The Most Underrated & Historic $1000 Dive Watch: Yema Superman 39mm 

When your mom makes you go to sleep and you sneak outta bed to record the history of a 1960s french watch company voice over for youtube

Several comments call this watch "vintage inspired". This watch is not "vintage inspired", it's an almost exact remake of a 1970 model. So that goes rather further than "inspired" in my book. The Superman Heritage is pretty much the closest thing to a brand new 60s-70s watch in this genre that you're likely to find. Yema 3D-scanned the original model to get the proportions exact, which by the way is probably the reason for the 19mm lug width.

It has been one of my most warn watches in the year or so that I've had it. You do an excellent job covering the history behind the brand, as always. The bracelet is perfection. I love the sweep on the stop light second hand reaching all the way out to the minute track. Agreed re: it wears a bit larger due to the lack of any drop on the lugs, and the under case protruding on to the wrist. All that being said, it wears exceptionally well. Actually wearing it now, and had it on 2 of the last days. I don't wear watches to get compliments, but this one gets more comments than anything else in my collection. Wonderful review, happy you are enjoying yours! This is a piece that the honeymoon has been extended for me and I don't see that ending anytime soon.

...self isolation sucks, but it has allowed me to catch up on your entire back catalogue of videos. It has been fascinating watching the channel evolve, both in content and your presentation style. Your enthusiasm and passion is quite evident, and never fails to make me smile. Your reviews have a wonderful impartial and non judgemental tone, fairly unique amongst your peers. Beyond that you are a real gentleman, a rare thing. My favourite RU-vid channel and a daily fix, onwards and upwards my friend...

Saw this one at a local online retailer, and I was immediately intrigued by the design. The bezel-locking mechanism is kind of unique and I've never seen anything like it. But it feels like I haven't truly understand about a watch until I've watched your video talking about the history of it and reviewing it as well. Now, I'm strongly considering this one to be in my collection. Thank you, TGV! As always, your videos are excellent. Oh, and also, that's a very sick intro!

Reading my mind!! I am just about to get a Yema myself. Such a cool lineup of watches. I was really blown away by their 24/7 customer service that is remarkable 👌

I am so very glad you are covering this watch as it deserves more love. It was just the other day I was looking at the sold-out Superman GMT and was kicking myself for acting sooner- now I am going to pick up the 39mm diver. Thanks TGV!

TGV, thank you for this review. My watch journey began 3 plus years ago discovering your channel, and the Yema Superman Heritage was the 2nd automatic watch I ever purchased a few years ago. I absolutely love its vintage vibe, size and history of the brand. I do wear it less since I stepped up and purchased the current-gen wave dial Omega Seamaster 300M Professional, but putting it on now makes me realize why I loved it in the first place.

Terrific video, TGV! I've recently become interested in French military history and French manufacturing in general, thanks a lot for opening my eyes to this supremely cool watch. After weeks of remote work in my tracksuit, this video inspired me to take off my simple (but lovely) Casio beater and put on my finest diver. I feel so much better already. Funny how watches can just elevate your well-being like that! Keep up the good work!

I have known about Yema for some time. You bring a whole new insight to the watches you review. Your presentation is brilliant. Great work. You illustrate the passion for vintage and current watches we as true watch lovers feel. I’m getting a Yema! Thanks again Urban Gentry!

Thanks for drawing my attention back to Yema. I recall hearing about them some years back but never really paid much attention to them. Definitely more impressive than I was expecting. Definitely one to consider for the collection in the future! Well done TGV. Ciao John

I'm so glad you've made this video. This watch kept popping up on Google after looking for a dive watch, I'd never seen it before but was intrigued by it. Now I want it more.

Finally you talk about this French historic brand. Well done TGV ! France is one the best historic country in horology ;) the vintage ones begin to be very expensive to buy. This diver reminds me the also French Baltic aquascaphe diver. That is always for me their direct challenger for this particular model. My AD will sell Yema soon ;) Thanks TGV for always let us discover more brands and beautiful models ;) and for your record, my first (quartz) watch was a Yema, a gift from my godfather for my ´communion’ catholic event.

