I've followed a lot of watch TH-camrs. They're also like fried chicken sandwiches: always going for the safe choices and some specifically shovelling out bog-tier """content""" just to get views. This is the only watch channel where I can click on a video related to a brand I don't care about and get an interesting lesson on the business case of fast food or how private equity works. Safe choices tend to kinda suck tbh and you can't even differentiate outside the personality of the hosts, or minor variations of the chicken. Here the personality of the host keeps the actual material fresh, and it means you don't always get a chicken sandwich but you do get an amazing meal.
If people are in the mood for a fried chicken sandwich, they don't want haute cuisine, they don't want molecular gastronomy or overly fancy plating. They want comfort food. Something familiar, nourishing and satisfying. Although I gotta admit, that micro rotor movement is one fancy pickle.
Seiko puts everything into chicken crunch and sells more watches. I love this Yema, but they invested into something that I don't care which makes the watch too expensive. Great video and analogy.
Oris to me is that brand. With their 120h inhouse calibre, the upcycled dials, the bronze candy models, their integrated bracelet diver, kermit and the laser propilot, which also come with interesting bracelet and clasp, fully in titanium all by an independent Swiss house
totally agree here except when it comes to the bracelet. oris are fantastic and when you look at their watches, they do not follow the standard “Let’s make it look like Rolex” the big Crown pointer date stands out with its unique dial, the aquis is fantastic with that 400 movement.
Oris prices have gone crazy though. For me, Formex has taken their place in that $1200-$2K sweet spot. Interesting watches with functional innovations. Their ratcheting clasp on leather and rubber is amazing.
I really like the fried chicken sandwich concept, although my priorities might be slightly different: For me the bun is the movement as I consider it to be the second most important thing after the chicken (the case). If ETA/Selitta are really solid, classic brioches, Miyota being the harmless saseme burger bun, then Seiko goes from the equivalent of a moldy toast (6R) to a organic whole wheat bun that is stale (6L/8L). This Yema MMC on the other hand is almost like a garlic butter naan. It is absolutely brilliant, just not what I expect to be paired with fried chicken.
Love the CMM.20 movement. It really helps makes the watch case much thinner and far more versatile. Too many modern dive watches are akin to wearing a hockey puck on your wrist. Bravo Yema for offering an in-house micro-rotor at an affordable cost. Now just tweak the details (dial, clasp, bezel lock) a bit and you will have customers knocking down your door!
That's the thing - you are likely in the minority, but personally I appreciate that they took the time to do their own thing and not just slap in the safe sellita 😃
Another key factor to keep in mind is that most of these "Chicken Sandwiches" all come from the same "oven". Hundreds of these microbrands are merely designers and they have companies like Roventa or Xantia make the actual watches. Most of these micro brands are watch designers, not watch makers.
There is definitely a directional truth to that - Check out some of my other videos (ie the Christopher Ward video). I talk about how sourcing skill in some ways is more important than actual watchmaking skill 😀
While searching for a vintage bracelet for a 1969 Accutron, I saw one similar in design to this "scale" bracelet. They called it a "coffin link" design, and it was usually sold with the Accutron Astronaut model, which is quite pricey.
Beyond the bracelet design and the micro rotor, there is nothing that jumps out at me to buy the Yema dive watch. You used the chicken sandwich analogy, but in my opinion, the Yema diver is a plain white tee shirt. Most dive watch buyers stay on land or go into a swimming pool, and barely ever go below the surface. In essence, the watch is a "plain Jane" design, and does nothing that speaks to me. My feedback to Yema is either drop the price, or make the dial eye catching (using your suggestions), and at the same time, make the bracelet with a micro extension.
What people (including the reviewer) fail to understand is that the Yema Superman is an historic dive watch. It dates from 1967 (including the general shape of the case, the dial, the bezel lock, the scale bracelet). It was the first bracelet watch to be water reistsant to 300m (except maybe some very low volume prototypes). It looks the way it looks since almost 60 years. It's not some micro brand copy of other successful divewatches. And definitely not a plain white t-shirt or a chicken sandwich (damn that was an analogy that made zero sense if you know a little bit of the history of the brand and model).
The first time I saw the Superman online, I was thinking nice to see someone bring back the unique coffin link bracelet design from the old school Seiko Bellmatic.
I've owned three Yema's, a Flygraf, a Speedgraf and now a Superman Heritage. It's got a delightful 1970s bracelet that is jangly, but also different than the rest. The case is different. I like Yema's because of that character. A certain Frenchness, like a Laguiole knife, or a Renault 5 electric car. :) That said, this micro rotor version is a beauty. I prefer my bracelet on the heritage, but the naked dial with the guard, bezel and micro rotor movement are super cool. It's got character. But you forget to talk about one aspect that makes these superman dive watches very Yema. Their boxed crystals. They are the sauce that gives the whole sandwich more, much more flavour. Love their sapphires. One other brand that does things like this is Serica. Serice is another French brand, and I also own their 5303 white dive watch with the very quirky milainaise, replete with P01-alike end links on it. These people also do the different thing, and I applaud them for it.
Such an in-depth Fried Chicken Sandwich analysis! 👏 We need more brands like Yema and CWard, that brings their own twists to the game as opposed to the same old/safe designs.
@@TheSlowoldman Funny, they look alike each other the most out of their category. Interesting options, either way. Those particular designs aren't for me but I will appreciate your taste and knowledge.
Given the plethora of alternatives, this chicken sandwich just doesn't look interesting or unique enough to warrant the price-tag. I don't really care that it has an in-house caliber. At the end of the day, this is more of a "soft" factor anyway - it won't be more accurate or reliable than a Top- or COSC-grade Sellita and it won't even give you added bragging-rights like a coax-Omega or any Rolex movement would. What I do care about in this sort of watch is the overall look of the thing: case-shape, thickness (or lack thereof) and certainly dial construction/design, handset, lume and bezel-insert. In short: Does it "speak" to me or not? And this one simply doesn't. The dial especially looks too bland and uninteresting to my eye. Plus I think one also shouldn't underestimate the bracelet/clasp and what a more elaborate solution with on-the-fly adjustment means for day-to-day wear. I do find myself gravitating more and more towards the two sports-watches that I own that have a quick-adjustment clasp.
Mike, you are a gem to us collectors. Even keel, unbiased, sharp eye for what makes a watch a "good or bad" value from an engineering perspective. I want to make a suggestion for a future video. I have been researching aventurine dials from different manufacturers. I cannot make up my mind given the wide variety of prices, and I cannot differentiate what models offer the value. I could even send you my list if you believe this topic is interesting to you. Your unique perspective in going under the surface to evaluate the value of a model is unique on TH-cam, and probably will influence which aventurine dial watch I would buy. Of course I respect this is your channel. If you are interested and want my list to jump start your own research, let me know your email address.
