Yema Launch Superman Bronze CMM.10 Limited Edition with Brand New Manufacture Movement

There is a lot to talk about with the new Yema Superman Bronze CMM.10 Limited Edition. For one, it houses a brand new manufacture movement, for another it’s a new 3-hand Superman (one of their coolest models) and lastly, it’s their last ever Kickstarter project. So let’s not waste any more time and get to it.

First, let’s start with the movement because really that’s the big news here. It’s called the CMM.10, which stands for Calibre Manufacture Morteau 10. Morteau being the French town where Yema has its workshop and where the movement is produced. It’s an automatic calibre with 70-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph frequency and -3/+5 seconds per day accuracy, which are some seriously respectable specs.

Plus, it’s equipped with an Incabloc double cone shock resistance system so that it can withstand bumps and bashes and it has the Nivaflex spring for improved resistance to magnetic fields. Tough stuff. On top of this, you can view the new movement through the watch’s sapphire exhibition caseback, allowing you to see its dark grey galvanised finishing. The creation of the CMM.10 took three years of development, the vast majority of which was crowdfunded, which just makes it all the more impressive.

As for the first watch it’s being housed in, it’s a new edition of the Superman Bronze. Which is fitting because the original Superman Bronze was one of the first watches that Yema produced using Kickstarter (subsequently released in bi-colour and GMT versions) and this is going to be the last. Why is that? Well, Yema have now achieved their goal of structuring themselves as a manufacture brand, bringing the means of production and development in-house. In short, they’ve grown to a point where crowdfunding is no longer part of their business plans.

The watch itself is available at two sizes, 39mm and 41mm, with 300m water resistance, and is made from bronze. A popular material for dive watches due to its historical connections to nautical equipment and the fact that it develops a unique patina over time like a sunken shipwreck. Carrying on the nautical theme, the Superman Bronze CMM is fitted with the new double-domed sapphire crystal that adds a neo-vintage vibe, as does the unidirectional rotating dive timer bezel.

Looking at the dial, there are two options here as well. The first is a black lacquer edition and the second features a blue fumé gradient. The style of the display has also been refined since the previous Superman Bronze, as it now has a lollipop seconds hand and the inscription “Manufacture Française” has been added at the very bottom of the dial. I like the way that the beige coloured lume on the hour markers and hands blends in with the bronze, although in the darkness it shines with a blue light.

Each edition of the watch is limited to 1,948 pieces in tribute to the year that Yema was founded. It’s really interesting to see how Yema’s production and business strategies have developed over the decades with the Superman Bronze CMM.10 really signalling that they’re about to step into a new era. At the same time, it’s a gorgeous dive watch with a fairly understated neo-vintage design and a brand new movement.

During its Kickstarter campaign, which begins on November 10th, it will be priced at €999 following which the retail price will be €1,790 (approx. £870/£1,560). For a movement with these specs, that value is pretty insane.

More details at Yema.

​Oracle Time 

Read More