This Iconic Retro Dive Watch Gets a Decidedly Nautical Makeover

Bronze has such a strong link to maritime history that it almost makes more sense than steel for building a dive watch.

Yes, it is heavier, more expensive and patinas in a way that not everyone will find desirable, but for true nautical enthusiasts, bronze dive watches are undeniably cool. For proof, look no further than Yema’s new limited edition Superman diver, overhauled with a solid brass case and bezel.

Yema

The Superman Bronze is a limited edition version of the French watchmaker’s signature diver, which debuted in 1963. It maintains the distinctive design language of aquatic tool watches from that era, familiar from contemporaries like the Rolex Submariner and Seiko 62MAS.

However, Yema distinguished itself from the sea of divers released in the 1950s and 1960s with a patented bezel locking mechanism. The small frame, hugging the bezel at 3:00, wraps around at a 90-degree angle to fit between the crown and case, making the Superman immediately recognizable.

Yema

The bezel lock has teeth that engage with the coin edge of the bezel to prevent rotation. It is secured and released by tightening or loosening the screw-down crown in a way that does not compromise water resistance.

It is certainly not the most convenient bezel locking system, but the unique look offers a utilitarian charm.

Diver down

The Superman Bronze uses contrasting finishes to accentuate the shape of the case and bezel, as well as the natural qualities of the alloy. The tops and size of the case are finished with vertical brushing, while the chamfered edges are polished.

Yema

The solid bronze bezel has a radial brushed top, and the 60-minute dive track is etched into the meta, along with a Super-LumiNova pip. The hands, including the enlarged Superman minute hand, have a bronze-toned finish to match the case.

Yema also devised a new dial to complement the metallurgical upgrade, which resembles worn-in denim. The standard printed Superman dial is replaced with a sandwich design, featuring an indigo blue plate with white vertical brushing over a white base, which exposes the classic triangle-dash-dot hour markers.

Unlike most Superman references, this is a time-only dial. The hands and hour markers are coated with blue-glowing Super-LumiNova.

Yema

The case is topped with a double-domed sapphire crystal that peaks 2.2mm above the bezel, enhancing legibility at sharp angles. The caseback features a sapphire crystal exhibition window, held in place by a screw-in steel ring that helps maintain the 300m water resistance.

Visible through the caseback is Yema’s manufacture caliber CMM.10 automatic movement, which beats at 4Hz and has a robust 70-hour power reserve. It is updated with a bronze-toned, signed rotor for this limited-edition reference.

Yema

Yema generously provides two straps with the Superman Bronze. However, they are both the same FKM rubber perforated tropical strap with a matching bronze pin buckle. The only difference is that one is blue and the other is white.

Availability and price

From nineteenth-century diving helmets to antique navigational instruments, the ancient copper and tin alloy is inexorably linked to nautical heritage. The Superman Bronze blends that heritage with the collection’s sporty mid-1960s vibe.

It is available in 39mm and 41mm case sizes, which are otherwise identical and both priced at $1,999, including taxes and duties. This is a limited edition production of 100 pieces in each case size, and each watch is numbered on the caseback ring.

Yema

Yema Superman Bronze CMM.10 Limited Edition

Specs

Case Size	39mm and 41mm
Movement	Yema caliber CMM.10 automatic
Water Resistance	300m

• $1,999 at Yema

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