Hands-On With Newest Additions To The Yema Superman 500 GMT Lineup

I am always genuinely excited to see Yema release new variants of the Superman 500. And when it comes to the recently introduced Superman 500 GMT series, I love seeing new colors as they are such a vital part of GMT watches. With a two-colored bezel, the presence of the models can change quite drastically. After the first series of new Superman 500 GMT models late last year, Yema now introduces two new color variations with different looks. The two both offer an alternative to the initial version with a black and white bezel. The first features a white and green bezel, while the second comes with a white and red one. Does it make them the best Superman 500 GMT models yet? Time to find out.

It was only in June of last year that Daan reviewed the Yema Superman 500. The watch introduced a few welcome updates to the brand’s popular diver. It packed a new in-house movement and increased water resistance to 500 meters without losing that Superman charm. Only a couple of months later, Yema followed that up with a series of Superman 500 GMT models. The watches feature the same diver’s aesthetic but introduce the famous GMT-Master style to the Superman 500. The standout of the first batch is the version with a black and white bezel that steers away from the more Rolex-inspired colorways. Additionally, it comes with a sapphire bezel insert that lights up in the dark thanks to the Super-LumiNova.

The two new Yema Superman 500 GMT models

Today’s new models are basically variations of that black-and-white version from the first batch. As always, you have the choice of a 39mm and a 41mm case. As I explained in the review of the first series of Superman 500 GMTs, the 39mm variant is the way to go. The 41mm model, although only 2mm bigger, looks slightly out of proportion. On top of that, the 39mm version wears like an absolute charm, so without question, that would be my pick.

Both the 39mm and 41mm versions have a case that is 11.52mm thick. The 2.6mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal adds to that slightly, but it still is a rather slim watch. The 39mm model has a lug spacing of 19mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48mm. The 41mm version has a 20mm lug spacing and a lug-to-lug length of 49.5mm. On the wrist, it somehow seems a lot bigger than the 2mm difference in diameter would suggest. Both watches come with the choice of two different straps in either leather and rubber or a stainless steel bracelet. We received the watches on the bracelet. It uses the same five-row design that we find on the regular Superman 500.

The new bezel variation of the two models

As mentioned, the two new models feature bezels that are a combination of white and a different color. The first is a version in white and green that is combined with a glossy black dial. The second combines a white and burgundy bezel with a glossy black dial as well. Both come with Yema’s signature bezel lock. The lock is more of a branding element than a practical feature on a 24-hour bezel, so I understand why it’s there, but its functionality is debatable. The black dials feature printed white hour markers with a minute track around the periphery and a date window neatly integrated at 3 o’clock. The Superman 500’s typical looks are completed by Yema’s signature handset with an added GMT hand in a familiar style with a red tip.

The hour markers, hands, and 24-hour scale on the bezel are coated and filled with Super-LumiNova for readability in darker conditions. As with the black and white version, on the lower half of the 24-hour scale, the white color lights up in the dark instead of the numerals. The lume action is quite spectacular and gives the watches a practical feature that also works perfectly as a party trick of sorts. Once on the wrist in the dark, the lume really lights up brightly, and it’s quite mesmerizing.

Wearing the Yema Superman 500 GMT

While we are on the subject of the wrist experience, let’s quickly address the bracelets. I explained in the review of the earlier models that I much prefer the brand’s H-link bracelet over this current version. First off, it’s a design preference, but to each their own. In reaction to the previous article, some of you preferred this bracelet. I went into this review with an open mind to see whether the bracelets could potentially win me over.

I stand by my design preference. The H-link bracelet just looks more refined and feels less edgy and sharp in its design details. But as I said last time, these bracelets also wear like a charm. The 39mm watches have a slim overall profile, so the bracelet perfectly balances the watch out on the wrist while providing plenty of comfort. Both Daan (in his review of the regular Superman 500) and I discussed the bracelet’s quality.

The Yema Superman FAF Search And Rescue Limited Edition with the H-link bracelet

I won’t repeat the entire story today, but the quality, especially of the clasp, is debatable. And I still think the clasp is a bit of a design break from the bracelet. But as I said, it’s hard to fault these bracelets on how comfortable they are. If it were up to me, though, I would swap this one with the H-link bracelet that Yema used for the stylish Superman FAF Search And Rescue Limited Edition.

A proprietary movement inside

Yema equips the new Superman 500 GMT models with the in-house-developed caliber YEMA3000. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, has 29 jewels, and provides a 42-hour power reserve. Compared to the time-and-date caliber YEMA2000, the YEMA3000 adds the GMT functionality as a 24-hour hand that can be adjusted independently. It makes the Superman 500 GMT an office/caller GMT rather than a true/traveler’s GMT. The movement offers an accuracy between -10 and +10 seconds a day, which is very decent at this price point.

As always, from a practical point of view, the question of whether you need a traveler’s GMT is justified. Every time the discussion pops up, it ends up with mixed opinions on the subject. The fact remains that some brands in the same price range offer traveler’s GMTs that provide a practical advantage for people who travel quite a lot. I feel that I’d be happy to wear a caller GMT if it beats a traveler’s GMT in looks. In an ideal world, though, I would like to have both.

Final thoughts on the new Yema Superman 500 GMT models

So do the new Yema Superman 500 GMTs offer those killer looks that make me want to buy one? I have to say that I prefer these two versions over the first version in black and white. In particular, the burgundy and white bezel adds a lot of charm, which makes it my favorite out of all the Superman 500 GMT models. It’s the kind of vintage charm that I want from this style of GMT. The bezel color matches the red text on the dial nicely, and overall, it’s a great hue. The green is crisp and will definitely be a favorite for some people. I have to compliment Yema on the shades of both colors.

As I said, these two watches wear very well on the wrist. They are very comfortable, and with their unmistakable charm, they are a good package. Does it make them a must-buy? With the great competition out there, it’s tough to make that statement. Both watches are available now for €1,399 on the stainless steel bracelet. If you prefer the leather strap, each version will cost €1,259. Lastly, on the rubber strap, the watches come in at €1,429. Those are competitive prices for these stylish additions to Yema’s Superman 500 GMT collection. My preferred option? I would pick the burgundy model on a leather strap and buy the Superman Heritage Blue 19mm bracelet that the brand offers separately. That will make for a pretty stellar-looking timepiece that wears like a dream, and for me, there aren’t that many watches that offer that.

For more information, visit the official Yema website, and let us know what you think of these two new additions in the comments.