Great content and you should request more watches for hands-on reviews. I appreciate your business perspective and would like to see that some analysis of actual watches in your hands.
Thanks - I will be reaching out to some more brands. My goal isn't to turn into a pure watch review channel but I do like the variety in going down the rabbit hole of one single watch 😃😃
hello watch hero, got once this yema,sold it 4 months later: why? the locking item of the bezel is not only poorly designed but also a killer for wool sweaters ( so mostly a problem in autumn and winter ) but still have killed some of the my wool , i swear with cashmir not a funny thing 😅… the locking item itself is annoying laborious and sometimes not easy to adjust correctly… but other than that, this company has a good in-house movement but for me they are riding the french military and marine horse a bit too much… and for 2,5 K i would rather go for a a vertex M100 (even with only 42 h power reserveI ) or a Farer discovery black velvet 36 mm , or a Furlan Marri white sector ref 2161-a for half the price… surely the diameter of the previous watches are slightly smaller, but delivers in my opinion far more style and value…🍀
Nice review and good perspective on watches. I wonder about the origin of this in house micro rotor movement, might have a bit of influence from a well known Chinese movement, the HZ5000?
I like the aesthetic of the yema But Would I spend my money on this - probably not The movement is cool - but I’d want tried and tested, so maybe In 5 years once there is data on their products reliability
I love the Yema. I completely agree with you about the bracelet. The dial when compared to my new Squale 1545 is not as interesting,with the Squale at USD 880. I agree with you that the bracelet is the star of the show and that the dial therefore needs to be more restrained. Thank you for your content, it’s always thought provoking. I always look forward to your postings. Thanks again, cheers.
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 thanks, but I’ll remind you that Squale made the cases for Blancpain and other Swiss companies in the 1950s and 60s. Enjoy your day.
part of the reason I got the Sinn u50 was for this reason. I didn't want to buy a nice diver that looked like every $100 diver on the market. I wanted the function of a dive watch but with an identity it's own. i think this is one of the reasons I gravitate away from Swiss brands as it seems like most brands imitate certain swiss design. I also think it's amazing more brands don't imitate German designs. One interesting note is I feel like we don't see this diversity at the very high end which is the opposite of food. You go to a high end restaurant and it's largely about unique textures and it's all about providing dishes that aren't standard.
Big video with good and funny content. The fried chicken comparison killed me every time 😂. Always when I see your videos get uploaded I watch immediately, my most favorite watch TH-camr.
I'm just glad to see someone reviewing Yema, I love their Marine Nationale, also the Superman. It's not sitting i hide though. I love a good standard chicken sandwich
This video is approved by the American Poultry Association and the National Chicken Council 😎! Great vid as always Mike. I applaud Yema for taking some bold design choices but I believe the dial is a bit too plain for the price. I’m a sucker for a beautiful dial!
Great video, and I love the analogy. Pickles can make or break a chicken sandwich in my opinion, but then again I am a movement fan. You know how I can prove that, I am contemplating buying a Roger Dubuis Easy Diver Chrono, it is comically oversized by today's standards but I LOVE the movement, a Geneva hallmarked Lemania (basis for the Omega 321) the movement that went to the moon. So I guess I'll put up with a huge bun to appreciate the pickles, to be fair the chicken (dial) isn't bad either on the RD. With regard to the Yema, I do find it to be a reasonably attractive watch and I like the uniqueness of the bracelet, the bezel lock could be a bit better if it wasn't so floppy with the crown unscrewed. Overall at that price point it would be hard to bet against Longines for me.
Absolutely on the ball with the bracelet and dial. Make that dial a banger, like a porcelain or lacquer and, even with the simple lume plots, people will be lining up to buy this even ignoring the sub par clasp. The bracelet is absolutely gorgeous and that movement is sooo cool. Like some have also mentioned before, Oris is the independent brand that always seems to have their own quirky design choices and risky in-house movement manufacturing that sets them apart but you always wonder if it actually brings them any advantages sales wise. Were I more affluent and those 2 would definitely get plenty of my love ($). Great video again.
Great review, left me hungry for more, or maybe just hungry. I wasn't particularly aware of Yema as a brand, and that is where I struggle with watches at this price point. It may be lovely and well built, but could easily be Ali express for all I know. If I want a cheap beater watch, Seiko or Citizen. If I want a posh watch, Rolex, Omega, Cartier or even Longines. I'm slightly over simplifying, but big brands with big brand awareness, or high availability( like citizen) are likely to win out. This falls into the...its not cheap, but then it's expensive for an unknown.…Without googling, I can tell you nothing about Yema. And I know the calibre inside my watch.
They are a relatively small brand, so there is a lot of trust that has to be put in your first purchase. IT's not like Rolex - You know what you're getting 😃
I’ve just get your channel and wowwwww !!!! Sir you have been enlightened as I’m starting to be ! Have start saw the Squale video because TGV and tcharam there you go I’m seeing myself at the mirror bought chunk of watch like that 1521 Squale yes it’s beautiful dial bla bla I’ve wear it on summer and put it on the box them went for Tudor BB 58 Burgundy amazing at least that I’ve bought pre-owned in meant condition, them Seikos aiaiaiai I’ve a Limited Edition in grey I think only wear it 2/3 times hard see the minutes I’ve a watch to know what’s correct time yes it’s a great watch nice discount but it’s sitting as well on the … Box ! Now the hype of Tudor’s find myself buying a Diet Pepsi plus a Pelagos plus a Pro and now I’ve got a dilemma as these 3 were all bought brand new plus I’m looking at the chrono S&G ! 8200€ 😳 have Longines Chrono Hydroconquest amazing watch but heavy as hell know if I’ll put it 4 sale I bet 1500€ maximum not sale it the other it’s an Hanhart Pioneer Mark II great price as it was 2100€ paid 1250€ ! Plus few Divers by Seiko etc and voilá my money 💰 should be safer if I’ve Be more smart but as I live in Portugal not many brands but need to sale them at least a few ones ! By the way got 3 Sinn plus another one I’ve give it to my nephew and when you start seeing your obsession it’s a deceased! Never bought a Yeama as at time they have lots of complications customers issues etc or else I’ve bought the Superman as well these Watch Channels are brain washers and we as “stupid” go for the bla bla bla … anyway now my first move it’s selling few wait and by a nice chrono and maybe Rolex end of story ( forgot about Casios G Shocks 😊) All the best man ! Have a great Easter 🐣!
there has to be off the shelf scale bracelets offered by overseas manufacturers…. i’m wearing a Phoibos that has it w/ an on the fly microadjust clasp. maybe the other brands just don’t want to pay the cost? it’s not as flexible as an oyster bracelet.
