In the early 1970s, YEMA began equipping the French Air force with a dive watch. This might seem a bit pessimistic on behalf of the nation’s flyboys, but the watches were intended for a specialized group within the Search and Rescue branch: the Aviation Rescue Swimmers. The watch in question was YEMA’s historic Superman, reference 24.11.17. This marked the beginning of a decades-long collaboration.

The latest watch in this relationship with the Air & Space Army is the YEMA Superman FAF Search and Rescue Limited Edition—a contemporary reissue of that first timepiece. Only 1000 examples will be produced, and it will be available this September. The pre-order began on July 14^th (Bastille Day).

The Aviation Swimmers are known colloquially as the “Splash Squad,” and their primary job is to rescue Air Force pilots downed at sea. They travel to crash sites via Caracal and Puma helicopters and often work in hostile conditions where direct marine rescue is not possible. Today, the squad numbers approximately 50 airmen who are stationed in the four corners of the globe.

A tough job requires a tough watch, and the Superman FAF is certainly that. The prototype featured here is 316L stainless steel and measures 39mm in diameter (though a 41mm version is also available), 48mm lug to lug, and has a 19mm lug width. It is 13mm thick, as well, due in part to its double-domed sapphire crystal which alone measures 2.6mm in breadth.

The screw-down crown and caseback are uniquely emblazoned with France’s Air & Space Logo and will come engraved with a unique number between 1 and 1000. The watch also has YEMA’s ubiquitous bezel-lock system and is rated to 300m of water resistance.

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Unlike most watches in the Superman line, the FAF is primarily polished, but with its drilled lugs and dive bezel, make no mistake, it is every inch a tool watch.

Other than case finish, the FAF differentiates itself from other models in the Superman line through its dial. Excepting the text—which is now printed in French—and a small change in logo, the FAF reissue is a faithful interpretation of the 24.11.17, right down to its unique u-shaped hour markers. Even the black bezel insert and matte white printing have been covered with a sapphire glass to emulate the glossy bakelite bezel of the original model. The indices, along with the archetypal handset and shovel-shaped seconds, have been treated with BGW9 Swiss Super-LumiNova for a strong and constant glow in the dark, or in the depths.

Interestingly, YEMA has opted for the Sellita SW200-1 this time around—rather than its in-house YEMA2000. The Sellita, of course, is a workhorse in its own right, vibrating at 4Hz with a power reserve of 38 hours. The benefit, I suppose, is that of easy servicing almost anywhere in the world.

For a bracelet, YEMA has opted for its standard H-Link with a modified, polished centre link. It comes with a signed and milled clam-shell clasp, diver’s extension, and four increments of micro-adjust.  As an option, the watch is also available on an FKM Rubber Viton band, or a custom blue NATO strap.

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Specs

Case		316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 13mm Thick 19mm Lug Width 300m Water Resistance Signed (/w Air Force Insignia), Screwed-Down Crown 120-click Uni-directional Bezel w/ Locking Mechanism Embossed Caseback
Crystal & Dial		Double-domed Sapphire Matte Blue Dial Original U-Shaped Markers BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Movement		Sellita SW200-1 26 Jewels 28 800bph Date at 3 o’clock 38-Hour Power Reserve
Strap		316L Steel Bracelet /w Signed Clasp and Diver’s Extension Options: FKM Viton Band/NATO Strap

^{YEMA Superman FAF Search and Rescue}

Of Interest

Since 1948 YEMA has built tool watches destined for numerous endeavours, including the fields of motorsport, aviation, and sailing. Its workshops are just a stone’s throw from Switzerland’s La Chaux-de-Fonds region, nestled in the town of Morteau in France’s Jura Mountains. Today, YEMA is managed by a third-generation watchmaker’s family.

However, it has been an Official Partner of the French Air & Space Force since the 70s. In an effort to commemorate this part of its heritage—and to honour the veterans of the French forces—12.5% of all sales from the Superman FAF Search and Rescue will be donated to the French Veterans Foundation (FOSA).

Quibbles

Buyers with small wrists (less than 7 inches) should be aware that despite the use of female endlinks, the drape of the FAF bracelet artificially extends the actual lug to lug measurement. While the visual continuity is attractive, the issue could be resolved by using a bracelet that fits within the 19mm lugs. In addition, the clasp–albeit milled with a diver’s extension–is relatively simple.

Final Thoughts

I find the Superman case–with its relatively slim profile and aerodynamic shape–to be one of the most attractive diver silhouettes on the market. The bezel lock system is functional, but also visually appealing. The mix of brushing on the bracelet, next to the polished case, somehow works here. And though the clasp is not my favourite, it does have the practical inclusion of a diver’s extension–something that many dive watches do not, rendering them ultimately useless for diving.

But the real star of the show is the dial and bezel combination. The matte blue used on the Superman FAF is unusual but so perfect next to the shimmering black of the sapphire-capped bezel. The unique applied indices are also a highlight, and the BGW9 positively glows. With a tried and true movement, 300m of water resistance, and a stunning domed crystal, it is hard to ignore the lure of the Superman FAF Search and Rescue. When you consider the history, the fact that it is a limited edition, and that a significant portion of the proceeds support a worthy cause, the FAF becomes almost irresistible.

The YEMA Superman FAF Search and Rescue is available for pre-order now from $1149USD-$1249USD. For more information, visit the brand website.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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