/Verdant) or laser brushed military texture (Camo), applied indices, Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9, small seconds at 9 o'clock

Strap: Integrated 316L stainless steel bracelet with double pusher butterfly buckle and micro-adjustment mechanism (1.5mm to 3.0mm)

Price: $2,490 (Standard Models) / $2,649 (Camo Special Edition)

Reference Number: 76.26.29.05.SN.M (Blue Hour) / 76.26.29.04.SN.M (Verdant Dial) / 76.26.29.09.SNL.M (Camo Special Edition)

Notes: Water resistant to 10 BAR / 100 meters. Camo Special Edition limited to 100 numbered pieces with hand-frosted movement bridges. Standard models feature Côtes de Genève sunray pattern.