Superman 500 GMT 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 case-size and GMT function as the latest testament to YEMA’s innovative watchmaking. 


Watch enthusiasts can rejoice that the design of the YEMA Superman 500 GMT adheres to the trademark shape of the Superman. The thin, extended “skin diver” shape, crown and locking device, bezel and elevated crystal have all upgraded 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.

Yema Superman 500 GMT 39mm

Boasting a diameter of 39mm, thickness of 11.52mm as well as lug width of 19mm, this timepiece with a black glossy dial, white printed markers and polished stainless steel hands enjoys beefed-up specifications and diving capacities. Firstly, the iconic bezel-lock and the screw-down crown have been redesigned to ensure a smoother operation and that the bezel-lock stays securely in place. The bezel and the crown have also been redesigned. New micro drilling in strategic areas of the case right under the bezel allows for optimized rotation of the bezel click spring and a more precise alignment of the bezel insert.

Furthermore, the winding crown's architecture has been completely reviewed. The crown tube and the winding stem have been modified to provide a smoother operation of the various pull-out crown positions and rotating directions when adjusting the caliber functions. When winding and setting the time of the Superman, the improved crown provides a feeling of stability and quality.

Yema's signature locking device for the bezel

A date complication offers an utilitarian feature and blends in nicely with the dial design without hindering any time-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. The markers, hands and bezel are treated with Super-LumiNova Grade A to ensure increased readability. The bezel’s luminescent marker at 12 o’clock and the luminescent arrow-shaped minute hand provide scuba divers with an accurate indication of dive times in poor visibility conditions at the greatest depths. The luminescent 24-hour scale on the black and white bezel and the luminescent hands facilitate reading of the three time zones in all situations. Also, the black and white GMT aesthetic simply feel refreshing for the historic brand.

Next, this timepiece sees an increased 316L stainless steel case back thickness from 1.5mm to 2.2mm for a 500m water resistance. Despite that, it only measures 11.52mm thick which fits like a perfect unisex traveller’s diver. The case back YEMA's historic crest, embossed with a hydraulic press, is now treated by various microblasting processes, which results in a more accurate and precise finishing. The first 200 time pieces are individually engraved with a unique number from 001 to 200 and the mention NUMBERED EDITION.

Domed Sapphire crystal radiates the vintage charm of 70s divers

For the first time in the 500m series, a Bi-directional 24-hour graduated bezel made of aluminium, offering a high-quality neo-vintage look. Designed for travellers, the GMT complication makes it possible to read up to 3 different time zones thanks to the GMT hand and the rotating (24 clicks) bezel. Summing things up, the case is executed with skills as the case feature multi polished finishings - with intricate satin-brushed on the top surfaces in contrast with a mirror-polished case sides, only to be separated by beautiful bevelings.

Beyond its GMT functions, the Superman model is above all intended for diving professionals, now benefiting from an enhanced water resistance of 500m and technical improvements allowing it to adjust the bezel on the water surface, when unlocking the bezel in the unscrewed crown position.

Optimized and enhanced components power the second generation In-House  GMT Caliber YEMA3000. Its powered by optimized components yielding slightly better performance than generic Standard Grade calibers (ETA, Sellita, Miyota), offering a daily rate of +/- 10 s/d and a 42h power reserve.

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.

A major evolution of YEMA's 1960s iconic model, the new Superman 500 GMT preserves its main professional diving features while providing a 3-time zone GMT function for all globetrotters. Equipped with our In-house Caliber YEMA3000 and for the first time water resistant to 500m, this enhanced Superman benefits from a modernized architecture and substantial technical improvements that position it as the ultimate French professional diver's watch. This watch provides good value for those willing to venture outside the usual suspects in the traveller’s dive watch market.

Video is not available