When it comes to watches that scream adventure and stand up to the elements, few hit the mark like a solid dive watch. But what if you took a classic from the swinging '60s and gave it a material upgrade straight out of old seafaring tales? That's exactly what French watchmaker Yema has done with its latest limited-edition Superman diver, swapping steel for bronze to create a piece that's as tough as it is timeless. This isn't just another shiny toy—it's a nod to the salty heritage of maritime gear, the kind that patinas over time and tells its own story on your wrist.
Yema first rolled out the Superman back in 1963, right in the thick of the golden age for dive watches. Think of it as the era's answer to heavy-hitters like the Rolex Submariner or Seiko's 62MAS—tools built for guys who spent their days underwater or on the deck, not just posing at the office. What set Yema apart was its clever bezel locking system, a patented feature that made the watch stand out in a crowded field. Perched at the 3 o'clock position, this little mechanism hugs the bezel and locks it down tight, preventing any accidental spins that could mess up your dive timing.
Image credit: Yema
Here's how it works: the lock has teeth that grab onto the coin-edged bezel, and you engage or release it by twisting the screw-down crown. It's a simple, no-frills setup that doesn't mess with the watch's water resistance, but it adds that extra layer of security for real-world use. Sure, it's not the quickest system out there— you've got to fiddle with the crown a bit—but for anyone who's ever relied on gear in rough conditions, that utilitarian vibe is pure gold. Or in this case, bronze.
Speaking of which, bronze isn't just a fad here; it's got deep roots in nautical history. From those bulky 19th-century diving helmets to ancient ship instruments, the copper-tin alloy has been the go-to for stuff that needs to battle saltwater without flinching. Yeah, it's heavier and pricier than steel, and it develops a patina that some folks might call "character" while others see it as wear. But for the guy who appreciates a watch that ages like a fine whiskey, bronze brings an undeniable cool factor to the table. Yema leaned into that with the Superman Bronze, crafting the entire case and bezel from solid bronze to give it a rugged, seafaring edge.
Design-wise, this watch plays up the contrasts to make the bronze pop. The case tops and sides get a vertical brushed finish that highlights the metal's natural warmth, while the chamfered edges are polished to catch the light just right. The bezel follows suit with a radial brush on top, and it's etched with a 60-minute dive scale complete with a Super-LumiNova pip at the zero mark for low-light visibility. That glow-in-the-dark stuff isn't just for show—it's the kind that lights up blue and keeps you on track whether you're checking depths or just glancing at the time during a late-night fishing trip.
Image credit: Yema
The dial is where Yema really switched things up for this edition. Instead of the usual printed face, they went with a sandwich-style design that looks like faded denim—think indigo blue with subtle white vertical brushing layered over a white base. It exposes the classic hour markers in that familiar triangle-dash-dot pattern, keeping it clean and readable. Unlike most Supermans, this one's a straightforward time-only setup, no extra complications to clutter things. The hands match the bronze theme with a toned finish, including that oversized "Superman" minute hand that's become a signature. Everything—hands, markers, and bezel pip—gets coated in Super-LumiNova that glows blue, ensuring you can read it from across the boat or in murky waters.
Under the hood, or rather on top, sits a double-domed sapphire crystal that rises about 2.2mm above the bezel. That dome isn't there for looks; it boosts legibility when you're viewing the watch at odd angles, like when your arm's twisted during a dive or haul. Flip it over, and the caseback reveals another sapphire window, screwed in place with a steel ring to lock in that impressive 300-meter water resistance. Through the glass, you get a peek at Yema's in-house CMM.10 automatic movement—a reliable workhorse that ticks at 4Hz and packs a 70-hour power reserve. For this special run, they even gave the rotor a bronze-toned finish and signed it, adding a custom touch that ties the whole package together.
Image credit: Yema
Yema didn't skimp on the straps either, bundling two identical ones with each watch. They're made from FKM rubber in that classic perforated tropical style, tough enough for saltwater but comfortable for everyday wear. One's in blue to match the dial's vibe, the other's white for a cleaner look, and both come with a bronze pin buckle that keeps the theme consistent. Swapping them out is easy, so you can match your mood or outfit without hassle.
This Superman Bronze comes in two sizes—39mm for a more vintage feel or 41mm if you prefer something with a bit more presence on the wrist. They're identical otherwise, right down to the numbering on the caseback ring that marks each as part of a super-limited run: just 100 pieces per size. At $1,999 including taxes and duties, it's positioned as a solid value for a manufacture movement in a bronze diver with this much heritage. You can snag one directly from Yema, but with only 200 total out there, they're likely to go fast among collectors and adventure seekers.
In the end, the Superman Bronze isn't just a watch; it's a bridge between the gritty dive tools of the past and the kind of gear that fits right into a guy's life today. Whether you're reminiscing about old boating trips, planning the next one, or just wanting something that stands out in your collection, this piece captures that maritime spirit without overcomplicating things. It's heavy-duty, history-rich, and ready for whatever waves come your way.
