The Yema Superman Receives a New Swiss Engine

Yema and its flagship dive watch, the Superman, need no introduction. Since the late 1960s, and thanks to its innovative bezel-lock mechanism, the Superman has remained one of the premier French dive watches. Now, Yema turns a new chapter in Superman history by moving the assembly of its entry-level YEMA2000-powered watches eastward to Switzerland. That’s right: for the first time in the modern era, a Superman will feature a “Swiss Made” label. The updates coincide with the introduction of four distinct models in the new “Swiss Edition” lineup: black, white, blue, and beige.

The Superman’s 31yL stainless steel case is a contemporary interpretation of the dive watch’s 1970s design – straight lugs, patented bezel-lock system, and domed crystals paired with the distinctive shovel-shaped seconds hands that have come to define Yema’s most popular model. The new Swiss Edition is available in both 39mm and 41mm sizes, a rare example of a manufacturer offering multiple sizes in a dive watch. The aforementioned bezel-lock system secures a 120-click unidirectional aluminum dive bezel, which is charmingly anachronistic when paired with the brand’s historic coat of arms, now embossed on the caseback. A tapering 5-link bracelet offers all-day comfort and comes in either 19 or 20mm widths, depending on the choice of either the 39mm or 41mm option. Water resistance remains a stout 300m.

Now, for the primary reason behind the Superman’s new name: the movement. First-generation Superman watches were powered by the YEMA2000 caliber, which contained outsourced parts and were assembled in Yema’s workshops. Yema then introduced Superman watches featuring in-house manufactured movements, the CMM.10 and CMM.20, and positioned them as a more premium option. This offered consumers two choices at two different price points. In order to allow the watchmaking team to focus on the production of in-house movements, Yema is now gradually transitioning the more-accessible YEMA2000-powered Superman watches to Swiss-made Sellita movements. The Sellita SW200-1 in particular is a widely produced movement lauded for its reliability and durability. With a 4Hz beat rate and power reserve of 38 hours, it is among the most dependable movements on the market and allows Yema to continue offering two compelling options – one Swiss-made, one in-house.

Biel and Bienne are legendary names in watchmaking lore, and now the Yema Superman is assembled among the other greats. The new Superman Swiss Editions are available in four different configurations and continue to carry the torch of Yema’s storied and rich history of diving. Pricing is $1,190, and you can learn about the new Superman here.