Yema Sous-Marine: owner reviews and feedback

The Yema Sous-Marine, launched in its contemporary generation in 2023, is a French automatic dive watch designed with the participation of professional diver Jason Washington. It revives a historical name used by Yema since the 1960s while adopting an entirely contemporary architecture: a 40.5 mm 316L stainless-steel case, 120-click unidirectional bezel, flat sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and 300 metres of water resistance. The dial prioritises large markers at the four cardinal positions and a sloping peripheral minute track, while the hands, markers and bezel graduations receive BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The watch is powered by the automatic YEMA2000 calibre, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 42 hours of power reserve.

Several colours are available, notably black, blue, green and a black configuration with yellow bezel. FKM Viton rubber or a beads-of-rice-style steel bracelet allow its character to be adapted either to diving or everyday use.

Design & legibility: a contemporary diver with four large cardinal markers

The modern Sous-Marine does not attempt to reproduce a 1960s Yema diver literally. Its dial uses a more graphic construction with four oversized markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, surrounded by smaller applied indexes and an inclined peripheral minute track. This arrangement makes the principal orientations of the dial very easy to identify when available light decreases. Its brushed-steel hands are broad enough to accommodate a substantial quantity of luminous material and the central seconds hand completes a display deliberately restricted to the essentials. The four large cardinal indexes combined with the inclined peripheral minute track form the principal visual distinguishing feature of the 2023 Sous-Marine. The watch has neither date nor additional complication, preventing interruptions to the symmetry and facilitating rapid reading underwater. Colour variations considerably change its personality without altering this shared architecture.

The external bezel uses a conventional dive-watch construction but is particularly legible. It rotates only counter-clockwise and has 120 positions, allowing the triangular marker to be aligned precisely with the minute hand before immersion. Its insert is aluminium and all its principal graduations receive luminous material, whereas many dive watches provide only a luminous point at twelve o’clock. The use of BGW9 Super-LumiNova on the dial markers, hands and bezel indications improves reading when available light becomes limited. The bluish BGW9 emission also creates a consistent nocturnal identity. Aluminium can acquire marks more easily than a modern ceramic insert, but it provides a less glossy appearance and can gradually develop patina, a characteristic appreciated by some users of tool watches.

Case, bracelet and everyday comfort

The 316L stainless-steel case measures 40.5 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm thick, with a 20 mm lug width. These dimensions remain comparatively restrained for a watch rated to 300 metres. The lugs are short and quickly curve towards the wrist, reducing the impression of length that a diameter above 40 mm might otherwise create. Its main surface receives circular brushing while selected polished flanks provide greater visual relief when the watch is viewed from the side. The relationship between a 40.5 mm diameter, only 12.2 mm thickness and 300 metres of water resistance makes the Sous-Marine particularly versatile for a dive watch. Its crystal is a flat 2.3 mm sapphire and the screw-down crown carries the embossed Yema logo. The screwed caseback is decorated with the historical Yema crest enhanced through microblasting.

Two bracelet approaches are particularly coherent with this watch. FKM Viton rubber is designed to withstand humidity, heat, salt, dust and intensive use; its end pieces directly follow the profile of the case, producing an almost integrated appearance. Certain references are also offered on a beads-of-rice-style steel bracelet whose numerous small links provide greater flexibility than a conventional solid-link sports bracelet. FKM rubber remains the most functional choice for genuine aquatic use, while the steel bracelet facilitates more versatile everyday wear. The standard 20 mm lug width also makes it easy to fit a textile strap or alternative rubber. For diving, the essential point is to verify that strap length and closure allow correct adjustment with the diving suit being used.

Movement: the automatic YEMA2000 calibre

The contemporary generation uses the YEMA2000, a second-generation automatic movement developed for the brand’s three-hand watches. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, and provides 42 hours of power reserve. Automatic winding is performed through an oscillating weight mounted on ball bearings, with manual winding also available. Yema states a maximum manufacturing rate deviation of plus or minus 25 seconds per day and specifies that movements are adjusted and checked around plus or minus 10 seconds per day before and after casing. The YEMA2000 prioritises a modern 4 Hz frequency and workshop regulation rather than an exceptionally long power reserve. Its 42 hours generally allow the watch to be removed for a day without needing to be reset, although leaving it unworn for a complete weekend may result in it stopping.

This choice strongly distinguishes the current Sous-Marine from older generations that used French, Japanese or quartz movements depending on period. The modern calibre is completely hidden behind a solid caseback, an approach consistent with a watch intended to withstand substantial pressure and one that provides more room for the historical Yema crest. Functions are restricted to hours, minutes and seconds; no date is present. The absence of a calendar simplifies both the display and setting because the owner only needs to wind the watch and position the hands accurately. For someone rotating several watches, the 42-hour reserve remains its principal compromise beside modern calibres capable of running for three days. With near-daily wear, this limitation is far less noticeable and the 4 Hz frequency maintains a comparatively smooth progression of the seconds hand.

