Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm

Back in 2019, YEMA introduced their first limited edition run of the highly sought-after Superman Heritage GMT designed in collaboration with fans which were swiftly snatched up by avid watch enthusiasts shortly after its release. Following YEMA’s first exclusive bronze Superman Heritage model, created in collaboration with worldwide recognized professional diver and marine conservation activist Hugues Vitry, the latest YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm brings the best elements of the the well-received bronze Superman Heritage from 2019 in a marvellous GMT model boasting a breathtaking degraded green dial. 

Yema Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm

As one of YEMA’s flagship collections that has grown to become a cult-favorite amongst watch enthusiasts, the Superman has always been highly recognized for its impeccable underwater capabilities and historic dive watch design. Back in 1988, YEMA was acquired by a distinguished Japanese brand that most of us here are undoubtedly largely familiar with - the Japanese watch manufacturing giant Seiko Corporation. YEMA later operated as a subsidiary under the Hattori Group (Seiko) to produce watches for the French market.

We all are familiar with countless exceptional watches made by the Swiss and Japanese that are dominating the market. Nonetheless, the French also displayed excellence in the fine art of watchmaking with the creation of many beautifully decorated haute horlogerie pieces and complex movements. While YEMA may not be a name that the masses are entirely familiar with, it is a brand synonymous with the production of fine French-made timepieces and an incredibly rich heritage. Founded in 1948 by French watchmaker Henry Louis Belmont, YEMA has demonstrated remarkable mastery in watchmaking with the creative integration of innovative designs to their ever-dependable tool watches. 

Yema's signature locking device for the bezel

Developing reliable dive watches is certainly no stranger to YEMA, producing high-performance dive watches for the French Military’s Air Force Diver Rescuers back in the 1970s for helicopter-borne sea rescue operations. Likewise, YEMA brought us their latest addition to the flagship Superman collection, their signature line of iconic French dive watches first created back in 1963. Embrace this stunning new model that embodies YEMA’s prestigious heritage while offering a fresh vintage-inspired model built using modernistic specifications, upholding their unwavering innovative spirit. 

The case of the YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm remains as striking as we’ve known it to be with previous iterations, presenting sharp pointed lugs and well-defined lines on its fully brushed bronze case. Beautifully described by Hugues as a material that “ages like fine wine” with the development of a unique patina over time, bronze is a perfect material to build a timepiece meant for diving as a metal that is significantly more resistant to salt water corrosion compared to stainless steel. Measuring in with a tasteful diameter of 39mm, a lug to lug distance of 48mm and a slim case profile of merely 14.25mm, the watch evokes an appealing retro character that sits extremely comfortable on the wrist.

Domed Sapphire crystal radiates the vintage charm of 70s divers

Driven by a strong sense of innovation, YEMA developed the Superman with a novel bezel-lock mechanism to set the bezel in place, preventing accidental bezel movements that may hinder timekeeping functions for professional divers. Just like YEMA’s first ever Superman from 1963, the YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm sports this iconic design feature operated from its screw-down crown at the 3 o’clock position, locking its circular-brushed bronze unidirectional bezel firmly in place. Accompanied with precisely engraved markers, this bezel design evokes a unique retro aesthetic while providing a clear indication of the second timezone’s day and night time. 

As a dial color chosen by Hugues Vitry, the rich degraded green dial of the YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm presents a pleasingly balanced dial layout with attractive creme markers and gold-plated hands, blending impeccably well with the rustic bronze elements to create a stellar appearance that cohesively bring the watch to life. The dial gracefully fades from a deep, forest green to almost black along the edges of the dial; a truly distinctive dial that stands out from the rest of the collection. 

Exact re-issue hour lame plots and handset

Alongside its dashing red GMT hand, the iconic “shovel” seconds hand draws inspiration from 1970’s Superman models, a welcoming touch that looks right in place even in this modern interpretation. For uncompromised nighttime visibility, all hands and markers are generously treated with a thick coating of white Swiss SuperLumiNova BGW9, lighting the dial up like a torch in the dark. Topping it off, the 2.60mm thick scratch-resistant double-domed sapphire crystal further elevates the vintage aspect of the piece with enthralling distortions at various angles, just like old-school acrylic crystals. 

Water resistance is uncompromised as a result of its bronze screw-down crown and steel screw-in case back which are proudly signed with YEMA’s historic crest, equipping the piece with a strong water resistance of 300m (990 ft). This incredible dive tool watch is supplied with a 19mm brown vintage-style leather strap, specially designed by YEMA to enhance the warm vintage tones on a naturally aged bronze case. 

316L stainless steel caseback stands out for its high-end aesthetics

The YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm is powered by the latest generation in-house Caliber YEMA3000 automatic GMT movement. This magnificent movement yields slightly enhanced precision and durability with optimized components compared to similar Standard Grade calibers, giving the movement a healthy power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This 29 jewel movement beats at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour with thorough accuracy checks by YEMA watchmakers. On top of that, the movement is gorgeously decorated with stripes and stunning perlage finishing that reflects on their fine craft in producing an in-house movement. 

For a dive watch that calls upon so much heritage, especially from an esteemed French watchmaker like YEMA, the YEMA Superman Heritage GMT Bronze 39mm definitely packs an incredible value. Consisting of all the right ingredients for a vintage-inspired modern dive watch, the excellent refresh in design and solid specifications make this one of an extremely alluring offering that will certainly please anyone that craves for a capable GMT dive watch.