French model YEMA backs up its current profitable Kickstarter marketing campaign to convey the YEMA Superman Heritage Bronze to life with the discharge of the charmingly vintage-styled YEMA Superman Heritage GMT watch. With the sort of robust visible identification possessed by YEMA (due to the slightly intelligent bezel lock system at three o’clock), getting on board with the trade’s hottest operate fad (the evermore ubiquitous GMT complication) is sensible. These three watches — equivalent however for his or her different-colored bezels — provide followers of the model a neat new choice that boasts stylistic continuity and a definite sufficient character to make it stand out from its friends.
I first encountered YEMA throughout the current Kickstarter marketing campaign for the very profitable YEMA Superman Heritage Bronze watch, which smashed its goal, incomes round $1,000,000 in pledges and amassing 5 occasions its authentic ask. Earlier than the marketing campaign, I knew little or no concerning the model. Now, having had the prospect to review its providing and acquaint myself with the historical past, I’m happy to see a well timed new addition to the Superman Heritage assortment, which is, for my part, the core and truest expression of the model’s character.
YEMA was based in 1948 in Morteau, France, simply 5 miles from the Swiss border, and 15 years later, in 1963, the very first YEMA Superman was launched. It had been designed particularly for divers and was seemingly “indestructible.” The watch was water-resistant to 300 meters and featured an uncommon “bezel lock” system, which not solely clamped the rotating bezel in place but in addition inspired the person to screw down the crown earlier than starting their dive (due to the very fact the bezel lock clamp is engaged and disengaged with the serrated fringe of the bezel itself by the crown being screwed in and unscrewed). The watch was so widespread, it was adopted by the Franch Air Pressure.
We’ve needed to wait till 2019, nonetheless, to see a GMT complication pop up within the Superman Heritage vary. A GMT complication means the wearer can set the watch as much as show one, two, and even three separate time zones, making this an exceptionally helpful look ahead to individuals who journey regularly.
Realistically, this watch is only a dive watch with a GMT bezel fitted to it. No different modifications, avoid wasting refined dial-printing updates, have been made. And whereas some might discover the vestigial dive encompasses a bit odd, there’s completely nothing damaging about their presence. The bezel lock nonetheless performs its half in making certain your second or third time-zone doesn’t slip out of sync, and the strong case makes this a terrific touring companion.
At simply 39mm-wide, the YEMA Superman Heritage GMT is a pleasingly refined product. Its high-domed sapphire crystal may also present the 316L stainless-steel case with extra safety from glancing blows. Wearers should get used to some vital dial refraction as a result of form of the crystal, however the way in which during which it recollects the plexiglasses that had been frequent in its period of design is a neat function I’d not abandon for a extra simple view of the dial.
The dial itself is very legible with Tremendous-LumiNova C1 hour markers in white on a matte black background. All three dials and handsets are the identical, the one distinction among the many fashions seen within the bezel colour. Every configuration — Pepsi (purple and blue), Coke (purple and black), and grey/blue — might be restricted to simply 100 items. For the $1,499 asking value, purchasers obtain a really strong, handsomely made watch powered by a Swiss ETA 2893 GMT, and delivered on an “Oyster” brushed metal strap with diver’s extension folding clasp. The YEMA Superman Heritage GMT watch could be pre-ordered on the official web site for supply in November 2019. For extra particulars, go to yema.com.
