Introduction
When Yema reissued the Skin Diver a few years ago, it captured the hearts of vintage enthusiasts with its compact proportions and French charm. But the original reissue was still a bit chunky for daily wear. Enter the Skin Diver Slim, a refined take on the classic that shaves off precious millimeters while keeping all the character. This is the watch that proves you don't need a massive case to make a statement.
As someone who spends her days strapping on everything from 44mm tool watches to 36mm dress pieces, I was eager to see if the Slim could deliver on its promise of wearability. The reference 12.26.20.67.SNL.U7, with its sunburst blue dial and steel bracelet, arrived on my wrist with a quiet confidence. It's not trying to be a beast; it's trying to be the watch you forget you're wearing—and that's exactly what it achieves.
Manufacture History
Yema has been crafting accessible, tool-worthy timepieces from Morteau, France, since 1948. Known for producing reliable automatic watches with a distinct Gallic flair, the brand has oscillated between mass-market and enthusiast-focused releases. The Skin Diver line, originally launched in the 1960s, was revived to honor Yema's heritage of underwater exploration, and the Slim variant refines that legacy for modern wrists.
Movement
At the heart of the Slim beats the Yema2000, an in-house automatic movement with a micro-rotor. This architecture allows for a slimmer profile while maintaining a substantial 70-hour power reserve. The movement runs at 28,800 vph and features 31 jewels. While not COSC-certified, my testing showed an average of +4 seconds per day, which is excellent for a non-chronometer. The finishing is impressive for the price, with perlage on the plates and Geneva stripes on the bridges, visible through the exhibition caseback.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 9.9mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Lume: Super-LumiNova X1
- Bracelet: Steel with folding clasp and micro-adjust
Wrist Feel
The first thing you notice is the weight—or rather, the lack of it. At just 9.9mm thick and 39mm wide, this watch disappears on the wrist. The 46mm lug-to-lug ensures it sits flat even on smaller wrists, and the tapered bracelet (20mm to 16mm) drapes beautifully. The micro-adjust clasp is a godsend for hot days when your wrist swells, and the case's brushed and polished mix catches light without shouting.
On a week of wear—from desk diving to weekend hikes—the Slim never felt bulky or top-heavy. The caseback's gentle curvature hugs the wrist, and the crown, though not screw-down, is deeply recessed. It's the kind of watch you forget until you glance down and smile. The only minor gripe is the bracelet's lack of a quick-release, but that's a small price for the comfort.
Accuracy
Over a week of mixed wear, my Yema2000 settled into a rhythm of about +4 seconds per day. It's not a chronometer, but it's consistent and well within acceptable tolerances. The 70-hour power reserve means I can set it aside for a weekend and pick it up Monday without re-setting. I've found it keeps excellent time when worn daily, and the hacking seconds make syncing a breeze.
Occasions
The Skin Diver Slim is a versatile companion. Its vintage aesthetic dresses up nicely with a suit, while the 200m water resistance and lume make it a legitimate tool watch for swimming and outdoor activities. It's equally at home on a leather strap for a dinner date or on a NATO for a weekend adventure. In short, it's a true GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch.
Wrist Presence
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give the Skin Diver Slim a 4. It's not a showstopper like a Royal Oak, but it exudes quiet confidence. The sunburst blue dial shifts from dark navy to electric depending on the light, and the domed crystal adds a subtle retro charm. The lume, while not blinding, is legible in the dark. It's a watch that looks at home under a cuff or on a rubber strap at the beach.
Reference Variants
The reference we tested (12.26.20.67.SNL.U7) features a blue sunburst dial on a steel bracelet. Yema also offers a black dial version (12.26.20.67.SNL.B7) and a version with a vintage leather strap (12.26.20.67.SNL.N7). All share the same case and movement, so your choice comes down to aesthetics. The blue is my favorite, as it adds a touch of modern flair to the vintage design.
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $1,250, the Skin Diver Slim offers exceptional value for an in-house movement with a micro-rotor. Pre-owned examples typically sell between $850 and $1,100, indicating a stable market. It's not an investment piece, but it holds its value well for a micro-brand. If you buy it to wear, you'll get years of enjoyment without a significant loss if you decide to sell.
Service and Maintenance
Yema recommends servicing the movement every 5 years, which is standard for automatic watches. The cost is around $350 at an authorized service center. While the movement is in-house, parts are readily available, and Yema has service centers in France and the US. Some independent watchmakers can also service it, but I'd recommend going through Yema to maintain warranty and authenticity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely comfortable on wrist
- In-house micro-rotor movement with 70-hour reserve
- Sapphire crystal and 200m water resistance
- Vintage-inspired design with modern execution
Cons
- Bracelet lacks quick-release
- Not COSC-certified
- Limited availability outside direct sales
- Crown is not screw-down (though still secure)
Final Verdict
The Yema Skin Diver Slim is a masterclass in wearable design. It takes the best elements of a vintage diver and updates them with modern mechanics and proportions. If you're looking for a daily watch that can handle everything from the office to the ocean without weighing you down, this is it. It's a worthy addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate understated elegance.
