The Yema Superman GMT 500: Heritage & Soda

There are icons in this hobby, the ones that makes us re-evaluate our collection and the way we look at other watches. The Rolex GMT-Master is one of those aforementioned icons and since its inception with the reference 6542, the looks and colour waves have been copied by many brands, becoming an inspirational piece that transcends luxury.

Yema Superman GMT taken by Robbie

The idea is very appealing because a GMT watch is not only useful in terms of complication but because it also relies in nostalgia, a very powerful one. You see, in the 60s, traveling was a mere shadow of what it has evolved into today. Flights were luxurious and selected for the few. I am not defending that travel was better back then - it is much more accessible for many and that is a good thing - but the luxury aspect of 20^th Century travel, has vanished and with it, the GMT aura.

Many of the brands have evolved their GMT proportions. Their watches have become bigger, shinier, heavier, and brasher. There was a bit of turn around when vintage re-creations started to come into the scene but right after a couple of years, beige patina was everywhere, exaggerated large crystals with cases out of proportion, and it has been a bit much.

Then we have brands that can really create a design with good balance and not go all the way inside the vintage look. Yema is a French brand with enough heritage that can really express that nostalgic feeling we were talking about and also, future editions that can resist the test of time.

The Superman was launched not long after its Rolex counterpart in 1966, and it brought some good details like an aluminum bi-colour bezel, the iconic (that word again) bezel locking system, and the required water resistance.

We are here to discuss one short lived reference that, to me, should still be alive in the catalogue. Sure, they gave way to the new micro rotor movement, but I do believe that this is the pinnacle of their Superman GMT offering.

Let’s begin.

The Specifications of the Yema Superman

One of the key dimensions for a watch of this calibre is the size. At 39mm, the watch feels good on my 6.25-inch wrist, it is compact, and the thin bezel complements the proportions quite well. The dial is quite exquisite, the deep glossy dial is something that I cannot take my eyes off of. Together with a unique arrow handset, it makes the Superman 500 quite attractive. Another small detail is the GMT hand that seems to be floating around, it doesn’t distract from the overall composition.

Photo by Robbie

There are quite a few details to highlight like a lumed bezel, drilled lugs and red line at the bottom of the dial which can be traced to the original models.

The case is quite beautiful yet utilitarian, the mid-part gives the impression of a thinner watch which is also robust. This is also elevated by the brushed finishing of the watch. We quite enjoy the knurling on the bezel, making it easy to grip and provides a great feel that ends up with the locking mechanism. It is a simple solution to be more precise, more unique.

Inside the watch we have an in house developed calibre: the YEMA3000. It is an equivalent movement to an ETA version but with an improvement on accuracy and in quality. There are small quirks like the GMT hand goes backwards when set, but it is all part of the charm of not going with norm or default choice.

On the Wrist

The Superman 500 is an easy watch to wear by being under 12mm with a lug to lug of 49mm. One of the best characteristics of the watch is the bracelet and the female solid end links which provide a real compact wearing experience. The solidity and tapering are quite outstanding, it very feels solid which makes me overlook the 19mm measurement between the lugs. The clasp does feel a bit outdated but, the thinness is also appreciated. There is clasp extension, that is also useful to extend the watch when needed, and it’s quite sophisticated - even more than the clasp itself.

Yema Superman GMT on a NATO strap

That is not to say that the Yema is not a strap monster, it looks good on a nylon strap and also with a leather one but it is at its best with the OEM supplied rubber strap. In my opinion, it makes the watch even more tool like.

The Superman feels every bit as refined as those 5-digit GMT Master Rolex models. I know I am quoting this comparison a lot, but the difference in price is significant, while the looks and feel are less so. The watch feels at home in an office environment, but also travelling, as an everyday watch, and much more. It really is the only watch you need.

Legibility is something that we must highlight as well. The symmetry might not be there with a data at 3 o’clock, but the hands and bezel make the watch easy to read. The back of the watch is not open; instead, we have a beautiful case back engraving that is worth looking at all the time. The Yema offers 500 meters of water resistance, hence the name.

Yema Superman's caseback

Concluding Thoughts

It is hard to balance heritage, price, looks and an in-house movement. This is the main reason why I believe that Yema should have kept this watch in the current catalogue, but it was only released for a limited run of 200 units per variant. That said, I believe that the classic soda arrangement is the winner. At the moment, there are no GMTs offered in Yema’s catalogue, and not so long ago, the last versions of these exceptional watches were shipped.

When the Superman 500 was sold at EUR 1399, it was considered an incredible offer for what it was bringing to the table. We are still hoping that they will come with a new variant and that it could be as good as this one. I guess they are making us wait, but I am sure it will be worth it.

Technical Specifications

·         Movement : Automatic Yema Cal. 3000

·         Age : 2021/2030

·         Specific Age : April 2023

·         Case Size : 39mm

·         Case Thickness : 13.5mm

·         Lug to Lug : 48mm

·         Lugs : 18mm

·         Condition : Pre-Owned

·         Box & Papers : Box & Papers

·         Case Material : Stainless Steel

·         Warranty : Manufacturer Warranty

·         The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Yema Superman on a Macro Level

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If you enjoyed this guest review from Robbie, please check out his website where he regularly reviews everything from microbrands to renowned grail watches. Thank you, Robbie, for sharing your thoughts on this limited edition watch from Yema, and including these great photos, as well!