Flygraf CPA10

Yema, an unsuspecting name coined by Henry Louis Belmont during a school contest back in his teenage years, goes on to attain a massive following throughout its 72 years of watchmaking. Graduating at the top of his class in the National Watchmaking School of Besançon, Belmont lives up to his title with exquisite timepieces that are out of this world, literally, when the Yema Spationaute flew to space on astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien's wrist.

Today, Yema's story returns from space and lands directly in the elite hangars of the French Air Force. Their latest creation, the Flygraf CPA10, is much more than a simple tribute to military history. It is a modern evolution of the classic Type A Flieger pilot watch design-built hand in hand with the Commando Parachutiste de l'Air No. 10 which is France's most elite airborne special forces unit. This is not just a collaboration in name only but a real-world partnership. In fact, before this watch was ever made available to the public, Yema produced over a hundred custom engraved pieces exclusively for the active-duty commandos to use in the field.

Yema Flygraf CPA10

To make sure the watch could actually handle the pressure of special ops, Yema teamed up with Nicolas S., aka "Stan", a twenty- year veteran and former mission commander of the CPA10. Acting as the bridge between the battlefield and the watchmaker's bench, Stan made sure every detail met the strict demands of a paratrooper. The result is a watch that perfectly balances old school pilot style with the rugged durability needed for high altitude jumps. It is that rare kind of timepiece that looks incredible in a collection while possessing the bulletproof soul of a true military instrument.

Engineering a watch for elite commandos demands a material that can survive the extremes, which is why the Flygraf CPA10 utilizes a Grade 2 titanium housing that is 40% lighter than steel yet remarkably resilient against high-impact shocks and corrosive environments. This choice of substrate gives the 40mm case a signature darkened, tactical hue, while the uniform brushed finish ensures the watch maintains a low-profile, matte aesthetic that effectively kills any glare in the field. Yema kept the dimensions intentionally sharp, pairing a 46mm lug-to-lug with a sub-10mm profile to create a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that hugs the wrist during high-intensity maneuvers. Every touchpoint is built for purpose, most notably the oversized crown signed with the French Air Force logo, which features deep knurling so that a mission commander can achieve a positive grip and adjust the movement even through the thick layers of a flight glove.

40mm brushed grade 2 titanium case

Beyond its hardened exterior, the Flygraf CPA10 utilizes a 2mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal that provides a vintage aesthetic while simultaneously sharpening dial legibility and offering maximum scratch resistance. This clarity is paramount for a unit that demands absolute precision, leading to the adoption of an ultra-legible Flieger Type A layout where the CPA10 logo is integrated through a subtle, tone-on-tone application on the dial surface, anchored by a prominent silver-applied logo at 6 o'clock for a touch of refined depth. The Arabic hour markers are printed in slight relief with a crisp steel finish, creating a sense of depth that remains functional under any lighting conditions. However, the true "nerdy" Easter egg lies in the specialized lume plot; while the majority of the markers utilize blue-glowing Super-Luminova BGW9 Grade A, the 10 o'clock marker is specifically coated in white Super-Luminova C1. This intentional contrast serves as a hidden-in-plain-sight tribute to the CPA10 unit, ensuring that even in total darkness, the watch's elite pedigree remains clear to those who know where to look.

In a significant mechanical milestone, this military tribute to the CPA10 is the first of its kind to be equipped with the CMM.10 Manufacture caliber, an in-house movement that boasts a robust 70-hour power reserve and beats at a high-frequency 28,800 bph. This 27-jewel engine is fully visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback, allowing a clear view of its modern architecture while maintaining a field-ready water resistance of 100 meters. Bridging the gap between modern horology and military heritage, the insignia of the 602ᵉ GIA (Air Infantry Group) is printed in white directly beneath the rear glass as a meaningful tribute to the pioneers of French airborne forces. By showcasing this predecessor to the CPA10, the watch creates a direct horizontal line between the earliest paratrooper units and today's elite commandos, making the CMM.10 as much a piece of living history as it is a technical powerhouse.

Custom CPA10 Super-luminova Grade A

Crafted by a specialist French manufacturer in the historic Franche-Comté region, the 20mm canvas strap is a bespoke addition designed to mirror the tactical palette of the Flygraf CPA10. The rugged exterior features contrasting white stitching for a classic aviation feel, while the underside is lined with premium leather to ensure superior comfort during extended wear.

Ultimately, this collaboration proves that a true pilot's watch is more than just a legible dial; it is a mission-critical tool that must perform when gravity and the elements conspire against it. The Flygraf CPA10 stands as a hardened testament to French airborne history, offering a rare combination of 'manufacture' horology and battlefield durability. Whether it's strapped over a flight suit or tucked under a cuff, it remains a silent, rugged partner to those who value the quiet discipline of the CPA10.

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