Congratulations on 400k, seeing this channel grow has been a fantastic experience and I hope you keep churning out great content.

Thank you for your time. I looked at this watch not long ago on their website, but this video has given me a true appreciation for this piece.

Was going to do a quick view but then realized it's the most informative video out there now on Yema. I'll watch again later. Thanks TGV

Under most Yema watch reviews there are a bunch of hater comments claiming that they are "cheaply made" and other such nonsense. I've never understood why this brand get so much hate given that it is a proper watchmaker with heritage who makes their own movements and who offers fantastic value for money. I suspect that a lot of it is motivated by good old British-American hatred/jealousy of anything French.

Yeah!!! So happy for this video. Thanks for expanding my knowledge on time pieces. Love it. Keep it coming.

The way your able to find "the most _______" in so many watches really speaks miles to your outlook. Keep it up my friend

I've been watching your channel for a long time and the editing in your intros still blows me away every time!!

Hello TGV, I am Walter a collector of watches since 20 years now, collecting vintage watches but also some new ones. I wear my vintages in free time to celebrate them but not as Daily Beaters. I bought following your reviews last year a Lorier Hydra and this year a Yema Flygraf M 1 and OMG these are excellent watches. Right now i ordered the brand new Yema Superman Steel Bronce in 41 mm with green Dial and am very excited how it will do his work. Thank you for your excellence work.

I'm french, i have a Rallygraf and a Superman. My dad have the original 1960 model. I love these watchs, so much heritage in it. I was hoping one day you will talk about this brand, and you've finaly done it. Thank you ! et merci Vanessa !

Thanks for the review. Great video (and editing). You continue to shine out in your reviews. Interesting time piece, thanks for enlightening me.

Welcome!!!to the ‘rave watch channel’...The Urban Gentry!!!!! That’s one of your crazier intros! Love it! This is a heck of a watch! Thanks for the in-depth historical information about the brand! Professional and polished!

I got my superman 3 weeks ago, the 39 mm was a bit getting used to after my 42mm speedmaster but i love it more every time it’s on my wrist. Like you mentioned the clasp could be better, it feels a bit cheap, like if you hit a table it would dent easily. But it’s certainly one i will keep for a mong time, maybe even forever. Can’t wait to take it for a dive/swim

You had me at the intro with my favorite things: Lume shots and modern military aircraft such as the Rafale, Gripen, MQ-25, Mirage 2000, KC-135, and C-130. Well done!

Thank so much for the review, I was waiting for this! Cheers from France ;)

Great to see this brand get reviewed. I stumbled upon them when they introduced the bronze Superman. Love it a lot. That amazing blue face just pops. Hope to see them get more recognition.

Hi T, Another highly informative, in-depth review, filmed in a completely relaxed atmosphere making it super easy to watch. 👍🇬🇧

Finally! Yema jumps from Instagram to a big channel on watches. TGV, You beat everybody!!

I had not heard of this brand until now. A beautiful presentation. I can't wait to hear about other lesser known brands. Thank you very much TGV.

Just arrived via express shipping. Loving the Yema Navygraf

I've owned one now for over a year. So far it's very accurate and reliable. My only issues are the bracelet, which is a real hair puller and the crown which can be hard to seat correctly with the bezel lock. I ordered one with a sapphire crystal and an ETA 2824. I'm assuming that since ETA cut back their outside sales Yema went to Sellita. Overall, I am very impressed.

Hello TGV, I'm really happy about this review. I've been a fan of this brand since I discovered it. Anyone who reads my comments on RU-vid knows that I would like to mention them (sometimes in the comments on your channel). There are now a few RU-vidrs who have reported on the brand. The brand is something special. A great history, although it was only founded after the WWII. I also like the fact that the brand has a very wide range from inexpensive watches to luxury watches. However, I would not call Yema a microbrand. Yema is one of the best-known national watch brands in France with corresponding sales. By the way, there is a no date Superman, one of the bronze watches. Unfortunately it is already sold out, but can be obtained from the used market. This watch was available through a Kickstarter campaign last year. I got both a 41mm and a 39mm via Kickstarter. One for me and one for my lady. I don't know now whether you have ever done anything about Dodane (French pilot's watches). It would be nice to see something about it on your channel. A real microbrand would also be Hentschel in Hamburg, Germany. It is a small family company with its own in-house calibers. The watches often have a maritime reference. The brand already has a certain level of awareness through print media and TV in Germany. All the best and stay healthy René

I’ve been eyeing this one for a while, had no clue you had a vid on it. I’m probably sold now. Great video as always!

