75 years of History
In 1948, the journey of YEMA, a renowned French watchmaking company, began with the vision and expertise of Henry Louis Belmont. Belmont's journey to founding YEMA was no accident and his path was steeped in expertise and tradition. He had graduated at the top of his class from the National Watchmaking School of Besançon in 1931, laying the foundation for a legacy of watchmaking excellence from YEMA that was to follow.
Fast forward to 1963, and the world was introduced to the very first YEMA Superman timepiece. This watch was a breakthrough that was designed primarily for diving professionals. What set it apart was its remarkable waterproofing capability, boasting an impressive depth rating of 300 meters. Additionally, the safety brake stop, often referred to as the bezel-lock, added a distinctive and unique feature to the Superman. This innovation made the watch not only a fashion statement but also a reliable tool for underwater exploration. The Superman's reputation for being virtually indestructible didn't go unnoticed, and it was chosen by the French Air Force to equip its pilots. This endorsement showcased the Superman's durability and precision, further establishing it as an iconic timepiece.
As the 1960s drew to a close, YEMA achieved a significant milestone. The company became the leading French watch exporter for three consecutive years, from 1966 to 1968. During this period, YEMA consistently sold over 500,000 watches annually, distributing its timepieces to more than 50 countries around the world. This remarkable success reflected the brand's global appeal and the trust it had garnered from watch enthusiasts and professionals alike. YEMA's commitment to quality, innovation, and precision had solidified its position as a key player in the watchmaking industry.
The YEMA Superman, with its diving prowess and iconic design, had already made a mark as a classic timepiece. Its connection with the French Air Force added to its reputation, making it a symbol of durability and reliability. The success of YEMA in the 1960s as a leading French watch exporter demonstrated not only the brand's popularity in its home country but also its international acclaim.
The First YEMA Superman Bronze
In 2019, YEMA embarked on a groundbreaking journey by releasing the first-ever Superman Bronze watch. This timepiece was more than just a stylish accessory; it represented support for an ambitious oceanographic mission. The mission's focus was to study a remarkable family of 30 sperm whales living in the Indian Ocean. Over several years, dedicated scientists conducted hundreds of dives to unravel the intricate kinship links within this unique family.
These extraordinary sperm whales, much like humans, displayed distinctive individual personalities. They communicated with their own language, exhibited remarkable intelligence, kindness, and a profound sense of solidarity. The ocean, their home, held countless secrets, and YEMA was there to support the quest for these mysteries.
YEMA's Kickstarter Approach to R&D
YEMA's commitment to financing their Manufacture caliber R&D through crowdfunding is at the heart of their mission. On November 10th, they are set to launch a new Kickstarter campaign that promises an exclusive look at the first Superman Bronze models equipped with the new CMM.10 caliber. This campaign provides an opportunity for watch enthusiasts and supporters to be part of this incredible journey, contributing to both the development of an outstanding timepiece and the cause of marine conservation.
The Newest Superman Bronze
Designed specifically for diving professionals, the new Superman Bronze CMM.10 is available in two distinct sizes, 39mm and 41mm. Its bronze case stands out with high-quality brushed and polished finishes, preserving a unique neo-vintage appearance. Over time, the bronze will develop a patina, making each watch a one-of-a-kind, authentic piece.
This collectible timepiece features a high-quality double-domed sapphire crystal, measuring 2.20mm in height. This not only enhances readability but also provides increased resistance and a decidedly neo-vintage aesthetic. The dial is available in gradient blue and lacquered black, proudly displaying French mentions and the new "MANUFACTURE FRANÇAISE" signature at 6 o'clock. This marks a significant shift in YEMA's positioning, following the internalization of component manufacturing for the CMM.10 caliber.
The classic Superman hands have been slightly refined, and the iconic "shovel" second hand has been replaced by a lollipop sweep hand, providing an enhanced overall balance.
The Bezel and Exceptional View Through the Caseback
The rotating bezel of the Superman Bronze CMM.10 is a work of art. Crafted entirely from bronze, it boasts a circular brushed finish that elegantly contrasts with the vertical brushed finish of the case. This newly manufactured bezel features unidirectional rotation, a 0-60 count-up graduation, and a luminescent marker at 12 o'clock, treated with Grade A Super-LumiNova. These features are essential for professional divers who rely on precise timing.
The exhibition case back reveals the heart of this timepiece - the CMM.10 Manufacture caliber. Not only does it provide a window into the intricate mechanics, but it also ensures a remarkable 30 BAR (300m/990 feet) water resistance. Each case back is engraved with a unique serial number and Limited Edition number, making each watch a part of a limited and exclusive collection.
Tropic Integrated Bracelet - (Our Favorite Strap for Dive Watches)
We love the Tropic strap, and the execution of this strap is no exception. The YEMA Tropic integrated bracelet, specially designed for the Superman Bronze CMM.10, is made from RUBBER FKM VITON®. This material is designed for intensive use in extreme conditions, thanks to its lightweight, flexibility, resistance to dust, and overall durability. The bracelet is equipped with an elegant, high-quality buckle in IP bronze, perfectly complementing the timepiece.
The new Star of the Show -The CMM.10 Manufacture Caliber
At the core of the Superman Bronze CMM.10 is the CMM.10 Manufacture caliber, a modern interpretation of traditional 3-hand calibers. Its construction, including the transversal bridge over the balance wheel, provides stability and showcases the regulating organ. The symmetrical architecture of the mainplate ensures a perfect and elegant alignment of the balance wheel and large barrel.
The central bridge design combines the barrel bridge, center wheel bridge, and winding stem cock into a large single bridge that reinforces the main plate. This innovative approach results in better strength, durability, and shock resistance. The balance wheel, made of Glucydur, a non-magnetic metal alloy, ensures stability and resistance to deformation, corrosion, and magnetic fields.
The CMM.10 boasts a single large barrel optimized for a 70-hour power reserve at a high frequency of 28,800 A/h (4Hz). The Nivaflex® barrel spring alloys offer mechanical excellence, corrosion resistance, non-magnetic behavior, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion.
The Escapement and Oscillating Weight
The escapement, the interface between the gear train and the regulating organ, plays a crucial role in the movement. YEMA has implemented notable improvements in the CMM.10 escapement to reduce friction and optimize the mechanics for precision and longevity. This sophisticated manufacturing process ensures that the energy consumption is minimized, contributing to the precision and reliability of the caliber.
The bidirectional oscillating weight is a key innovation that allows the mechanism to be automatically wound by the wearer's movements. Mounted on optimized ball bearings, it operates smoothly and silently. The weight is engraved with "CALIBRE MANUFACTURE MORTEAU 10" and adorned with a "gunmetal" finish, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the movement.
YEMA's Extended Warranty - A Nod to Craftsmanship
In their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, YEMA offers an extended International Warranty period of 5 (five) years for all timepieces equipped with a mechanical YEMA Manufacture movement. This reflects their dedication to delivering top-notch craftsmanship and ensuring the longevity of their watches.
Heritage, Durability, Craftsmanship and Value
The new YEMA Superman Bronze CMM.10 is something else. It's a symbol of innovation, precision, and a deep commitment to marine conservation. As YEMA prepares to launch their Kickstarter campaign, they invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. With an exclusive opportunity to own one of these limited-edition timepieces, you can become a part of a legacy that transcends boundaries, both in watchmaking and marine exploration. Join YEMA on November 10th, and let's dive into the future together.
A special thank you to YEMA for images and additional information in this article
Balance & Bridge
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