Founded in 1948, Yema is likely one of the most revered French watch brands with a long history of creating dive watches. One of its most famous models is the Superman, the first large-scale model with 300m water resistance, a practical bezel locking device, and a very distinctive design, released in 1963. Yema has released many reissues of its 1960s and 1970s dive watches in the Heritage collection, but today marks the return of the earliest model - the new limited edition Yema Superman Skin Diver Limited Edition.
The Yema Superman is arguably one of the most iconic watches ever produced in France. Over the years, especially recently, it has gained impressive fame thanks to a large community of vintage watch enthusiasts. And these watches deserve it. While most dive watches produced from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s were intended for professional use, Yema began working on watches with nearly the same characteristics but intended for a broader audience of enthusiasts and recreational divers. The Superman, released in 1963, immediately impressed diving fans with its impressive 300-meter water resistance and unique bezel locking device.
Yema is not offering a vintage reissue of the early Superman model for the first time - remember that these watches were produced over several generations with a series of updates and cosmetic changes. Back in July 2020, Yema released the Superman Heritage 63 - a watch that already had a "Skin Diver" profile and an appearance inspired by (but not fully replicating) the look of the original model.
The latest limited edition Superman Skin Diver from Yema is even more accurate to the original. It not only almost identically reproduces the dial and case - except for some material and size updates - but also restores the original "scales" steel bracelet.
The new Yema Superman Skin Diver watches are available in several models with different case diameters. You can choose the 41mm version presented here or a more compact 39mm case that is closer to the original (which we definitely recommend). Like the original, the watches fall under the "skin diver" category. What does this mean? While fully equipped professional divers (with scuba gear) are often called scuba divers, skin divers are recreational divers relying on simpler equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel).
For watches, it's the same. Diving watches are more robust, more powerful, withstand even greater pressure, and can be equipped with a HEV (helium escape valve). Skin Diver watches are diving watches with reduced robustness, often thinner and lighter, making them more comfortable to wear on land. The 2021 Superman Skin Diver Limited Edition faithfully recreates the spirit of the original, being capable watches that are not overly instrumental.
From the side, the watch has a thin case, most of the height of which is absorbed by the case back and bezel. Additionally, the angular shape of the original watch with thin lugs and sharp crowns is preserved. Two characteristic elements of the original model were reincorporated: first, the black domed bezel, which was updated from Bakelite to sapphire glass, and second, the bezel locking device, which ensures the bezel cannot be moved after being set in place. The bezel is unidirectional and can only rotate when the crown is unscrewed. Once you screw the crown back into place, the watch not only becomes waterproof but also presses on the bezel locking device to ensure the bezel is securely fixed. Additionally, the watch features a domed sapphire crystal and, like the original, is water-resistant to 300 meters.
Another update in the new Yema Superman Skin Diver model is the dial. Although the design was already seen on the 2020 model, the applied markers and lime-colored lume are now absent and replaced with more historically accurate painted markers. The polished steel hands retain the same design as the 1963 watch: pencil for hours, arrow for minutes, and lollipop for seconds. All elements are generously filled with beige vintage-style Super-LumiNova and outlined in white, including the date window at the "3 o'clock" position. The base of the dial has a glossy black surface, enhancing the vintage look (but not spoiling readability...).
Inside the case - no surprises. The Yema Superman Skin Diver relies on the time-tested automatic Sellita SW 200-1 movement with a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 38 hours. This external caliber is known for its accuracy, ease of maintenance, and affordability.
Last but not least: the 2021 Yema Superman Skin Diver model reintroduces the "scales" stainless steel bracelet - a distinctive feature of the original model with a unique and solid retro look. Thanks to the small links, the bracelet is very flexible. Completely matte, it is equipped with a folding clasp and a diver's extension. One note: the end links protrude quite a bit from the case, and the watch wears quite long on the wrist. On my 16.5 cm wrist, the 41mm model felt too large, so I would recommend the 39mm, leaving the 41mm for wrists of 18 cm and above. Nevertheless, it's good that Yema offers such an option.
Availability and Price
The Yema Superman Skin Diver Limited Edition will be released in a quantity of 1,000 pieces (including both 39mm and 41mm) priced at 1,249 euros with a steel bracelet with scales. The watches will be available for pre-order from June 17, 2021, on the yema.com website.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - YEMA SUPERMAN SKIN DIVER
Case: diameter 39mm or 41mm - stainless steel case, matte - unidirectional bezel with 60-minute scale on sapphire glass insert - screw-down crown with bezel lock - screw-down case back - domed sapphire crystal - 300m water resistance
Dial: glossy black dial - painted markers and beige Super-LumiNova C3 hands - polished stainless steel hands
Movement: Sellita SW 200-1 - automatic - 26 jewels - 25.60mm x 4.60mm - 28,800 vibrations/hour - 38 hours power reserve - hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), and date
Bracelet: multi-link "scales" stainless steel bracelet, fully matte - folding clasp with diver's extension
Availability: limited to 1,000 pieces (for both sizes) - available for pre-order on yema.com from June 17, 2021
Price: 1,249 EUR