All this talk about chicken sandwiches has me salivating for a Nashville Hot fried chicken sandwich. I gotta fight the urge, however, for my weight loss journey. Damn you, sir.
Thank you, regardless of this particular watch, ( best part for me was actually the bracelet) this was a really informative discussion...........it also making me question by position on fried chicken sandwiches 😅
Regarding the movement. It is far from ideal to not be able to have it repaired locally. I live in Vancouver and would have to ship it to France for repair? Although to be fair if I have a watch with a Powermatic 80 that needs repair chances are I need to ship it to Swatch in Toronto. What's the difference, ultimately? That being said, this makes me appreciate my Miyota 9015 movement that can be repaired locally. Oh and as an aside, the accuracy of this Miyota movement is surprising.
Baltic does budget distinctive divers far better. CE and Yema divers are yawn (aside from that yema movement And the 11mm slimness👌👌👌). The problem with this watch is that great designs are consistent.This seems patchy with modern look high end movement, classic low end dial and distinctive bracelet on a undistinctive overall design. Even thr braclet is half expecuted with an innovative bracelet let down by a generic clasp. In fact skimping on clasps is a hallmark of immature designers, who should understand that focussing on the primary customer interaction points is crucuial...clasp interaction being one of them.
For me personally, the watch falls apart for me at the bezel lock and clasp. The bezel lock is a gimmick and the clasp is far too cheap and flimsy. $2500 price range is too competitive to have glaring drawbacks or cut corners.
Love the analogy! Can't wait for the 'steak baguette ' segment...Next disruptor in the market? Customisation! Satory-Billard, Pinchbeck, Garrick etc will all offer you a custom watch for the price of a mid range Omega. Hmmm...
I have big wrists… It took a lot of watch buying to figure out I’m in love with the lugs of a watch. Skin divers are my favourite. Particularly the new purchase of the longine skin driver. The deal made it worth every penny. My favourite fried chicken sandwich.
As with all chicken sandwiches it’s all about personal taste. I do love what they are proposing and will look to see one in person as I’m a big chicken sandwich customer. Good luck to Yema and thanks for the excellent video.
Between your fried chicken sandwich analysis, your previous burger/tool watch analogy, your occasional (but regular) asides on the semiconductor industry, and your focus on economics and manufacturing, I can't help but think the TH-cam algorithm has once again found a weird Venn diagram of your disparate interests and my own. I can't believe it took me this long to realize this, but I would not be surprised at all if the algorithm is looking not just at your content, but your own personal subscribed channels.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch The algorithm really is scarily effective sometimes, and yet I'm always surprised when a channel I watch makes a reference to a completely different, unrelated channel that I also watch. For the life of me, I don't see the confluence between cooking, watches, and semiconductors, and yet here we are. I'd bet a fried chicken sandwich that you if you don't subscribe to Asianometry, it regularly pops up on your feed. I'm less sure about which food & cooking channels you watch (since they tend to be more region & language based), but I'm going take a wild guess that the ones you do watch spend a lot of time on food science, and probably also on history.
I consider this to be a brand building piece… Micro rotor is interesting feature to stand a part a bit as inhouse seems to be a bit boring nowdays (and yes, many people are over this… and understand the point of realiability and service costs). Do I really need Microrotor in classic diver? Not at all… however Yema now is not company with “strange inhouse movement with zero benefits”, its one of few to offer budget micro rotor. PS: the claps looks… very basic.
Sorry. No video on that this year. Too many "we want a white dial explorer" predictions out there already 😃😃 I would love a smaller, thinner GMT from Tudor. And a coke GMT from Rolex.
I actually bought a Yema prior to watching your review. I agree completely. The bracelet and bezel lock (as impractical as it may be) were actual selling points for me. It is definitely a fine, solid watch with those uniquely French accents.
I still cannot fathom how a modern dive watch where one needs to unscrew the crown to operate the bezel could still be sold now. Unless YEMA specifically targets desk divers wearing timepieces that will never ever get close to water ?
I have a 3 year old $1,100 Yema Superman Blue that goes in saltwater 3-4 a week. Zero issues. I rarely use the bezel on any of my five dive watches ranging from $800 to about $9,000. The Yema has an SW200 movement for reference and it works very well. Yema gets hammered a lot. It appears when the brand makes mistakes they take longer than most to acknowledge and correct them, hence the “poor customer service problems” comments. I have not had any meaningful issues in my experience. I am about to buy another Yema. Am I taking a chance? Maybe, but I don’t might supporting a Company that doesn’t conform to the collective design language of an industry.
Bought the classic superman reissue. Can’t stand the bezel lock. Awful design. Have to unlock the screw down crown to adjust. Sharp edges catch on shirt and risk scratching anything makes contact with. My version had the sw 200 which is fine. Going to look into having the bezel lock permanently removed.
I have the same watch and zero issues with the bezel lock. I happen to think it's one of the key Yema features that lets non watch people know it's not a Rolex. Slimmer case and sharper defined edge on the crystal make it very 70s French design that appeals to me. I have several more expensive watches. Rolex and Tudor including a very beefy Black Bay Chrono reverse panda that weighs 2x the Superman. I love both, but if I had to wear only one watch for months at a time the Yema is my favorite design of all.
Thanks for your vid, Mike! I think the watch is not bad but the bezel lock would get on my nerves for sure. I think Squale could be a brand that is similar in having also some rather unconventional design choices.
I respect the opinion. Imo, thr subtle changes are what I prefer. I like to look at it like a spectrum. On the one end you have rolex, who make iconic, top quality stuff but stuff thats been homaged or just completely ripped off for decades. To the average wearer, nothing on it stands out other than the logo. On the other hand you got awful, gaudy over sized invicta monstrosities. I like yema superman, that bracelet is one of a kind (for bow), it relatively flat on the wrist, and is but substle and attarctive
I am thrilled by the analysis but segmentation and differentiation are key to marketing. There are consumers who are serious about pickles and buns. Don’t know how many.
I paid less than 1k for the Mido Ocean Star 200, I know is an ETA movement with Nivacron instead of silicio. I think is a good value and I like it. I don't think I would pay 2 k for the Yema.
It’s a nice watch and definitely nicer than a fried chicken sandwich (but I get what you mean). Appreciate the effort they put into making the movement slim. I like how they’ve made the dial attractive without being gaudy.
