Yema unveils the Senans Grande Lune, its first in-house moon phase watch. With this new collection, the French brand introduces the CMM.22 micro-rotor automatic calibre and offers a particularly spectacular complication: a large, sculpted, luminescent moon, positioned asymmetrically on a guilloché dial. Three versions are announced, blue, champagne, and black, each limited to 200 pieces.
The Yema Senans Grande Lune measures 38.5 mm in diameter and just 8.7 mm thick. It deliberately moves away from the Superman and Navygraf diving watches to explore a dressier style of watchmaking, without sacrificing the mechanical craftsmanship that characterizes Yema's recent in-house calibres. We take a closer look at this new release, its movement, and what sets it apart from other moon phase watches.
Yema Senans Grande Lune: the essentials in a few words
The Senans Grande Lune is the first model in a new Yema collection inspired by the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans in Franche-Comté. It combines a 38.5 mm 316L steel case, a double-domed sapphire crystal, a transparent case back, 50-metre water resistance, and the new in-house CMM.22 calibre. Its large moon phase is visible at 7 o'clock, set in the middle of a dial featuring several textures.
The three dial colours are offered in separate limited editions of 200 pieces. Orders open on November 11 directly on our website: order the Senans
A first in-house moon phase for Yema
When people think of Yema, they naturally think of the Superman, the Navygraf, or the sporty watches in the Wristmaster collection. The French brand built its reputation around watches designed for diving, exploration, and sports. For several years, it has also been developing its own in-house calibres in Morteau.
With the Senans Grande Lune CMM.22, Yema takes a different step. The novelty does not lie in a new level of water resistance or a calibre designed for a tool watch. Instead, it explores one of the most poetic complications in watchmaking: the moon phase. It is also a way to show that Yema's in-house movements can power more classic and decorative creations.
We find this an interesting choice. A moon phase watch is not necessarily the most useful for everyday wear, but it offers a different relationship with time. It displays an astronomical cycle rather than simply providing practical information. On the Senans, Yema has chosen not to hide this complication at all.
A large sculpted moon that becomes the centre of the dial
On many watches, the moon phase appears in a small aperture, often at 6 o'clock. The Senans takes almost the opposite approach. Its large moon is positioned near 7 o'clock, in an asymmetrical aperture that immediately catches the eye. The rest of the dial has been designed around it, with slim markers and guilloché surfaces that give the overall design room to breathe.
The construction is also distinctive. Yema does not simply print a moon on a flat disc. The celestial body is sculpted in three dimensions, with details evoking lunar craters and seas. A two-lobed disc rotates gradually in front of it, revealing and then concealing the moon throughout the cycle.
This design allows the moon to maintain a strong visual presence without multiplying the hands or sub-dials. The complication becomes a true part of the design, immediately setting the Senans apart from a classic three-hand dress watch.
How does a moon phase watch work?
A moon phase indicates the progression of the illuminated part of the moon as seen from Earth. Over a cycle of approximately 29.5 days, the moon passes through different phases, from new moon to full moon and back to new moon. A moon phase watch reproduces this progression using a mechanism driven by its movement.
On the Senans, the complication is integrated into the CMM.22 calibre and features a quick-set system operated by the crown. Its purpose is therefore not merely decorative: the moon's position changes mechanically over time. As with any watch featuring this function, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions to make adjustments safely.
A luminescent moon: the most striking detail
This is probably the feature that intrigues us most about this new Yema. The moon is made from a three-dimensional block of Super-LumiNova Grade X using Globolight technology. It has depth in the light and becomes luminescent in the dark.
The hands and markers are also treated with Super-LumiNova. Yema adds a luminescent ring between the guilloché centre and the outer part of the dial. Together, these elements create several levels of legibility between day and night, rather than simply illuminating the hands.
You will obviously need to see the watch in motion to fully appreciate this effect. The photographs help explain the design, but changes in lighting should play an important role in how the depth and textures are perceived.