T, Superb video as always. My Superman 2 maxi dial is one of my favourite watches these days. It is undoubtedly a very cool brand and also an incredible history and military provenance. You've done the amazing folk at Yema proud. Your videos just get better and better. Great work my friend. Best as always. Matthew

What a fantastic intro. When I think it can't get any better! Great watch, lug to lug is a bit off putting for me with slim wrist. Wish they would have curved them a bit more. Stay safe! Best regards from Norway

What a beautiful watch TGV. Well made video. Congrats on your 400K, almost half a million gentlemen becoming wiser on watch choices.

TGV, you have really carved out a niche in the watch review universe. Your productions are second to none in quality, content and watchability, see what I did there? Seriously, the reviews are entertaining, always educational and your passion for horology shines through. Thanks for keeping the content coming, and doing so in a timely manner. See, I can't help myself. It's time I stop.

Good evening TGV, Yema seems like a very cool option when we look at vintage inspired dive watches. I really like the bracelet. Have a great evening. Best regards!

39mm it's my sweet spot, 42mm for divers is the maximum I can/want to wear, great video as always

Great review! I was going to suggest to do a Yema review, but I see it happened, great timing. I like their watches, I will definitely add to my collection in the future. 👍 Thanks

I have always loved Yema watches, thank you so much for making more people aware of the brand. Wonderful video as always

Such striking, interesting watches in the current Yema collection, one of the most exciting brands just now I think. I too would love to see a no-date Superman, but I'm sorely tempted all the same, or perhaps the Navygraf. So nice to spend some quality time with this gorgeous timepiece. Thanks TGV.

So glad to see you review the Yema brand. I have been considering buying one for some time and now I know they are the real deal...thx!

A very impressive and unique piece for sure. It is almost like a diver version of the Speedmaster. On another note congratulations on 400k subs! 1 million is only around the corner for you Sir and nobody deserves it more. Great job on the video as per usual.

Interesting piece. Congratulations on attaining 400K subscribers. Keep up the good work. Regards.

Love this watch, thanks for bringing it to the fore. Excellent review, as usual!!!

Hell YES!!! My favorite watch as of late and my 1 year grail!!! Can’t wait to watch this tonight with a nice drink.

Love this little French number I’m ordering one this weekend in the 41 mm. by the way I found your channel a couple of days ago and you made me order like five different watches great work keep up the amazing job you’re awesome love this Channel.

Been waiting for a review on this one- well done!

I've lived in France for 15 years and never heard of Yema! Great video!

First review of a yema watch, thank you for this highly informative vid. I heard about this on your urban gentry channel and am intrigued. As a relatively new watch enthusiast I'm keen to learn so than you again. Bw, Nihal

I knew you would review Yema when I saw you doing the Forban. Seems you are on a bit of a French kick. I personally have the bronze superman mission maubydick from the kickstarter they did for it last year. Love it, I really wanted it because of the in house movement. Keep up the good work TGV!

Many congrats on 400k subscribers TGV - keep on keeping on !

Thank you TGV for making another great video especially in these weird and dangerous times. Be safe out there.

Nice1 TGV! Many thanks. More like this please. Love seeing the less known or underrated brands and watches. #salute #SayHelloToHugo

Great video, I have been waiting for a review of one of my absolute favourite models. I own the blue heritage and have had this black one as well, kind of regretting selling it. Great watches both of them. I noticed the bracelet was loose, sometimes it needs a little "massage" to get the pin to attach properly. I love that bracelet as it is the most 60-70-style but I have told Yema to bring us a BOR version also. All the best from Sweden!

