There are few contemporary watches that blend military heritage, innovative engineering, and a spirit of purposeful design as compellingly as the YEMA Flygraf CPA10. Conceived in partnership with the fabled Commando Parachutiste de l’Air No. 10 (CPA10) — France’s elite airborne commandos — and grounded in the storied Flieger tradition, this reference bridges historic lineage and forward-thinking horology with brio. As ever, YEMA’s approach is clear: a watch conceived for operation, legibility, and utter reliability, but without forsaking refinement or allure.
The Flygraf CPA10 dons the rigorous dress of a Type A Flieger dial: functional, sharp, and highly legible, exactly as one expects from an aviation tool watch developed for commandos. Every element on the dial is deliberate. Arabic numerals circle the perimeter, rendered in relief with a steel finish that gently catches ambient light, imparting a sense of depth that rewards close inspection. The military tone is further asserted by the subtle, tone-on-tone CPA10 logo, tastefully embedded within the dial and echoed at the six o’clock position — a discreet nod to the unit’s valor that never distracts from readability.
Legibility, that immutable talisman of military watches, is never compromised. The Flieger-inspired hands are crisply defined, easily distinguishable at a glance, and generously filled with blue Super-Luminova BGW9 Grade A, ensuring the time remains clear in the darkest environments. The hour marker at 10 o’clock is set apart in white Super-Luminova C1, mirroring the CPA10 designation and supplying an extra dash of visual intrigue, a small flourish for those in the know.
A domed sapphire crystal, fully double in its curvature and 2mm thick, sits protectively above the dial. This not only delivers heightened durability — crucial for conditions far removed from a collector’s cabinet — but also imbues the watch with a distinctly vintage appearance, softly managing reflections and visually amplifying the dial’s openness.
The movement at the heart of the Flygraf CPA10 is the CMM.10 Manufacture caliber, a mechanism worthy of keen appreciation both for its technical prowess and for its place in YEMA’s ongoing pursuit of horological autonomy. Designed in Switzerland and realised in France by YEMA’s own watchmakers, the CMM.10 is notably svelte at just 3.7mm thick, an achievement that enables the CPA10’s case to remain effortlessly wearable without sacrificing substance.
Under sapphire exhibition caseback, the CMM.10 reveals a smart and modern architecture, the bridges and mainplates manufactured entirely in YEMA’s Morteau workshops. Finishes are meticulous — circular graining and brushing affirm the attention to craft, while the visible tungsten micro-rotor stands out both for its technical advancement and distinctive visual appeal. YEMA’s choice to integrate a micro-rotor in tungsten not only minimises thickness while maximising winding efficiency, but also contributes to the movement’s striking presence.
Performance is robust: a substantial 70-hour power reserve is delivered thanks to a large barrel system, while timekeeping is regulated within a range of -3 to +7 seconds per day, brushing up against chronometer-grade precision. One senses in the CMM.10 not only a desire for technical independence but a maturing assurance in execution and ambition.
Crafted from Grade 2 titanium, the Flygraf CPA10’s case blends lightness and ruggedness with an understated, military-inspired aesthetic. Forty millimetres in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug, its proportions invite wear on any wrist, purposefully commanding but never ostentatious. At under 10mm thick, aided by the ultra-thin movement within, comfort is maintained for daily missions or civilian pursuits alike.
Brushed finishing brings an attractive matte mood, the deeper hue of Grade 2 titanium subtly reinforcing the serious intent behind the design. A deliberate lack of brilliant polish on the flanks or lugs means glare is minimised, aligning with the needs of special forces and enthusiasts drawn to authenticity. An oversized, easy-to-grip crown — engraved with the French Air Force insignia — continues the operational theme, promising easy manipulation even while gloved on sorties or in demanding environments.
The exhibition caseback is another considered touch, constructed from sapphire and adorned with the insignia of the 602e GIA (Air Infantry Group), an historic French Army paratrooper unit and direct ancestor to the CPA10. This tribute not only roots the Flygraf CPA10 in a proud military tradition, but elevates it as a fitting bridge between decades of airborne service and the contemporary collector.
Completing the field-ready specification is a robust canvas strap from Franche-Comté, stitched in white to echo the dial, with a leather lining and finished with the French Air Force emblem — a satisfying touch of Franco-centric pride and craft.
The YEMA Flygraf CPA10 is the official watch of the French Air Force and the CPA10, but its story extends beyond institutional partnerships or commemorative insignia. Developed hand in glove with the very commandos who inspired it, guided by veterans such as Nicolas “Stan,” this model captures not only the technical excellence demanded in operational contexts but also a resolute sense of purpose and identity.
As the first YEMA military watch equipped with the CMM.10 Manufacture movement, the Flygraf CPA10 (€1.690,00) represents a significant moment for the brand, showcasing its ability to honour both tradition and innovation. The five-year international warranty stands as a fitting vote of confidence in the engineering and spirit behind the watch. With deliveries scheduled for September 2025, enthusiasts and collectors alike can anticipate an authentic, high-performance timepiece forged in the crucible of history and built for a new generation of adventurers.
