Yema first introduced the Superman Bronze CMM.10 back in 2023 as one of the first watches to make use of their new manufacture movements. However, those original watches are limited editions. The French watchmaker has now returned to that collection to introduce three new colours as permanent additions to the range. Alongside the new colours there are a handful of small visual updates that give it a more refined look.
Starting with the case, it’s of course made from bronze, but where the original version was offered at 41mm or 39mm, Yema has now settled on 39mm as the natural sizing for this watch. That makes sense given the popularity of smaller dimensions across the intervening years since the original launch. The case has a thickness of 10.95mm with the sapphire crystal measuring a further 2.2mm. Bronze is a popular material for dive watches because it has a strong connection to maritime history thanks to its strong anti-corrosion properties.
In watchmaking the material is iconic for the way it develops a natural patina over time, making each watch distinct to its owner and a truly unique object. One consideration though is that it can stain the skin after prolonged contact, which Yema have avoided by giving the watch a sapphire exhibition caseback that minimises contact. Beneath the waves, the case provides a 300m water resistance rating.
For the dial, we have three new colour options: green, brown and white. The fact they’ve used a lacquer finish rather than sunray brushing gives them a slightly muted tone that I quite like. It helps to reduce reflection and make them easier to read underwater. The green is particularly attractive with its forest shade.
In addition to the new colours, the hour markers have been updated. Instead of the old layout that had a combination of triangle, rectangle and circular markers (a dive watch classic), the new watches have lume-filled bar indexes. It creates a much more uniform look and there’s wider metallic surfaces with which to show off the gilt indexes, with the same finish used on the central arrow hands and logo too.
As the name gives away, the movement powering this collection is Yema’s Morteau Manufacture CMM.10. It offers a 70-hour power reserve that’s supplied by an openworked, automatic rotor. It also has chronometer levels of accuracy with a daily rate of -3/+5 seconds. It was the 2023 Superman Bronze that debuted this movement for the first time and defined the start of a new era for Yema.
The Yema Superman Bronze CMM.10 is priced at £1,616 – the exact same price as the limited edition variants. The overall impression with this update and expanded range is that the Superman Bronze CMM.10 has taken some steps towards becoming more of a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch, equally suited to being worn on land as in the water. Narrowing the collection to the smaller case sizing and creating a more luxurious feeling dial gives the watch a better balance when worn on land without sacrificing any of its aquatic utility.
Price and Specs:
More details at YEMA.
