Yema Superman - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Yema Superman is a model launched in 1963, created in Morteau as a French dive watch instantly recognisable by its crown-coupled bezel-lock ; built for utility first, it has spanned professional variants and faithful “Heritage” reissues, up to today’s Superman 500 models that push readability, water-resistance and day-to-day versatility.

Design & legibility: the model’s identity

The Superman’s identity rests on a high-contrast, uncluttered dial, bold geometric lume plots, baton/skeleton hands and a decisive unidirectional bezel—capped by the signature clamp that locks the bezel as you screw the crown ; on the wrist, the dial appears large for the stated size, the peripheral minute track is crisp, and the whole display remains instantly intelligible underwater and in the city, so the visual signature is the “locked bezel + clean dial” duo that makes a Superman identifiable at a glance.

Case, bracelet and everyday comfort

Historically around 39–41 mm, modern Supermans come in 39 mm and 41 mm (and occasionally beyond) with a slim mid-case, domed sapphire on many runs, a screw-down crown and solid or see-through backs ; full-link steel, tropic/rubber or leather straps round out the options, while compact lugs aid stability, meaning a 39 mm slips under cuffs like a city tool-watch, whereas a 41 mm adds presence and legibility.

Movement: architecture, performance and service

Vintage Supermans used Swiss bases (ETA 2472, etc.), then, after the relaunch, Sellita SW200-1 or YEMA2000/YEMA3000 (GMT) with hacking and hand-wind ; at 4 Hz with ~42 h reserves, they provide solid running, while 4–6-year service intervals preserve water-tightness and consistency, and the bezel-lock—properly tightened—prevents accidental rotation, such that the “Swiss or in-house” calibre plus screw-down construction yields a robust balance of accuracy, practicality and upkeep.

Timeline & main models (1963–2025)

(1963) Yema Superman “Scuba”:

The inaugural generation for divers: a bezel locked by a clamp engaged by the crown, black dial with large plots and, for the time, high ratings (up to 300 m/990 ft depending on versions). The compact case and straightforward display explain its club-diver success; early runs mixed handsets and texts, with multiple references by lot and market. 

(1968) Yema Superman “300 m”:

Spec consolidation: reinforced screw-down crown, bolder markers, optional date and a clearer bezel insert. The spirit remains utilitarian, favouring a simple display and steady readability in grazing light. Size stays restrained and the pared-back aesthetics keep it easy beyond the water.

(1975) Yema Superman II “Quartz/Automatic”:

Amid the 1970s, the line expands to quartz alongside automatics, with sometimes more graphic dials and firmer bezel action. The bezel-lock remains an identity code, and cases shift toward daily urban wear without losing tool intent. Since exact identifiers depend on movement and markets, we keep the umbrella anchor Yema Superman for this “Superman II” set.

(2018) Yema Superman Heritage “39/41 mm”:

A faithful neo-vintage return: black/brown/blue dials, period-styled hands, redesigned bezel and the comeback of the locking clamp. Up to 300 m WR depending on series, sapphire, and Sellita or YEMA2000 calibres bring modern usability while preserving historical codes. This collection put the Superman back on European wrists. 

(2020) Yema Superman Heritage Bronze:

Bronze case with progressive patina, contrasted dials, high WR and sapphire for warmed-up legibility. The identity stays strictly readable, and the locking clamp works with the living alloy without losing its safety role. Popular for blending charm and function.

(2022) Yema Superman 500:

A major technical step: 500 m WR, reworked case, optimised clamp geometry and feel, sharper bezel action and improved comfort in 39/41 mm. The watch targets mixed use (water/office) without compromising the read-out, with classic dials and new shades. Reference codes vary by size, strap and colour.

(2023) Yema Superman 500 GMT:

Adding a 24-hour hand and bi-colour inserts while preserving the clamp and slim ergonomics. The GMT layout prioritises clarity: balanced lume, crisp 24-h scale and enough contrast for night reading. For travel, the screw-down crown reassures and the bezel remains secured. As identifiers shift with inserts and bracelets, we group this 500 GMT family under Yema Superman.

(2024) Yema Superman “Armée de l’Air & de l’Espace”:

Special editions tied to France’s Air & Space Force continue the nation’s mission-watch lineage: dedicated dials/markings, 300/500 m ratings and tightened QC. The brief remains a simple, reliable, legible instrument for demanding use. The clamp keeps its mechanical safety role.

Buying advice: size, variants, straps & uses

If your wrist measures roughly 6.1–6.9 in, the 39 mm is the versatility sweet spot: subtler profile, easy cuff-fit and intact readability ; for a first taste, a black 39 mm “Heritage” on steel is a universally safe pick. Same DNA, less visual mass.

Prefer impact and distance reading? The 41 mm offers a larger dial aperture and stronger bezel presence, useful outdoors ; just ensure the lug drop matches your wrist. A quick try-on usually decides 39 vs 41.

Style & material: steel is the neutral default, bronze adds patina and warmth with minimal care ; if you wear tailoring, a black or deep-blue dial on brushed steel is easiest. Save vivid colours for weekends.

Conclusion

A hallmark French instrument, the Yema Superman suits enthusiasts after readable, robust divers instantly recognised by their bezel-lock. Between 39 and 41 mm, bronze or steel, 300 or 500 m, the range covers daily life through coastal escapes. To refine size, material and movement, match try-ons to real use and rely on Dialicious customer reviews to validate comfort, legibility and dependability.

(Updated September 2025)