Hi Thx for the video. I recently get interested in watches si my knowledge is beginner level. I have watch a video with Olivier Maury which is the creator of Yema's microrotor. He is very enthousastic about the new investments of the owner of Yema and he is thrilled with the new project. Definitly a step forward in manufacturing in housse caliber but to me they still stay really classic in their design (too classic maybe ?)
Your analysis and perspective are once again eye opening and thought provoking. I've owned a Yema Superman GMT a while back. Very cool watch. Feel about the same with this watch you have here. Perhaps coincidental, but, I feel brands like Serica, Triton, ZRC have their unusual fried chicken sandwiches and they all happen to be French brands, like Yema. Are they making their own waves and not riding on the same ones? I think so. Next time, we want to see you eat that fried chicken sandwich while schooling us in another watch presentation. Seriously... I need a sandwich from Starbird or a McChicken from McD's this weekend. Seed planted in my brain, thanks.
I like this watch. Mainly for that awesome exhibition case back veiw of the pickle. Q1, so - so. Q2, what am I? Clairvoyant ;) I have stopped buying divers in my "nice" watches. I'm not bored of them. I like the occasional affordable diver. But for bigger spends, I'd much rather wear interesting everyday or sports watches.
Yema is an interesting brand: French, doing as much as possible in-house, sourcing the rest from a limited geographic perimeter, looking for variations around their vintage/traditional/brand specific patterns which may, or may not appeal to you, but are distinctive. And besides their micro-rotor, they launched a complete range of in-house movements (3 movements in total, including a tourbillon with a unique tidal indicator complication) designed by one of the most promising young watchmakers in France and Switzerland: Olivier Mory. Definitely a bold move and a rarity, even I am not exactly fond of their design language in general.
I've hoped, ever since Emmanuel Dietrich's DD-1, that his creativity and risk-taking would be rewarded. It seems that over time, the very issues Mike brings up in this video have escorted Dietrich's offerings from open water back to the safety of the harbor. It's unfortunate. In addition to his avant-garde dials and concepts, Dietrich's TC-1, for example, has a unique, high-quality bracelet that echoes the the shape of the watch case. Since that model's release, subsequent offerings have been very cost-conscious and (from my subjective viewpoint) vanilla on both design and manufacture. Here's hoping there will be another push forward!
I’m puzzled that the clasp is so low-rent given the trouble Yema went to with the bracelet, the high SRP, and that easy-adjust clasps from China are inexpensive - a Chicken Royale in a sourdough bun that’s just a bit too hard? Perhaps the problem is that there are just too many fried chicken sandwiches out there. Who needs ANOTHER (rather expensive) fried chicken sandwich? 🤔 Tuseno dials are a bit different in an interesting way that looks thoroughly considered…imho…
Everyone values different things. I would prefer something with more brand heritage like Seiko, Longines, Sinn, Doxa, or Citizen. But i see the appeal of this Yema.
Brand heritage? Well, what the reviewer seemingly failed the understand is that Yema and the Superman DO have heritage. The Superman (with this general case shape, this dial, the bezel lock and the scale bracelet) came out in 1967. It was the first 300m water resistant wrist watch. It IS an historic divewatch model. Of course the brand died and was reivved a couple of times but still, you can't say it's not a name without heritage. A chicken sandwich... what a nonesense.
This Yema - likes: dial, case design & size, bracelet, hands, drilled lugs; not keen: just lume plots? , the movement - do I have to send it back to Yema for service? I've read mixed reviews about Yema ( re: customer service). C.W. give the impression ( & probably attract investment), they might push the envelope, or make more niche products, if not new lines. I'm not sure about any larger or smaller companies affordably taking a punt unless connected to smart watches(?).
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
I've followed a lot of watch TH-camrs. They're also like fried chicken sandwiches: always going for the safe choices and some specifically shovelling out bog-tier """content""" just to get views. This is the only watch channel where I can click on a video related to a brand I don't care about and get an interesting lesson on the business case of fast food or how private equity works.
Safe choices tend to kinda suck tbh and you can't even differentiate outside the personality of the hosts, or minor variations of the chicken. Here the personality of the host keeps the actual material fresh, and it means you don't always get a chicken sandwich but you do get an amazing meal.
Agree on all. Took all of videos to get a sub from me. Very refreshing channel.
Glad you like my approach. I try and am just happy it resonates with people 😃
In an oversaturated watch TH-cam channel market, Mike has managed to outclass the competition. Great review
Thank you kind sir 😃
I’m hungry, I really want a fried chicken sandwich.
💯
That was apparently where my mind was when I did the video 😂
I was just thinking the same thing
Same!
It's nice to see someone designing a new bracelet. Makes a big difference in this oversaturated world of mid-priced dive watches.
Bracelet looks like a derivative of Dietrich's prior SD-1 (although not sure if this is new for Yema, or continued from prior version)
@@dsong401They had the scale bracelet in the 1960's
If people are in the mood for a fried chicken sandwich, they don't want haute cuisine, they don't want molecular gastronomy or overly fancy plating. They want comfort food. Something familiar, nourishing and satisfying. Although I gotta admit, that micro rotor movement is one fancy pickle.
Exactly. Fancy french pickle 😂
Seiko puts everything into chicken crunch and sells more watches. I love this Yema, but they invested into something that I don't care which makes the watch too expensive.
Great video and analogy.
Glad you enjoyed it 😃
Oris to me is that brand. With their 120h inhouse calibre, the upcycled dials, the bronze candy models, their integrated bracelet diver, kermit and the laser propilot, which also come with interesting bracelet and clasp, fully in titanium all by an independent Swiss house
not that everything suits my taste, but they are not sleeping, and not converging
For me personally, Oris don't miss!
totally agree here except when it comes to the bracelet. oris are fantastic and when you look at their watches, they do not follow the standard “Let’s make it look like Rolex” the big Crown pointer date stands out with its unique dial, the aquis is fantastic with that 400 movement.
Oris prices have gone crazy though. For me, Formex has taken their place in that $1200-$2K sweet spot. Interesting watches with functional innovations. Their ratcheting clasp on leather and rubber is amazing.
@@Robert-vw3odspot on with the price increases
Great progress. Hopefully more and more watch makers send you their watches for an honest review. Good content, brother. Keep em coming.
I appreciate that! 😃
I really like the fried chicken sandwich concept, although my priorities might be slightly different: For me the bun is the movement as I consider it to be the second most important thing after the chicken (the case). If ETA/Selitta are really solid, classic brioches, Miyota being the harmless saseme burger bun, then Seiko goes from the equivalent of a moldy toast (6R) to a organic whole wheat bun that is stale (6L/8L).
