For many years now I have been a huge fan of Yema, 5 of their watches appear in my own personal collection and 3 of which are Superman models. The Superman was first introduced in 1963 and upon its launch, it was the first watch waterproof to 300m that was available to the general public.
The 87062k, known as the Superman 63’, had a 39mm steel case, with a 19mm lug width, bezel lock, ETA 2452 movement and cost 380F, which would have been around £30.00.
I had been lucky enough to have owned one of these, until only a few weeks ago, when I sold it. It was a great example of a diver's watch from that era and it came on a stainless-steel tortoiseshell bracelet, which was very popular, (this comes up later).
Yema Superman models: 241117 (Right Index), Bronze, Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
In 1968 they came out with the 241117, which was known as the “right index”, it had a brushed grey dial and narrow bakelite bezel, it was also known as the ‘first grey”. I bought one of these as a birth year watch and still have it, although it shows signs of heavy wear, it’s a great piece, apart from its service hands, which I still need to address. There was also a blue dialled option “right index finger” that was released around the same time.
At the end of the 1970’s the production of the 241117 was halted, models still featured a bakelite bezel and lock ring, and the design of the Superman at that time had proven very successful. Between the mid 70’s to the 2000’s the Yema Superman was issued to the ‘Ploufs”, they were the French Air Force Divers and they too proved to be very successful.
Then, at the start of the 1980’s, the reference 530016 came to market, with a more modern logo, and dial configuration. They also introduced a blue dialled Quartz version in 1980 ref: 270016. The Superman 1 was produced right up to the start of the 1990’s, which is when we started seeing its predecessor, the Superman II take the helm.
This is when we start to see real changes in the design of the Superman. A wider bezel was introduced, alongside another Yema logo change and gone were the U-shaped indices. These were replaced by large round dots and also Mercedes hands had been introduced.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
There were many dial options available during the realm of the Superman II, including a full-lumed variant. In the coming years, the brand slowed its production and could no longer rest its laurels, the heydays were over.
Then in 2017 the Ambre group, who had owned Yema since 2009, decided to poke the bear and relaunch the brand. A new Superman was born, with an in-house movement, 40mm case size, now with a 20mm lug width, although the finishing was not quite the same as it had been in the early days, the brand was now moving again.
In 2018, Yema released a blue Superman, which was inspired by the 2411117 of the 60’s and it again had traction as the brand prepared for a new idea.
In 2019, they launched the Yema Bronze on Kickstarter, 624 Euros plus tax, an in-house movement and more importantly, a huge amount of interest in the brand. These sold out immediately and in 2020, a Bronze GMT version was released. Again on Kickstarter, it proved a huge success, so much so that I bought one. 730 Euros for another in-house option, with impeccable finishing, the Kickstarter option had been a great way to grow the brand and create an even bigger customer base.
Yema Superman Bronze between Superman Slim models. Credit: Guest Author.
Yema has been going from strength to strength, releasing new heritage models, new calibres and more recently, more models in their line up including their Urban Traveller Sports watches and Sous Marine variants.
When you look closely at their case design, the Superman hasn’t really altered that much in the past 61 years. Since its inception, they have always had pronounced crown guards and a distinctive locking bezel system. Sure dials evolve, as do hands and logos, but what has stood the test of time is its overall look. I’m sure you could spot one across a room without too much effort.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
If you haven’t seen the bezel lock before, you may think it’s quite crude. Its rudimentary principle is simple: when the crown is unscrewed, the tension from the lock ring decreases on the bezel, allowing it to be rotated. Once screwed back in, the edges of the bezel lock engage in the toothed edge, thus locking it from turning. Yes, it is very simple and extremely effective and this forms part of its historic look.
In 2022 Yema bought the Superman 500 to market, offering more refinements and retaining its iconic design. Back came that vintage look we all loved from the 70’s, this time with a real modern touch and feel.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
Now in 2024, Yema has taken the Superman and altered it once more. There is no Kryptonite involved, as it still keeps its distinctive look. This time it’s a more slender, streamlined version. Another development is the new CMM.20 movement and the rebirth of the tortoiseshell bracelet from the OG Superman 63’ that has now been matched with the new case.
Let’s take a deep dive at the Superman Slim CMM.20 and see what all the fuss is about. This is definitely a much more refined version than we have seen before, with both visual and mechanical enhancements.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
The duo on show here have that blend of the Superman 63’ skindiver vibe, mixed with a reworked 39mm slimmer case. Offering slightly softer edges and less presence than we have seen before. The finishing is mainly brushed, with nicely finished polished bevels, adding that small touch of elegance.
At 9.95mm thin, (without the crystal) and 11.8mm with, this definitely feels much slimmer than some of its predecessors. Offering 300m of water resistance, this is more than enough for any desk diver (or proper diver, in fact). The overall look hasn’t changed that much, albeit a more modern interpretation, it still has those key features we all know and love. The bezel lock still remains unchanged, although now the old bakelite bezel is replaced by one with a sapphire insert that matches the dial colour. The bezel markings are also more legible, with a simpler 0-60 scale and lumed triangle marker at 12.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
With 2 colour options, both in a lacquered finish, a classy black or cool blue, either looks great. The hour and minute hands remain the same as the 241117 from the early days and the second hand now features just a slender stick, which I quite like. The dial has plenty of Super-LumiNova to help it come to life in low light. These are no-date variants, which I find way more appealing, so another box ticked for me.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
I can’t conclude this review without mentioning the back of the watch and that stunning CMM.20 movement, as seen through the display case back. With its striking tungsten micro-rotor and new winding system, it offers 70 hours of power reserve. The matte black finish inside the display caseback gives the back of the watch a monochrome look and makes that micro rotor pop, with a few pink splashes of the rubies, it’s clean and well presented.
For me, the real treat with these new Superman Slim watches is the bracelet, it’s a nod back to the first Superman in 1963, which came with a very similar one. They refer to it as a Tortoiseshell bracelet, which is extremely striking as it articulates around your wrist. The whole presentation of this new addition to their range is very much welcomed, no doubt they will be a success with like minded Yema fans out there, and hopefully by the wider watch enthusiasts.
Yema Superman Slim. Credit: Guest Author.
If you are looking for a classic-styled sports diver, that works as well in the office, as at a more formal occasion, then I would suggest taking a look at one, you may be very surprised.
Specifications:
CALIBER
- Micro-Rotor Caliber Manufacture Morteau 20
- Self-winding with ball bearings rotor
- 70h Power reserve
- 28 800 A/h
- Hours, minutes, seconds
- Maximum rate of -3 /+7 seconds per day
CASE & CRYSTAL
- Material: Vertical brushed 316L stainless steel with polished bevel
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 9.95mm
- Lugs: 20mm
- 2.00 mm double domed sapphire crystal
BEZEL
- Unidirectional diving bezel with sapphire insert with 0 to 60 graduation
- Marker at 12 o'clock (luminescent) in Super-LumiNova C1 Grade A
- Mechanical bezel-lock patented since 1967
CROWN
- Screw-down crown with embossed YEMA logo
WATER RESISTANCE
- 30 BAR / 990 feet / 300 m
PRICE
- EUR 2,490 - USD 2,490
