Superman 500 41mm

YEMA was founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont, a graduate from the National Watchmaking School of Besancon, 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, ranging from sports divers for pilots, to underwater divers. The revived YEMA Superman, commonly touted as France's legendary dive watch, is the brand’s recent brainchild.

Launched in 1963, the Superman impressed the dive watch community with its stunning 300m water-resistance and idiosyncratic bezel-lock device. Today, we unveil the upgraded YEMA Superman 500 with its 41mm bracelet to propel your admiration for the brand’s watchmaking abilities to even greater depths.

Yema Superman 500 41mm

If you are a fan of the trademark design of the YEMA Superman, you would be pleased to learn that the YEMA Superman 500 also adheres to the same iconic design. In fact, 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 also been preserved to transport you back in time to the 60s when the YEMA Superman story began.

Boasting a diameter of 41mm, thickness of 13.4mm as well as lug width of 20mm,  this timepiece with a black glossy dial, creamed printed markers and polished stainless steel hands would not disappoint with its updated specifications and optimized settings. Elegance and easy reading are assured with the date complication removal and symmetrical elements.The new double domed sapphire crystal offers a more resolute resistance, a sturdy retro appearance and better legibility. Observers would realize that the crystal has been reduced by 0.3mm on its height and broadened by 0.6mm on its external diameter for a better seating in the case. Next, this timepiece sees an increased 316L stainless steel case back thickness from 1.5mm to 2.2mm for a 500m water resistance. Yet the 2.6mm thickness and the beautiful magnifying effect of the crystal remain intact for consistent quality and comfort.

Yema's signature locking device for the bezel

By the same token, the hydraulic press bedecking YEMA's historic crest currently parades a more precise finishing thanks to various microblasting processes. Additionally, the winding crown's architecture has also been completely revamped. The modified crown tube and the winding stem provides a hassle-free operation of several pull-out crown positions and rotating directions when altering the caliber functions. Revel in 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 a unidirectional 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 harmonious operation.  

Domed Sapphire crystal radiates the vintage charm of 70s divers

Likewise, 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. What is more, Super-LumiNova Grade A copiously envelops 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, potentially saving lives as well. Besides, it is now possible to adjust the bezel under shallow waters, as the watch is water-resistant to 30m with the crown unscrewed. Therefore, you can have the unprecedented privilege of adjusting the bezel while underwater.

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.

All in all, this modernized rendition of the classic diver watch surprisingly enjoys a value-for-money price point despite its refurbished quality. You absolutely cannot miss this quality and affordable watch!

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