Get A Piece Of The Moon On Your Wrist With The Yema Superman MoonTide CMM11
If there are two things you should know about Yema, it’s that they are French and they make fabulous dive watches. In their collection, they have a vast range of divers, each with their own distinct heritage and character. Last time I talked about Yema, I was reviewing their heritage reissues of the Navygraf, which you can read here, but today we are talking about its big sister: the Superman.
The Yema Superman is by far their most iconic watch. Vintage Supermans are not only exquisite, but also highly sought after. Initially launched in the 1960s, the Superman quickly became the go-to watch for the French Air Force’s rescue divers. The reason for that, at least in part, is the distinctive and unique bezel-locking system that is activated through the crown. Since then, the collection has grown to include a number of different references, with various takes on this iconic and beloved design. With the development of their own manufacturing and design capabilities, Yema has taken things a step up in the Superman collection, including complications like a micro-rotor and even a tourbillon. With this Superman, Yema has taken a different direction. As its name implies, this is a model that harks back to the historical dimension of the watch, but with a bit of a twist. Let’s get stuck into the details and see what this ’60s icon is all about.
If you catch a glimpse of this watch, chances are that you saw the dial first. Upon closer inspection, you might think that this watch has been dotted with a stone dial, maybe even meteorite with some new kind of finishing. But that’s not what’s happened here at all. To create this effect that mimics the surface of the moon, Yema has pressed a sheet of titanium into a special mold that gives this effect. The result is something unique and completely different from anything they, or anyone else for that matter, have produced. The visual effect is just stunning, and it is hard to get away from imagining the craters and gullies that populate the surface of the moon as you glance at your wrist. Tucked into the classic Superman case, which wears like a dream, especially in titanium, the dial really makes it feel like you have a piece of the solar system with you. And for someone who likes to think about what lies beyond our blue planet, this is certainly the watch for you.
The bezel is what has made this watch such a force of nature in the professional world. Divers, sailors, and airmen have time and time again reached for the Superman because of its safety-focused design. The bezel-locking system is stupidly simple, yet more effective than many other mechanisms that offer a similar function. In a nutshell, the little metal tab that sits on the bezel at three o’clock is tightened as you lock down the crown. It is compressed between the crown and the crenelated edge of the bezel, acting as an extra layer of protection. I don’t think it gets much safer on such a slim dive watch. Talking about the actual bezel itself, there isn’t a ton to write home about in the sense that it is Yema’s standard level of excellently finished, hard-wearing, and resistant design. It remains legible, highly tactile, and cohesive: exactly what is needed here.
One of the biggest developments on this watch, which hides behind the out-of-this-world dial, is the caliber. As previously mentioned, Yema has been doubling down on their collection of in-house calibers that have been taking the market by storm. Designed and manufactured in-house, a process that you can read more about here, these movements are a showcase of the brilliant expertise that the utilitarian and practical brand has tucked up its sleeves. Yema has opted for a variant of their three-hand automatic movement, the CMM 10. The declension used in this Superman is the CMM 11, which features a date window. The spec sheet leaves nothing to be desired in terms of finishing, accuracy, and power reserve. This engine can take on any challenge. Now, you might expect that the process of equipping a standard three-hand automatic with a date is a straightforward and easy process. And yet, the team at Yema would tell you that it was almost as time-consuming as designing a tourbillon. Having heard the whole story about the development of the CMM 11, I have a newfound appreciation for the date window—I will never underestimate it as a complication again.
The bracelet on this watch is sublime. I have a mixed relationship with metal bracelets, especially ones that stray from the norm, like this one does. However, there really was nothing for me to fear. The “Scales” bracelet is a gentle nod towards the diving heritage, all while delivering a novel take on the classic five-link bracelet. I have never worn a watch with such a comfortable metal bracelet before, and I can explain why. First up is the design: the link pattern allows for a really close fit and good flexibility if you have a slightly odd wrist shape. Secondly, the use of titanium really transforms the wearing experience. The lightness and robustness of the material make this feel invisible without feeling fragile: something I really came to appreciate whilst I had this piece on loan. Do I want one of these bracelets in my collection? Absolutely, and I think you need one too.
The Yema Superman MoonTide is not your typical dive watch from Yema. On paper, the spec sheet would indicate to you that this is a no-nonsense watch. It is not pretending to be any different from the Supermans that have come before it. That being said, it is a totally different watch in person. The utilitarian feel is not gone or diluted, just expressed in a different way. This watch is about delivering something completely different and putting Yema on the map as a dial maker, as well as a tool and movement maker. If you’re a professional looking for a tool to serve you well in your adventures, I probably wouldn’t recommend this one. However, if you’re looking to add something completely novel to your collection, that has a strong and capable foundation, that you can really challenge and wear properly, then this is for you. The Superman formula has stood the test of time since the 1960s, and I fundamentally think that this is just the next step in its journey as an icon and tool. It shows that it can do both in equal measure.
The Yema Superman MoonTide retails for $2,390 USD and is limited to just 400 pieces. Find out more about this watch here.
