French brand Yema isn’t particularly known for its artistic creations, instead focussing on practical tool watches that serve a purpose. But that’s not to say they don’t have an artistic side, with watches like the recent Snow Camo showcasing a greater interest in unusual finishes and style-led timepieces. That new interest comes to the fore today with the launch of the Superman Titanium MoonTide with its lunar texture display.
Cutting straight to the dial, it’s made from titanium using an oil-press technique on a sand-blasted base to create a cratered surface in relief, inspired by the surface of the moon. It’s uncannily accurate, looking almost photorealistic with the way light and shadow play across its surface. It’s the first time I’ve seen Yema really double down on ideas of texture and artistic imitation of nature, concepts more traditionally at home with brands like Grand Seiko or Omega with the Dark Side of the Moon.
Around the new dial, the Superman Titanium MoonTide follows the familiar Superman formula with a 38.5mm case, albeit in titanium rather than steel, with 300m water resistance making it a professional diver. Although with the textured dial it’s a little less optimised for use underwater compared to the standard model but as it retains the large, lumed indexes and hands, you can still take it into the water if you so wish. It also has a 60-minute dive timer bezel with ceramic insert and bezel lock system.
Inside is the CMM.11 automatic in-house movement from Yema’s Morteau manufacture with a 70-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. It has a cool blacked out design visible through the watch’s exhibition caseback, which works on a thematic level too as the dark side of the moon (in a non-Omega context).
The Yema Superman Titanium MoonTide is priced at €2,190 (approx. £1,900) on bracelet or €1890 (approx. £1,650) on FKM rubber strap. It’s also a limited edition of just 400 pieces, making it more exclusive. It’s exciting to see Yema experiment with more daring dials like this, especially now that their manufacture is well established. They are taking more and more steps towards becoming a well-rounded brand with experience in all aspects of watch design and creation.
Price and Specs:
More details at Yema.