Chronological milestones and main models (1966–2025)

(1966) Yema Sous-Marine Antichoc First Documented Generation:

A mid-1960s Sous-Marine Antichoc demonstrates that Yema used the name long before the contemporary dive-watch collection. The Yema Sous-Marine Antichoc 7198 uses an approximately 35 mm stainless-steel case, a pale dial combining numerals and baton markers, a date display at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Its movement is a manually wound French FE 233-69 calibre. The caseback carries the Yema emblem and the watch is typical of the water-resistant city and sports watches produced during this period rather than a modern diver equipped with a unidirectional bezel. Its precise water-resistance specification according to contemporary standards is not communicated and should obviously not be assumed on an old example. This reference nevertheless matters because it shows that “Sous-Marine” initially described a family of water-resistant watches before gradually becoming a name associated with much more specialised products.

(1968) Yema Sous-Marine 38.28.27 Date and French Movement:

Present in a Yema catalogue from the late 1960s, the Yema Sous-Marine 38.28.27 has a stainless-steel case approximately 35.5 mm in diameter, 42 mm long and around 10.5 mm thick. Its grey dial receives applied markers and a framed date aperture at 3 o’clock, while acrylic protects the display. Its caseback screws down and lug width measures approximately 19 mm. Inside is the French Jeambrun 26D movement, a 17-jewel manually wound calibre operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The exact original water-resistance figure is not communicated in sufficiently reliable available information and, more than fifty years later, would in any event depend entirely on the condition of the case, crystal, crown and seals. This Sous-Marine better represents a versatile water-resistant sports watch than a dive watch according to current definitions.

(1980) Yema Sous-Marine Quartz T20556 Sports Case with Crown Guards:

Around the turn of the 1980s, the Sous-Marine adopts quartz power and an appearance much closer to the sports watches of the decade. The Yema Sous-Marine T20556 has a steel case measuring approximately 37.5 mm excluding the crown, highly visible crown guards, a dark dial and a presentation inspired by contemporary dive watches. Certain related executions are sometimes found under alternative commercial signatures, making precise identification of components and calibres difficult today. The exact quartz calibre across the complete reference is therefore not communicated here to avoid incorrectly attributing one documented variant to every watch. Its caseback screws down and steel or synthetic straps and bracelets are encountered depending on example. This generation is interesting because it shows the Sous-Marine name moving towards a much more clearly aquatic aesthetic through a more robust case and design intended for sporting use.

(2011) Yema Sous-Marine 300 Orange Oversized Tool Watch:

The early-2010s Sous-Marine 300 adopts an approach almost opposite to that of the current watch. The Yema Sous-Marine 300 YMF0304 has a huge 316L stainless-steel case measuring 45 mm excluding the crown, almost 52 mm including it, approximately 56.9 mm long and nearly 19.3 mm high including its bezel-locking system. Total weight exceeds 230 grams on its steel bracelet. The orange dial prioritises visibility and the date sits between 4 and 5 o’clock with a magnifying device positioned beneath the mineral crystal. Water resistance reaches 300 metres and the bracelet includes a diving extension. Automatic Miyota 8215 operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour with approximately 40 hours of power reserve. This generation clearly favours the tool-watch appearance and robustness over clothing versatility.

(2023) Yema Sous-Marine Black Monochromatic Configuration:

The current generation returns to substantially more restrained proportions with the Yema Sous-Marine YSMA23A-AARBS. Its 316L stainless-steel case measures 40.5 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm thick with a 20 mm lug width. The crystal is a flat 2.3 mm sapphire, the crown and caseback screw down and water resistance reaches 300 metres. This configuration combines a black dial, black unidirectional aluminium bezel and black FKM strap, making it the most visually discreet version. Its four large cardinal markers, hands and bezel graduations receive BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Automatic calibre YEMA2000 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 42 hours of power reserve. No date interrupts the dial. This version particularly suits someone seeking a comparatively restrained sporting diver that can alternate between aquatic activities and urban use.

(2023) Yema Sous-Marine Blue Maritime Configuration:

The blue version retains exactly the same platform while significantly changing the impression on the wrist. The Yema Sous-Marine YSMA23G-GGRBS combines a blue dial and blue unidirectional aluminium bezel with a matching rubber strap. Its circular-brushed steel case remains 40.5 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm thick and protects the movement to 300 metres through its screwed crown and caseback. Flat sapphire reduces the risk of scratching, while the four principal markers, hands and bezel use BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Automatic YEMA2000 operates at 4 Hz and provides 42 hours of power reserve. The display remains deliberately limited to hours, minutes and seconds. Blue provides a more directly maritime appearance than black while remaining sufficiently classical to pair with a beads-of-rice-style steel bracelet when a more versatile presentation is desired.