This Yema MMC on the other hand is almost like a garlic butter naan. It is absolutely brilliant, just not what I expect to be paired with fried chicken.
Lol 😂 This is what happens with metaphors and analogies. People take them in totally unecpected directions .😃😃
Love the CMM.20 movement. It really helps makes the watch case much thinner and far more versatile.
Too many modern dive watches are akin to wearing a hockey puck on your wrist. Bravo Yema for offering an in-house micro-rotor at an affordable cost. Now just tweak the details (dial, clasp, bezel lock) a bit and you will have customers knocking down your door!
That's the thing - you are likely in the minority, but personally I appreciate that they took the time to do their own thing and not just slap in the safe sellita 😃
Another key factor to keep in mind is that most of these "Chicken Sandwiches" all come from the same "oven". Hundreds of these microbrands are merely designers and they have companies like Roventa or Xantia make the actual watches. Most of these micro brands are watch designers, not watch makers.
There is definitely a directional truth to that - Check out some of my other videos (ie the Christopher Ward video). I talk about how sourcing skill in some ways is more important than actual watchmaking skill 😀
While searching for a vintage bracelet for a 1969 Accutron, I saw one similar in design to this "scale" bracelet. They called it a "coffin link" design, and it was usually sold with the Accutron Astronaut model, which is quite pricey.
Quickly become one of my fave channels. Your commentary is so lucid. Outstanding.
Glad you enjoy it 😊
That bracelet is beautiful, so iconic
I do think it's quite stunning 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchIt would be nice to support something a bit left field .
Customer reviews say " non "
A Yema chicken sandwich would probably take an hour to cook, be burnt on the outside and cold in the middle, and shaped like a pizza. Good luck
Beyond the bracelet design and the micro rotor, there is nothing that jumps out at me to buy the Yema dive watch. You used the chicken sandwich analogy, but in my opinion, the Yema diver is a plain white tee shirt. Most dive watch buyers stay on land or go into a swimming pool, and barely ever go below the surface. In essence, the watch is a "plain Jane" design, and does nothing that speaks to me. My feedback to Yema is either drop the price, or make the dial eye catching (using your suggestions), and at the same time, make the bracelet with a micro extension.
What people (including the reviewer) fail to understand is that the Yema Superman is an historic dive watch. It dates from 1967 (including the general shape of the case, the dial, the bezel lock, the scale bracelet). It was the first bracelet watch to be water reistsant to 300m (except maybe some very low volume prototypes). It looks the way it looks since almost 60 years. It's not some micro brand copy of other successful divewatches. And definitely not a plain white t-shirt or a chicken sandwich (damn that was an analogy that made zero sense if you know a little bit of the history of the brand and model).
@@AxLWake Thank you for the historical information. This is why I love TH-cam and learning from fellow collectors.
The first time I saw the Superman online, I was thinking nice to see someone bring back the unique coffin link bracelet design from the old school Seiko Bellmatic.
The Superman had that type of bracelet in 1967... It's not a new thing for them.
This is what differentiates your channel from all the other hacks, shills, and grifters in the watch world - you returned the watch.
My independence is important to me as it so closely links to credibility. So yes - Back it went. No if's ands or buts 😃
Homemade Panko sounds like quite the undertaking (the bread for Panko is cooked by electrical current).
I've owned three Yema's, a Flygraf, a Speedgraf and now a Superman Heritage. It's got a delightful 1970s bracelet that is jangly, but also different than the rest. The case is different. I like Yema's because of that character. A certain Frenchness, like a Laguiole knife, or a Renault 5 electric car. :)
That said, this micro rotor version is a beauty. I prefer my bracelet on the heritage, but the naked dial with the guard, bezel and micro rotor movement are super cool. It's got character. But you forget to talk about one aspect that makes these superman dive watches very Yema. Their boxed crystals. They are the sauce that gives the whole sandwich more, much more flavour. Love their sapphires.
One other brand that does things like this is Serica. Serice is another French brand, and I also own their 5303 white dive watch with the very quirky milainaise, replete with P01-alike end links on it. These people also do the different thing, and I applaud them for it.
Leave it to the french to do their own thing as always 😃
Such an in-depth Fried Chicken Sandwich analysis! 👏 We need more brands like Yema and CWard, that brings their own twists to the game as opposed to the same old/safe designs.
Crunch crunch. 😂
I would buy this watch because braslet. It's unique and beautiful. Dial is similar like San Martin SN051- G2, and this watch is amazing I have him.
No need to justify yourself how youngot this watch, your vids are always interesting.
Fair enough - just practicing transparency 😃
What about NOMOS. Also risky but original.
Agree, they are a good option 😀
H. Moser seems to trying something different in their segment. They offer relative good value and unique designs for that high-end independent sector.
I like Moser but I just can't get behind the Streamliner, I much prefer the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto.
@@TheSlowoldman Funny, they look alike each other the most out of their category. Interesting options, either way. Those particular designs aren't for me but I will appreciate your taste and knowledge.
True - but at very much a different price point 😃
Given the plethora of alternatives, this chicken sandwich just doesn't look interesting or unique enough to warrant the price-tag. I don't really care that it has an in-house caliber. At the end of the day, this is more of a "soft" factor anyway - it won't be more accurate or reliable than a Top- or COSC-grade Sellita and it won't even give you added bragging-rights like a coax-Omega or any Rolex movement would.
What I do care about in this sort of watch is the overall look of the thing: case-shape, thickness (or lack thereof) and certainly dial construction/design, handset, lume and bezel-insert. In short: Does it "speak" to me or not? And this one simply doesn't. The dial especially looks too bland and uninteresting to my eye. Plus I think one also shouldn't underestimate the bracelet/clasp and what a more elaborate solution with on-the-fly adjustment means for day-to-day wear. I do find myself gravitating more and more towards the two sports-watches that I own that have a quick-adjustment clasp.
Mike, you are a gem to us collectors. Even keel, unbiased, sharp eye for what makes a watch a "good or bad" value from an engineering perspective. I want to make a suggestion for a future video. I have been researching aventurine dials from different manufacturers. I cannot make up my mind given the wide variety of prices, and I cannot differentiate what models offer the value. I could even send you my list if you believe this topic is interesting to you. Your unique perspective in going under the surface to evaluate the value of a model is unique on TH-cam, and probably will influence which aventurine dial watch I would buy. Of course I respect this is your channel. If you are interested and want my list to jump start your own research, let me know your email address.
