While we didn’t initially plan it to be this way, this week is turning out to be, well, Yema week. We’ve got two new releases to tell you about, as well as a hands-on review that we just recently wrapped up. Today, we’ve got the first of one of the new releases just hitting, the Yema Superman 63.
Now, for those not in the know, Yema is a brand hailing from France, and they’ve been making watches since 1948 – so definitely not an upstart. So, where’s the ’63 in the Yema Superman 63 coming from? Well, you see, that’s the year that they first introduced the Yema Superman. Since then, the lineup has iterated (and in fact, we’ve got a Superman in for review at the moment), but obviously the watch is an icon in their lineup.
To look at the Yema Superman 63, you’re definitely seeing vintage style. For me, that starts with the dial and those lovely indices, complete with the un-lumed numerals being set into the 6, 9, and 12 positions. Even the handset here (referred to as Skin Diver hands) echoes the original watch. Of course, a simple reproduction isn’t what we’re here about – what about the upgrades?
Yes, the Yema Superman 63 definitely has some rather nice tweaks to it. On the handset front, you’ve got a different seconds hand than the original, but it’s one we see on the current Superman lineup. While the bezel looks like the original, it’s had sapphire swapped in place of the bakelite the original used. And of course, the domed crystal – which in days gone by would have been plexiglass or plastic, here, is sapphire.
The Yema Superman 63 also carries forward the iconic (for the line) bezel locking mechanism, which is brilliant in its simplicity. You’ve got a small bit of metal that, when the crown is screwed down tight, has teeth that nestle into the ridges on the bezel. In other words, no accidental bumps – in either direction – throwing off the timing of your dive (or your parking meter).
While I’m defintely newer to the whole Yema range, I can see how the Superman is a solid centerpiece in their collection, especially given how long the watch design has been part of the lineup. And really, who doesn’t love a vintage watch? As with others in the line, you will be able to get the Yema Superman 63 in either a 39mm case (my vote) or 41mm. It will also be available on a tropic strap for $1,049 or on the stainless steel bracelet (again, my vote) for $1,199. For more on this watch, and the rest of the Superman lineup, head on over to yema.com.
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Yema Superman 63
- Price: $1,049 (leather/tropic) / $1,199 (bracelet)
- Who we think it might be for: You like vintage dive watches (well, the looks) but really want modern reliability, accuracy, and watertightness
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? I dig the dial style, but I prefer the functionality that their GMT variant offers
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: It’s got to be those indices!
Tech Specs from Yema
- MOVEMENT: Sellita SW-200-1 automatic caliber
- CASE: 316L stainless steel case – Sapphire bezel (39mm or 41mm)
- DIAL & HANDS: Black sunburst dial – Hands and indexes treated with SuperLuminova C5
- CRYSTAL: Sapphire domed crystal
- BAND: Brushed stainless steel or black vintage leather or Black Tropic
- PRICE
- US$ 1199 (stainless steel bracelet)
- US$1049 (leather/Tropic)
- WR: 300m
- Limited edition: 1000 pieces of each case size