The CMM.22 in-house calibre: a micro-rotor moon phase
At the heart of the Senans is the new Yema CMM.22 in-house calibre. It retains the micro-rotor architecture of the CMM.20, developed to offer a relatively slim automatic movement, and adds a moon phase complication designed specifically for this watch.
On a traditional automatic movement, the oscillating mass is usually located above the movement. A micro-rotor is integrated into the calibre's architecture, helping to keep the overall thickness down. This technical choice is particularly appropriate for a dress watch with a case measuring just 8.7 mm thick.
Yema states that the added moon phase module measures just 0.83 mm. This is no small feat: the large moon and its disc require more space and energy than a more discreet lunar display. The teams therefore had to adapt the gear train and movement transmission without compromising the desired slimness.
Why is the CMM.22 interesting for Yema?
This calibre above all shows that the in-house micro-rotor architecture can evolve to accommodate new complications. The CMM.20 had already enabled Yema to develop slim automatic watches. The CMM.22 demonstrates that this foundation can accommodate a large moon phase while remaining in an elegant case.
A sapphire case back to reveal the movement
The mechanics are not entirely hidden. The transparent sapphire case back allows you to view the CMM.22 and its micro-rotor. Yema has chosen an anthracite finish achieved through an Anthradec galvanic treatment, which contrasts with the polished screws, rubies, and moving parts.
We particularly like the consistency between the two sides of the watch. The dial emphasises the moon, light, and decorative patterns; the case back reveals a more technical mechanical architecture. It is a highly effective way of reminding us that the Senans is not merely a dress watch with a refined aesthetic.
38.5 mm and 8.7 mm: proportions suited to a dress watch
The Yema Senans Grande Lune has a 38.5 mm diameter case, 46 mm lug-to-lug, and a thickness of 8.7 mm. These proportions are consistent with the collection's classic spirit. They also make it possible to wear the watch under a shirt cuff without needing a particularly large diameter.
The 316L steel case features a so-called step case construction, recognisable by its multi-level bezel. Polished surfaces and satin-finished sides create a contrast that highlights the curves of the case. The curved lugs follow the wrist, while the double-domed sapphire crystal recalls vintage watches.
The water resistance is rated at 5 bar, or 50 metres. The Senans should therefore be viewed primarily as a dress watch rather than a diving watch. This is a deliberate choice and marks a real departure from the sporty collections that made Yema famous.
A guilloché dial inspired by natural forms
The large moon first catches the eye, but the rest of the dial is also worth examining. Its centre features a grain d'orge guilloché, with a pattern inspired by the Fibonacci sequence and the spirals found in certain natural forms.
Around this centre, a circular satin-finished ring provides a different texture. Applied markers and slim polished steel hands complete the composition. The result should change significantly depending on the light, thanks in particular to the contrast between the smooth surfaces, raised details, and guilloché.
This is precisely the kind of detail we look for in a dress watch. When visible complications and dimensions are reduced, the treatment of surfaces becomes essential. Here, Yema has chosen to create depth without multiplying the elements.
Yema Senans Grande Lune: three dials, three personalities
To launch the collection, Yema is presenting three versions of the Senans Grande Lune: blue, champagne, and black. Each is announced as a limited edition of 200 pieces, making three distinct series. The movement, dimensions, and large moon complication remain the same across all three watches.
Yema Senans Grande Lune Blue
The blue version plays on the depth of the guilloché and the changing light. It is probably the most contemporary of the three, while retaining the design of a dress watch. The blue complements the metallic surfaces of the case and highlights the sculpted moon. For fans of blue dials looking for a complication other than a simple date, this version is particularly interesting.
Yema Senans Grande Lune Black
The black version appears the most understated at first glance, but it should also create the most striking contrasts. The guilloché, markers, and luminescent moon stand out particularly well against the dark background. It is an interesting option for those who like discreet dress watches but still want a complication that is immediately recognisable.