The only watch EVER with a stupid “CE” engraving on the case back. Like found on electrical equipment. Ruins everything!
Great content and you should request more watches for hands-on reviews. I appreciate your business perspective and would like to see that some analysis of actual watches in your hands.
Thanks - I will be reaching out to some more brands. My goal isn't to turn into a pure watch review channel but I do like the variety in going down the rabbit hole of one single watch 😃😃
Can we do some watches that are not well known such as the atelier wen and kurono Tokyo watches pls?@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch
wtf im starving now headed to wendys
I was searching for a video on Chicken sandwiches 🥪 and this video came up 🤷♂️.
🤦♂️😂
Keep making these comparison with food...we love it 😂 👌
Next up: Onion soup 😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch 😂😂😂
hello watch hero, got once this yema,sold it 4 months later: why? the locking item of the bezel is not only poorly designed but also a killer for wool sweaters ( so mostly a problem in autumn and winter ) but still have killed some of the my wool , i swear with cashmir not a funny thing 😅… the locking item itself is annoying laborious and sometimes not easy to adjust correctly… but other than that, this company has a good in-house movement but for me they are riding the french military and marine horse a bit too much… and for 2,5 K i would rather go for a a vertex M100 (even with only 42 h power reserveI ) or a Farer discovery black velvet 36 mm , or a Furlan Marri white sector ref 2161-a for half the price… surely the diameter of the previous watches are slightly smaller, but delivers in my opinion far more style and value…🍀
Never considered the bezel lock and wool sweaters but intuitively I can see it happening 😃 Thanks for contributing 😃
Believe me it will… so summer watch only 😊
So chronographs are the beef right? Beef is healthier. 🙂
That or tofu 😂
Honestly this video lost me, normally it’s really good quality. But the constant metaphors weren’t really catching me.
Nice review and good perspective on watches. I wonder about the origin of this in house micro rotor movement, might have a bit of influence from a well known Chinese movement, the HZ5000?
Say what you will about the pros and cons of the movement… I think it looks fantastic
Agree 😃
I like the aesthetic of the yema
But
Would I spend my money on this - probably not
The movement is cool - but I’d want tried and tested, so maybe In 5 years once there is data on their products reliability
I love the Yema. I completely agree with you about the bracelet. The dial when compared to my new Squale 1545 is not as interesting,with the Squale at USD 880. I agree with you that the bracelet is the star of the show and that the dial therefore needs to be more restrained. Thank you for your content, it’s always thought provoking. I always look forward to your postings. Thanks again, cheers.
And thanks to you as well 😃
Your Squale is an homage of a sub. Just like a million other homages. It is therefore not unique or interesting.
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 Thank very much for the cheerful remark
@@SCcuban enjoy your homage watch
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 thanks, but I’ll remind you that Squale made the cases for Blancpain and other Swiss companies in the 1950s and 60s. Enjoy your day.
part of the reason I got the Sinn u50 was for this reason. I didn't want to buy a nice diver that looked like every $100 diver on the market. I wanted the function of a dive watch but with an identity it's own.
i think this is one of the reasons I gravitate away from Swiss brands as it seems like most brands imitate certain swiss design. I also think it's amazing more brands don't imitate German designs.
One interesting note is I feel like we don't see this diversity at the very high end which is the opposite of food. You go to a high end restaurant and it's largely about unique textures and it's all about providing dishes that aren't standard.
I tried. Many times. I failed. I love watches, hate bracelets...
There is a lot to be said for a strap - sailcloth rubber or traditional
I'd own a Grand Seiko if it wasn't for the bracelets, yikes
Very kind of you! Thank you .😃😃😃
Big video with good and funny content. The fried chicken comparison killed me every time 😂. Always when I see your videos get uploaded I watch immediately, my most favorite watch TH-camr.
Thanks a ton - and glad they also put a smile on your face 😃😃
I'm just glad to see someone reviewing Yema, I love their Marine Nationale, also the Superman. It's not sitting i hide though. I love a good standard chicken sandwich
Right on 😀
This video is approved by the American Poultry Association and the National Chicken Council 😎! Great vid as always Mike.
I applaud Yema for taking some bold design choices but I believe the dial is a bit too plain for the price. I’m a sucker for a beautiful dial!
People are so worried about being in cahoots with watch brands. Me - Farmers and Monsanto sponsor me 😂😂
My wife was in the background laughing at the chicken sandwich analogies. I'm going to Popeyes...
Tell her to subscribe (and buy her a sandwich) 😂
Great video, and I love the analogy. Pickles can make or break a chicken sandwich in my opinion, but then again I am a movement fan. You know how I can prove that, I am contemplating buying a Roger Dubuis Easy Diver Chrono, it is comically oversized by today's standards but I LOVE the movement, a Geneva hallmarked Lemania (basis for the Omega 321) the movement that went to the moon. So I guess I'll put up with a huge bun to appreciate the pickles, to be fair the chicken (dial) isn't bad either on the RD. With regard to the Yema, I do find it to be a reasonably attractive watch and I like the uniqueness of the bracelet, the bezel lock could be a bit better if it wasn't so floppy with the crown unscrewed. Overall at that price point it would be hard to bet against Longines for me.
Glad to see you put my analogy to good use. And as for me Lemania and 321 are the pick of the bunch 😃
Absolutely on the ball with the bracelet and dial. Make that dial a banger, like a porcelain or lacquer and, even with the simple lume plots, people will be lining up to buy this even ignoring the sub par clasp. The bracelet is absolutely gorgeous and that movement is sooo cool.
Like some have also mentioned before, Oris is the independent brand that always seems to have their own quirky design choices and risky in-house movement manufacturing that sets them apart but you always wonder if it actually brings them any advantages sales wise.
Were I more affluent and those 2 would definitely get plenty of my love ($).
Great video again.
Thanks a ton. Oris - Agree. They have nailed it with their approach and also their calibers . 😃😃
Your integrity is beyond reproach. Good on you for requesting an interesting watch to review. Team and your audience can only benefit.
Thanks for the kind words 😃
Great review, left me hungry for more, or maybe just hungry. I wasn't particularly aware of Yema as a brand, and that is where I struggle with watches at this price point. It may be lovely and well built, but could easily be Ali express for all I know. If I want a cheap beater watch, Seiko or Citizen. If I want a posh watch, Rolex, Omega, Cartier or even Longines. I'm slightly over simplifying, but big brands with big brand awareness, or high availability( like citizen) are likely to win out. This falls into the...its not cheap, but then it's expensive for an unknown.…Without googling, I can tell you nothing about Yema. And I know the calibre inside my watch.