Cool. I bought one when they just came out. I have flipped it since, but I still like the look of it. There were some production/QC problems on the early batches, but the brand deserves kudos for rapidly improving their products and using customer feedback.

I LIKE this watch! There is something about a clean simple design that speaks volumes without yelling look at me. I do agree with you 100% about the lug width, why the odd sizes, it’s like a 17, why. If you do find a strap in the odd size, you don’t have a lot choices. This would look great on a Marine Nationale! Thanks for another great and educational video! Toodle pip

I've been looking at this one for awhile. comparing with Tudor, Oris, Lorier. I might finally pull the trigger on this Yema thanks to your very well done review. Cheers!

Hi TGV, I've actually just been watching and re-watching this video about your Superman 39mm (and also your new one on the Flygraf). Both excellent videos as always. Short of owning a family heirloom with its own provenance, I love these historical insights which for me really does give a watch from a brand such as Yema much more authenticity, depth and specificity of interest than than a more generic homage to the era piece. On a more practical note, you have an Aquis 39.5 (in the video at least) and a wrist the same size as mine (6.25, circa 11th percentile I believe), and whilst I fancy both the Aquis and the Superman 39 (albeit different styles of dive watch), I cannot decide which would fit better on my wrist. So who better to ask than you? I can't readily try on a Yema. One could not help but notice the Superman looked quite big on your wrist (incidentally the Flygraf even more so if my eyes did not deceive me) but I suspect that it was accentuated because it seemed you were wearing it rather loosely. This in turn appeared to highlight the "hang" of the lugs over the edge of the radial border of your wrist as you pronated your watch towards the camera. I'm really hoping that I have explained this away and that the Yema 39 really fits as well as any "small" dive watch can, but I do just wonder if in fact the Aquis 39.5 is not a better fit with is down-turned lugs. I would really value your comment. Thank you. Glad to see your still going strong.

That intro was pure quality, you never disappoint oh and ding!! 400K subs, congrats good sir and well deserved with your continued history journeys and now another watch on my radar. Total stunner 👍

I also requested this review and you nailed it again 👍🏻 Beautiful micro shots 👌🏻.

Ooouuuuu intro !!! All great as before! I really adore the Urban Channel! 👍

That intro followed by your voice couldn't be contrasted any higher! Love the intros, love the content. Intro makes me think you had some wild party days when you were younger though! That's a mind that has experienced more than the comfort of a luxury watch boutique! Greetings from Ireland!

I was waiting for this review for months. Great!! My next purchase! Best regards..take care Tristano...saluti da Martino Mcfly!

Awesome content TGV, loved to learn the history of another brand I have never heard. Watching your videos always helps me learn a lot. One more thing related to the topic, I urge you to check out the history of HMT watches from India, you would definitely enjoy it. Keep it up man !

Absolutely fascinating, and to think I had never even heard of Yema before today. Many thanks for this fine knowledge.

I've been looking at the Yema Flygraph for a while...nice looking piece. This one is pretty nice too. Thanks, TGV.

I have this exact piece and I love it, it has something magical to it, so elegant and well composed. Great review.

Loved the intro!! I've never heard of that brand but I really like it! May get one one day! Cheers! Stay healthy my friend!

Hi tgv, after le forban review, you finally present this lovely Yema. It is a pleasure to see some french watch. Great review as usual. Take care. Guillaume from Lyon

I think I'm in love! Isn't it great how life can hide these gems from us and then surprise us :-) Also, you blend in quite velvety with the luscious pillows ;-)

I just received the Yema Superman Air Force in Black. What a lovely piece it is!! Thanks for your content, TGV.

Opening up a whole new world of watches that I never knew existed :) thank you!!! 🙏🏼

Your video convinced and it just got here. I love it. Worth every cent.

Here we go! I waited for this one 😁

Love it! This is a bit out of my price range but I was happy to discover they are offering preorders on a very affordable quartz version and had to pick one up. I hope you review that version when it releases next month (April).