(2023) Yema Sous-Marine Green Green Configuration:

The green colour is one of the more assertive interpretations of the collection while retaining its shared specifications. The Yema Sous-Marine YSMA23Z-ZZRBS uses a 40.5 mm 316L stainless-steel case, green dial, green aluminium bezel insert and green rubber strap. Thickness remains 12.2 mm, lug width 20 mm and water resistance 300 metres. Its flat 2.3 mm sapphire protects applied indexes and brushed-steel hands. Luminous indications use BGW9 Super-LumiNova to maintain the same nocturnal reading as other variations. Automatic YEMA2000 provides 42 hours of reserve at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This version therefore does not technically differ from the other contemporary Sous-Marine watches; it is principally aimed at someone wanting a more colourful diver without reaching the much stronger contrast of the yellow-bezel version.

(2023) Yema Sous-Marine Yellow Yellow Bezel and Black Dial:

The most immediately recognisable version of the current generation is probably the Yema Sous-Marine YSMA23Y-AYRBS. It retains a black dial but combines a yellow aluminium bezel with a yellow FKM Viton strap, creating very strong contrast both outside the water and during immersion. Dimensions remain 40.5 mm in diameter, 12.2 mm thick and 20 mm between the lugs. Its 316L stainless-steel case has a flat sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and screwed caseback providing stated water resistance to 300 metres. The bezel rotates in one direction through 120 clicks and its markings are luminous. Automatic YEMA2000 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 42 hours of reserve. This black-and-yellow combination prioritises a strong sporting identity and can also make the watch easier to identify visually among dark diving equipment.

Choosing the right version: colour, bracelet and use

For versatile everyday use, the black version remains the easiest to combine with different clothing. It retains the robust character of the case and large markers without allowing a bright colour to dominate the wrist. Blue is an almost equally easy alternative with a more directly maritime identity. Black is the most rational choice when the Sous-Marine needs to serve both as a dive watch and an everyday watch. Green and especially yellow are more appropriate for someone looking for greater visual originality.

The strap significantly changes comfort. FKM Viton is light, flexible and resistant to water, salt and dust, making it particularly logical for diving, swimming or summer use. The beads-of-rice steel bracelet increases weight but gives the watch a dressier appearance and distributes it well through its numerous small links. For mainly aquatic use, FKM rubber is the most practical and least restrictive choice. A 20 mm lug width also makes it easy to keep several straps and change the personality of the watch without professional intervention.

The 40.5 mm diameter should not be considered alone. Short lugs limit the actual length across the wrist and the 12.2 mm thickness remains reasonable for 300 metres of water resistance. This combination should suit many average wrists, whereas the 2011 Sous-Marine 300 was far more demanding at 45 mm and over 230 grams. Trying the watch on remains advisable on a smaller wrist, but the modern proportions are substantially more versatile than those of the oversized generations. Rubber also reduces mass and helps stabilise the case when the wrist is small.

The YEMA2000 is better suited to frequent wear than a very widely spaced rotation. Its 42-hour reserve means that a watch left in a box for two complete days may stop, unlike modern 70-to-80-hour calibres. Its 4 Hz frequency and adjustment before and after casing nevertheless provide a suitable basis for everyday use. The Sous-Marine makes more sense because of its balance of size, water resistance and French identity than because of an exceptional power reserve. Someone alternating several watches will simply need to accept resetting it more regularly.

Finally, a stated 300 metres of water resistance never removes the need for maintenance. Gaskets age, the crown is subject to stress and an impact to the case or crystal can alter water resistance without an immediately visible sign. A watch worn only in the office will be much less demanding in this respect than one genuinely used for diving. Periodic water-resistance testing is essential before regularly using the Sous-Marine underwater. The aluminium insert should also be accepted as a component likely to acquire marks faster than ceramic. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The contemporary Yema Sous-Marine is aimed at someone seeking a 300-metre French dive watch that is less directly retro than the numerous heritage reissues on the market. Its four large dial markers, inclined minute track, fully luminous bezel and compact 40.5 mm case give it its own identity, while the YEMA2000 provides a 4 Hz automatic movement and 42 hours of reserve. Black and blue versions are the easiest to wear daily, while green and yellow configurations strengthen the sporting character. FKM rubber prioritises diving and comfort, whereas beads-of-rice steel increases versatility. The Sous-Marine name, used by Yema since the 1960s across very different forms, finally adds a historical dimension without turning the 2023 watch into a simple vintage reproduction.

To compare accuracy, comfort, bezel quality and behaviour in aquatic use with actual ownership experience, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)