They are a relatively small brand, so there is a lot of trust that has to be put in your first purchase. IT's not like Rolex - You know what you're getting 😃
I didn't hear anything after Fried Chicken sandwich 🤤
bla bla bla.... fried chicken .... bla bla bla 😃😃
Pretty much how my wife experienced the video as well 😂
I’ve just get your channel and wowwwww !!!!
Sir you have been enlightened as I’m starting to be !
Have start saw the Squale video because TGV and tcharam there you go I’m seeing myself at the mirror bought chunk of watch like that 1521 Squale yes it’s beautiful dial bla bla I’ve wear it on summer and put it on the box them went for Tudor BB 58 Burgundy amazing at least that I’ve bought pre-owned in meant condition, them Seikos aiaiaiai I’ve a Limited Edition in grey I think only wear it 2/3 times hard see the minutes I’ve a watch to know what’s correct time yes it’s a great watch nice discount but it’s sitting as well on the … Box !
Now the hype of Tudor’s find myself buying a Diet Pepsi plus a Pelagos plus a Pro and now I’ve got a dilemma as these 3 were all bought brand new plus I’m looking at the chrono S&G !
8200€ 😳 have Longines Chrono Hydroconquest amazing watch but heavy as hell know if I’ll put it 4 sale I bet 1500€ maximum not sale it the other it’s an Hanhart Pioneer Mark II great price as it was 2100€ paid 1250€ !
Plus few Divers by Seiko etc and voilá my money 💰 should be safer if I’ve Be more smart but as I live in Portugal not many brands but need to sale them at least a few ones !
By the way got 3 Sinn plus another one I’ve give it to my nephew and when you start seeing your obsession it’s a deceased!
Never bought a Yeama as at time they have lots of complications customers issues etc or else I’ve bought the Superman as well these Watch Channels are brain washers and we as “stupid” go for the bla bla bla … anyway now my first move it’s selling few wait and by a nice chrono and maybe Rolex end of story ( forgot about Casios G Shocks 😊)
All the best man !
Have a great Easter 🐣!
Happy easter to you too 😀😀
there has to be off the shelf scale bracelets offered by overseas manufacturers…. i’m wearing a Phoibos that has it w/ an on the fly microadjust clasp. maybe the other brands just don’t want to pay the cost? it’s not as flexible as an oyster bracelet.
All this talk about chicken sandwiches has me salivating for a Nashville Hot fried chicken sandwich. I gotta fight the urge, however, for my weight loss journey. Damn you, sir.
My deepest apologies 😂
My new favorite chicken-sandwich-channel
Crunch crunch 😂
Thank you, regardless of this particular watch, ( best part for me was actually the bracelet) this was a really informative discussion...........it also making me question by position on fried chicken sandwiches 😅
Glad you enjoyed it! 😃
Regarding the movement. It is far from ideal to not be able to have it repaired locally. I live in Vancouver and would have to ship it to France for repair? Although to be fair if I have a watch with a Powermatic 80 that needs repair chances are I need to ship it to Swatch in Toronto. What's the difference, ultimately? That being said, this makes me appreciate my Miyota 9015 movement that can be repaired locally. Oh and as an aside, the accuracy of this Miyota movement is surprising.
To my point - that movement may be excellent but there are negatives associated with it as well potentially 😃
Baltic does budget distinctive divers far better. CE and Yema divers are yawn (aside from that yema movement And the 11mm slimness👌👌👌).
The problem with this watch is that great designs are consistent.This seems patchy with modern look high end movement, classic low end dial and distinctive bracelet on a undistinctive overall design. Even thr braclet is half expecuted with an innovative bracelet let down by a generic clasp. In fact skimping on clasps is a hallmark of immature designers, who should understand that focussing on the primary customer interaction points is crucuial...clasp interaction being one of them.
Baltic is definitely a brand that gets a lot of praise these days (for good reason, I feel) 😀
Great review.
Thank you .😃
For me personally, the watch falls apart for me at the bezel lock and clasp. The bezel lock is a gimmick and the clasp is far too cheap and flimsy. $2500 price range is too competitive to have glaring drawbacks or cut corners.
It seems to be a common theme in the thread, here. The lock is clearly a love it or hate it feature 😃
The scale bracelet is cool, but the blue dial looks slightly washed out.
Love the analogy! Can't wait for the 'steak baguette ' segment...Next disruptor in the market? Customisation! Satory-Billard, Pinchbeck, Garrick etc will all offer you a custom watch for the price of a mid range Omega. Hmmm...
lol ... thanks 😂
I like different. Also that coffin link bracelet is very well done. Congratulations to Yema.
I ve got the superman dato green since 6 months and I am really statisfied with it.
Good choice 😃
Up the dial and the clasp and it’s a killer watch!! How much extra 200? What is 2500 plain to a 2700 killer.. 👍🏻👍🏻
Interesting perspective. Don't disagree. Go all in on quality all the way around.... 😃
I have big wrists… It took a lot of watch buying to figure out I’m in love with the lugs of a watch. Skin divers are my favourite. Particularly the new purchase of the longine skin driver. The deal made it worth every penny. My favourite fried chicken sandwich.
As with all chicken sandwiches it’s all about personal taste. I do love what they are proposing and will look to see one in person as I’m a big chicken sandwich customer. Good luck to Yema and thanks for the excellent video.
Thanks .😃
I would not say that it is an original bracelet. In my opinion, it appears to be a modified version of a coffin link bracelet.
In this price range the Formex Reef GMT is worth mentioning.
Agree 😀
Sorry if I missed it but what's your wrist size? Would help for comparison. Thanks!
You're Terrific 😉
So that’s why Batman was removed from your background. You didn’t want to detract from this Superman!
lol 😂
Here I am at 11am thinking of ordering fried chicken sandwiches before opening this video… you don’t know me! 😡
It's never to early for fried chicken 😃
Ah…the Fried Chicken Sandwich/headphone/SUV product offering analogy. We’re getting a MBA-level education here.
Kind of you. Thanks 😃
Enjoyed the analysis quite a lot. This price range would be a stretch for me and so I personally would be after more "crunch".
Thanks 😀
Ok it s a chicken but with tons of quality control issues, like wtf is happening at the farm
I have heard stories about Yema - Never experienced it myself, but it is out there 😃
We're riding with ya.
Thanks 😃
I went ahead and got a submariner. Just pay more and get the iconic one.