Another awesome video - now I need one of these watches - really cool and informative - keep it up -

Oh! My word! I've fallen for the Rallygraf Heritage. The dial resembles the dashboard and gauges of a 1930's era automobile. I've wanted an automotive themed watch to wear while driving my 1935 Chrysler Airflow or my 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. This is the one! I'd never have known of it without your channel. Very astute of Yema to send you the Superman so I'd be exposed to the Rallygraf.

Really enjoyed seeing this one! Thanks so much!

Thanks for this video. I wasn't hyped over this when I first learned of it. BUT, I just picked up the GMT version not that long ago and I have to say I love it. The case is very unique and the way the mid-case is divided, the watch looks thinner in profile when on wrist. 39mm is a perfect size for my 6.875" wrist. My GMT still has an aluminum pepsi bezel (as oppose to the newer with sapphire bezel insert), which I prefer, and still has the bezel lock gadget (which the newer version has omitted) .. which is admittedly semi-redundant as the bezel is still unidirectional and is fairly secure as is. But, the lock ensures no movement in any direction and it is a design feature of the Superman and adds some visual interest to the watch. My limited edition GMT version is completely brushed with a nice tapered h-link which is wider at the lugs as to blend into the case giving it an almost integrated lug look. It's subtle, but it does augments the look and feel of the watch slightly in a positive way, imho. At near $1500, it is a bit pricey. But, being only 1 of 100 made, I appreciate the fact I will likely rarely see another just like mine in the wild. I really think I have found a great keeper. Btw, I also really dig the limited edition US version which has a nice blue dial and different index markers. If you like cool French watch revivals, you must get your hands on a Triton Subphotique for review! And, get it on the bracelet! I think you may find it quite excellent!.. and if possible, have the optional strap options available to try as well as it will show its versatility.

Congrats on your four hundred thousand subscribers keep it up before you know it’ll be one million. Great channel.

Hello! Congrats on 400k! Here's to the well deserved 500k! All the best, Tom

The production value of these videos are superb. This is art.

Nice! I've been waiting for this 😊

Yema on the Urban Gentry! never thought i would see the day! finally a bit of exposure. Do LIP next!!

Thanks TGV for the video. I recently purchased the Burgundy Bronze Superman in 39mm. An absolutely stunning timepiece (I have received many compliments on it as well.) :)

Yours is the only channel I must watch the intro and program in full screen on my desktop.

Hi TGV ! Thanks for prensenting french watches, Yema is so underrated ! If you're into French watches, take a look at Lip. I think you've already heard about it. It's a very famous french brand, with a long history and a heavy heritage ! Some of their watchs (from pocket watches in 1910 's to the world first prototype for an electronic watch in 50's, and the famous "Himalaya") are very interesting. Hugo, a french watch lover living in Besançon ;)

Congrats on the 400k TGV! Love your content. You really got me into watches. Just bought myself a Speedmaster Triple Date Moonphase in Gold and Steel from 1997 which was never worn and comes with box, papers and even the original reciept! Greetings from Germany!

Absolutely delighted to have got my Yema Navygraf yesterday. Great brand. Great video of course.

TGV did a very cool review here, as always. Most people have never heard of this brand.. My Yema Heritage is a blue version, super watch for the money...Old school diver !!

That’s a lovely time piece I have been looking at this brand for some time especially the vintage models they are charming great video

Fantastic video TGV! By the way, I’ve seen the news about the situation in Italy concerning the virus. It’s very sad. I don’t know if you have family there but if you do I pray God keeps them safe.

I loved your review and just purchased one for myself from Yema. Also I addressed the aesthetic annoyance of the end brushed bracelet link a fixed to the polished watch case.

Amazing review thank you 🙏🙏. This helped me on my decision on purchasing .

Thought I’d herd of most watch brands, I’m always looking around to find different interesting watches and have never come across Yema, love the look of the Chronograph would be great to see a review of one of those. I’m in the market for my first Crono and want something original. Thanks for another great review.

Beautiful piece. And there it is again, this familiar itch :D By the way, looking at the Poljot Strela on my wrist, I really think, it would be worth a closer review. Original, functional, historically significant and an absolute bargain ;)