Yema Senans Grande Lune Champagne
The champagne version takes a warmer approach. Its dial emphasises the classic nature of the Senans and naturally complements the case's compact proportions. We consider it probably the dressiest version in the series, most clearly embracing references to traditional watches without losing the uniqueness of the large moon.
Leather strap or Milanese mesh: two ways to wear the Senans
Yema has designed two strap styles for the Senans Grande Lune. The first is grained leather paired with a steel pin buckle. It naturally enhances the watch's dressy, classic character. The texture of the leather also echoes the details of the moon.
The second option is a 316L steel Milanese mesh strap, designed to fit the case. Its flexible weave and sliding clasp allow for a precise fit, while a quick-change system lets you switch from metal to leather without tools.
This choice is not merely aesthetic. The leather makes the Senans more traditional; the Milanese mesh gives it a slightly more contemporary look. In our view, both options work with all three colours, but they tell slightly different stories.
Why the name Senans? A tribute to Franche-Comté architecture
The name of the collection was not chosen at random. It refers to the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans, an 18th-century monument designed by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its semi-circular architecture inspired the shape of the large moon phase aperture.
The geographical connection is also interesting: the Saline Royale is located in Franche-Comté, the region where Morteau is also situated and where Yema develops its in-house calibres. The Senans thus brings together regional architectural heritage and contemporary watchmaking.
We find this a more compelling inspiration than simply applying a historical name to a dial. Here, the reference to Arc-et-Senans directly influences the design of the complication and contributes to the watch's identity.
The Senans, a new chapter in the evolution of Yema watches
For several years, Yema has been evolving its heritage collections while developing a family of in-house calibres. The Superman, Navygraf, and Wristmaster showcase different aspects of this strategy, from diving watches to sporty watches with integrated straps.
The Senans opens up another direction. It does not seek to replace the brand's iconic models, but to extend its expertise to dress watches and traditional complications. The arrival of the CMM.22 is therefore significant beyond this limited edition: it demonstrates a new possible application of the micro-rotor architecture developed by Yema.
For fans of French watches, it is also an interesting development to follow. The Senans combines a visually ambitious complication, an in-house calibre, and a very specific regional inspiration. It gives people a new reason to take an interest in Yema, even if they are not particularly drawn to diving watches.
Why we are following this Yema at PAUSE Montres
At PAUSE, we closely follow the developments of Yema and its in-house calibres. We already offer several collections from the brand, notably the Superman, the Navygraf, and the Wristmaster. We are interested in the Senans precisely because it moves away from this sporty world.
What we appreciate here is the work done to give the complication a real place on the dial without compromising the watch's balance. The CMM.22, the micro-rotor, the sculpted moon, and the 8.7 mm case form a coherent whole. The Senans shows that Yema can develop a more classic aesthetic while maintaining its mechanical ambition.
Where to buy the Yema Senans Grande Lune?
Yema announces that orders for this first series will open on November 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. Paris time, exclusively on its official website. Shipments are expected to begin during the first week of December 2026. The brand also offers a five-year international warranty for this edition.
At PAUSE Montres, we are an official Yema retailer in Toulouse, but we are not presenting this limited edition as immediately available for sale from us: the three Senans product pages in our catalogue are currently in draft form, and the brand announces that it will initially sell the watch directly. You can, however, discover our selection of Yema in-house watches or contact us for advice on the brand's other models.
With the Senans, Yema is also looking towards fine dress watchmaking
We were already aware of Yema's ambitions regarding in-house calibres, but the Senans Grande Lune brings something different. Here, the brand uses its mechanics to bring a complication to life, making it the central element of the dial. The large sculpted moon, guilloché textures, and extra-flat case tell a more contemplative story than that of historic diving watches.
With its three dials, each limited to 200 pieces, the Yema Senans Grande Lune CMM.22 therefore deserves a place of its own among the new French horological releases of 2026.