Superman 500 39mm

Created by Henry Louis Belmont, a graduate from the National Watchmaking School of Besancon, YEMA was founded in 1948 and has been producing fine quality watches since. Along with some household names in the field of watchmaking, YEMA has concentrated on producing mostly emblematic and mechanical timepieces, including sports divers for pilots, racing drivers and underwater divers. Its repertoire includes reviving the YEMA Superman, commonly touted as France's legendary dive watch.

Introduced in 1963, the Superman took the dive watch community by storm with its outstanding 300m water-resistance and idiosyncratic bezel-lock device. Today, we introduce the revamped and upgraded YEMA Superman 500 with its 39mm bracelet as the latest testament to YEMA’s innovative watchmaking.

Yema Superman 500 39mm

Watch enthusiasts can rejoice that the design of the YEMA Superman 500 adheres to the trademark shape of the Superman. The thin, extended “skin diver” shape, crown and locking device, bezel and elevated crystal have all remained in this latest rendition of the Superman. The pointy lugs with holes, as well as sharp crown guards, have too been preserved to contribute to the retro vibes of this timepiece.

Boasting a diameter of 39mm, thickness of 13.4mm as well as lug width of 19mm, this timepiece with a black glossy dial, creamed printed markers and polished stainless steel hands enjoys beefed-up specifications and diving capacities. Firstly, the date complication removal offers an elegant and seamless dial design with symmetrical elements while enhancing readability.The new double domed sapphire crystal also provides better readability amid a more resolute resistance as well as a sturdy retro appearance. Notably, the crystal has been reduced by 0.3mm on its height and widened by 0.6mm on its outside diameter for a better seating in the case. The 2.6mm thickness and the beautiful magnifying effect of the crystal has been conserved, however. Next, this timepiece sees an increased 316L stainless steel case back thickness from 1.5mm to 2.2mm for a 500m water resistance.

Yema's signature locking device for the bezel

Moreover, YEMA's historic crest, decorated with a hydraulic press, now flaunts a more precise finishing as it was treated by various microblasting processes. Also thoroughly revamped is the winding crown's architecture. The modified crown tube and the winding stem offers a smoother operation of several pull-out crown positions and rotating directions when altering the caliber functions. Enjoy the feeling of stability and quality when you set the time of this Superman or wind this watch for pleasure purposes.

Furthermore, the winding crown seals have been newly assembled so that the timepiece can profit from a 3 bars water resistance with the crown unscrewed. Precise dive times are enabled by bezel rotation on the water surface prior to a scuba diving descent. The bezel-lock that remains securely in position, the patented design of the Superman’s centerpiece and the crown tube have been refurbished, thus guaranteeing a more seamless operation.  

Domed Sapphire crystal radiates the vintage charm of 70s divers

New micro drilling in key areas of the case right under the bezel permits an optimized rotation of the bezel click spring and a more accurate alignment of the bezel insert.  Super-LumiNova Grade A generously coats the markers, hands and bezel for better readability.The bezel’s luminescent marker at 12 o’clock and the luminescent arrow-shaped minute hand give precise indications of dive times in poor visibility conditions at the greatest depths. Besides, it is now possible to adjust the bezel under shallow waters, as the watch is water-resistant to 30m with the crown unscrewed. Hence, you can adjust the bezel while underwater, unlike in the past.

Optimized and enhanced components power the second generation In-House Caliber YEMA 2000. This automatic movement, with 29 jewels, 4Hz frequency and 42h power reserve boasts a bidirectional rotor on ball bearings. Thus this timepiece provides a daily rate of  +/- 10 s/d and a power reserve of 42h. YEMA’s In-house Caliber relies on a new movement hand design to provide better resistance to shocks and vibrations.The 316 L Stainless Steel bracelet with a secure lock is equipped with a divers extension for comfortable wearing over a diving suit.

Exact re-issue hour lame plots and handset

The Superman comes paired with the all new Scales Slim bracelet made out of 316L stainless steel is a reissue of the iconic Yema Scales bracelet from the 1960s. It features a completely brushed finish for perfect harmony with the Superman Slim brushed case. The folding clasp adds style and comfort, and the “Yema” logo is embossed on the upper part and the mention “MAISON HORLOGÈRE FRANÇAISE SINCE 1948” is engraved on the lower part of the buckle. The bracelet clads an extension so that it can be easily and quickly adjusted over a diving suit.

Observers can note the parallel between this reissue and the original vintage model on their affordable pricing.This watch provides good value for those willing to venture outside the usual suspects in the dive watch market.

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