For lay readers of Deployment, Yema might be a resounding name.Known for its affordable retro-inspired timepieces, the French watchmaker has undoubtedly gained a considerable following since it started marketing itself more widely over the past few years.Here’s our review of the latest Yema Superman 500.
We recently got our hands on one of Yema’s newest products: the Superman 500.Although it launched at the end of June, we had a chance to spend some time with the watch before.Here’s our take on the watch.
The new timepiece is an extension of the acclaimed Superman collection, whose roots go back to 1963.The range is one of the mainstays of the brand, with a rather handsome old-school aesthetic, along with an attractive price point and interior movement.
Some of the more notable features of the new Superman 500 are its water resistance rating – as its name suggests, it’s now 500m.We also learned that the crown and crown tube, the bezel, and the brand’s signature bezel locking mechanism have all been improved.
On first impressions, the Superman 500 is still a good-looking piece, like other Heritage Divers.
Similar to most Yema watches, the Superman 500 is available in different case sizes: 39mm and 41mm.For this special review, we borrowed the larger 41mm timepiece.
The first thing that strikes us about this watch is its polished case.This stainless steel watch has been carefully polished and has the kind of sophistication you might expect from a timepiece that costs several times more than the Yema.We were impressed, but puzzled at the same time.This is a diving watch after all, and as a tool watch, it is bound to be heavily used and tested in challenging environments.While the polished case (which we appreciate a lot) does a pretty good job, we thought the brushed case could be more practical and not as scratchy as a magnet.
Next, we move on to the bezel.According to Yema, the bezel has been redesigned with new micro-drilled holes in a key area just below the case, which optimizes bezel circlip rotation and more precise bezel insert alignment.In addition, we also learned that the bezel lock system, which is a brand signature, is more secure.Compared to the Yema timepieces we’ve reviewed before, the modifications do make a positive difference; the watch definitely feels more solid, while the older model is more pristine and industrial.
On the bezel’s note, we have a slight complaint about the bezel insert.For some reason, a small portion of the applied markings on the bezel insert seems to come off after occasional use.We do want it to be an isolated case, especially since this is a tool table after all, and it should be able to withstand heavy usage.
Dial-wise, Yema retains a classic approach, using design elements similar to past dive watches.It’s interesting to also note that Yema omits the date window at 3 o’clock – which makes the watch look more symmetrical and clean.
As for the pointers, the Superman 500 is equipped with a pair of arrow pointers.The seconds hand also has the shape of a shovel, a nod to older Superman models from the 1970s.The hands, the 12 o’clock markers on the bezel and the hour markers on the dial are treated with Super-LumiNova Grade A to ensure legibility in the dark.During our review, in low-light conditions, the Superman 500 has done its job.
Powering the new Superman 500 is the second-generation YEMA2000 developed in-house.The self-winding movement is touted to perform better than similar “standard” movements, with an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day and an autonomous time of 42 hours.
As mentioned, the Superman 500 omits the date complication.We’ve been told that this movement has no hidden date indicator and no phantom date position on the crown.
Given that the watch features a closed caseback, we cannot be sure of the finish of the movement.From what we know, and from pictures online, we understand that this watch has an industrial-grade finish.This is not surprising for a timepiece at this price point, which is also in line with other base-level movements.
The new Superman 500 is available in two case sizes (39mm and 41mm) with three different strap options.Notably, this watch can be equipped with a leather strap, a rubber strap or a metal bracelet.Pricing for the watch starts at US$1,049 (approximately S$1,474).
At this price point, we also do expect some serious challengers, especially with the proliferation of microbrands in today’s market.
The first watch we owned was the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional.A 44mm timepiece certainly won’t strike, especially with its depth rating (600m) and technical performance.It’s also a rather beautiful piece, especially the PVD-coated case and the gradient blue dial with the wavy pattern.The only downside is its slightly imposing size, but at S$1,580, there really isn’t much to fault with this timepiece.
Next, we have another timepiece with a long history: the Bulova Oceanographer 96B350.This 41mm watch features a bright orange dial that contrasts with the two-tone bezel insert.We love how bold and eye-catching this timepiece is, which is sure to add a lot of vibrancy to one’s watch collection.At $750 (approximately S$1,054), we think it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a fairly casual timepiece.
We finally have the Dietrich Skin Diver SD-1.The Skin Diver SD-1 offers collectors something a little different from the usual suspects, with slightly funky and more modern design cues.We also love the inclusion of classic elements (like the crosshairs on the dial) as well as the beautifully crafted bracelet.The 38.5mm Skin Diver SD-1 is also priced at US$1,050 (~S$1,476).
The Yema Superman 500 is a beautiful watch.We love how the Yema has kept the main Superman DNA and made new tweaks – both technically and the omission of the date complication.The latter is perhaps more visible and tangible, and we really appreciate the cleaner image of the new timepiece.
Our lender also comes with a rubber strap.It has to be said that the rubber strap is extremely comfortable to wear on the wrist, and it is even more enjoyable to wear.Special mention must also be made to the deployant clasp, which we think is fairly sturdy and well-designed.
Our only complaint with the Superman 500 is the bezel insert.Unfortunately, even with very light use, a small portion of the printed bezel markings came off.Considering that the watch is also equipped with a unique bezel locking system, this mechanism may also easily scratch the surface of the bezel insert, causing some of the printed markings to come off.
Overall, the Superman 500 offers a compelling timepiece for the segment – although competition in the price category is definitely heating up.While Yema has done fairly well so far, we think they may have to aggressively improve and develop new watches to fend off some of the competition on the scene (both established and emerging brands).
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