If you have the money of course... 😃😃😃
Between your fried chicken sandwich analysis, your previous burger/tool watch analogy, your occasional (but regular) asides on the semiconductor industry, and your focus on economics and manufacturing, I can't help but think the TH-cam algorithm has once again found a weird Venn diagram of your disparate interests and my own. I can't believe it took me this long to realize this, but I would not be surprised at all if the algorithm is looking not just at your content, but your own personal subscribed channels.
Ever consider that the algorithm actually.... works? 😂😂
Always happy to have you stop by 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch The algorithm really is scarily effective sometimes, and yet I'm always surprised when a channel I watch makes a reference to a completely different, unrelated channel that I also watch. For the life of me, I don't see the confluence between cooking, watches, and semiconductors, and yet here we are. I'd bet a fried chicken sandwich that you if you don't subscribe to Asianometry, it regularly pops up on your feed. I'm less sure about which food & cooking channels you watch (since they tend to be more region & language based), but I'm going take a wild guess that the ones you do watch spend a lot of time on food science, and probably also on history.
I consider this to be a brand building piece… Micro rotor is interesting feature to stand a part a bit as inhouse seems to be a bit boring nowdays (and yes, many people are over this… and understand the point of realiability and service costs).
Do I really need Microrotor in classic diver? Not at all… however Yema now is not company with “strange inhouse movement with zero benefits”, its one of few to offer budget micro rotor.
PS: the claps looks… very basic.
What are your previsions for W&W 2024 ? (a video on it would be nice)
Sorry. No video on that this year. Too many "we want a white dial explorer" predictions out there already 😃😃
I would love a smaller, thinner GMT from Tudor. And a coke GMT from Rolex.
I actually bought a Yema prior to watching your review. I agree completely. The bracelet and bezel lock (as impractical as it may be) were actual selling points for me. It is definitely a fine, solid watch with those uniquely French accents.
I still cannot fathom how a modern dive watch where one needs to unscrew the crown to operate the bezel could still be sold now.
Unless YEMA specifically targets desk divers wearing timepieces that will never ever get close to water ?
I have a 3 year old $1,100 Yema Superman Blue that goes in saltwater 3-4 a week. Zero issues. I rarely use the bezel on any of my five dive watches ranging from $800 to about $9,000. The Yema has an SW200 movement for reference and it works very well. Yema gets hammered a lot. It appears when the brand makes mistakes they take longer than most to acknowledge and correct them, hence the “poor customer service problems” comments. I have not had any meaningful issues in my experience. I am about to buy another Yema. Am I taking a chance? Maybe, but I don’t might supporting a Company that doesn’t conform to the collective design language of an industry.
@@trailrunnermike hum… doesn’t not using the bezel defeat the very purpose of dive watches having rotating bezels ?
Bought the classic superman reissue. Can’t stand the bezel lock. Awful design. Have to unlock the screw down crown to adjust. Sharp edges catch on shirt and risk scratching anything makes contact with. My version had the sw 200 which is fine. Going to look into having the bezel lock permanently removed.
The bezel lock is, like I said, cool looking but engineering wise a little simplistic... 😃
I have the same watch and zero issues with the bezel lock. I happen to think it's one of the key Yema features that lets non watch people know it's not a Rolex. Slimmer case and sharper defined edge on the crystal make it very 70s French design that appeals to me. I have several more expensive watches. Rolex and Tudor including a very beefy Black Bay Chrono reverse panda that weighs 2x the Superman. I love both, but if I had to wear only one watch for months at a time the Yema is my favorite design of all.
You. Are. Brilliant.
Don't know about that, but thanks 😀😀
love your contents! and i'm curious..wich studies did you attended?
Boring business man 😂
Thanks for your vid, Mike! I think the watch is not bad but the bezel lock would get on my nerves for sure. I think Squale could be a brand that is similar in having also some rather unconventional design choices.
You are so welcome. And yeah - the bezel lock is cool looking but a wierdly implemented from an engineering perspective 😃
I respect the opinion. Imo, thr subtle changes are what I prefer. I like to look at it like a spectrum. On the one end you have rolex, who make iconic, top quality stuff but stuff thats been homaged or just completely ripped off for decades. To the average wearer, nothing on it stands out other than the logo. On the other hand you got awful, gaudy over sized invicta monstrosities.
I like yema superman, that bracelet is one of a kind (for bow), it relatively flat on the wrist, and is but substle and attarctive
I am thrilled by the analysis but segmentation and differentiation are key to marketing. There are consumers who are serious about pickles and buns. Don’t know how many.
I paid less than 1k for the Mido Ocean Star 200, I know is an ETA movement with Nivacron instead of silicio. I think is a good value and I like it. I don't think I would pay 2 k for the Yema.
It’s a nice watch and definitely nicer than a fried chicken sandwich (but I get what you mean). Appreciate the effort they put into making the movement slim. I like how they’ve made the dial attractive without being gaudy.
Hi Thx for the video. I recently get interested in watches si my knowledge is beginner level. I have watch a video with Olivier Maury which is the creator of Yema's microrotor. He is very enthousastic about the new investments of the owner of Yema and he is thrilled with the new project. Definitly a step forward in manufacturing in housse caliber but to me they still stay really classic in their design (too classic maybe ?)
The Gordon Ramsey of the watch world
Hopefully that's a good thing. I swear less, I hope 😂
Your analysis and perspective are once again eye opening and thought provoking.
I've owned a Yema Superman GMT a while back. Very cool watch. Feel about the same with this watch you have here.
Perhaps coincidental, but, I feel brands like Serica, Triton, ZRC have their unusual fried chicken sandwiches and they all happen to be French brands, like Yema.
Are they making their own waves and not riding on the same ones? I think so.
Next time, we want to see you eat that fried chicken sandwich while schooling us in another watch presentation.
Seriously... I need a sandwich from Starbird or a McChicken from McD's this weekend. Seed planted in my brain, thanks.
Thanks - Glad you felt the vid resonated 😀
Great video and analysis, but now I want a chicken sandwich to eat!
Sorry! 😂😂
I like this watch. Mainly for that awesome exhibition case back veiw of the pickle.
Q1, so - so.
Q2, what am I? Clairvoyant ;)
I have stopped buying divers in my "nice" watches. I'm not bored of them. I like the occasional affordable diver. But for bigger spends, I'd much rather wear interesting everyday or sports watches.
Yema is an interesting brand: French, doing as much as possible in-house, sourcing the rest from a limited geographic perimeter, looking for variations around their vintage/traditional/brand specific patterns which may, or may not appeal to you, but are distinctive. And besides their micro-rotor, they launched a complete range of in-house movements (3 movements in total, including a tourbillon with a unique tidal indicator complication) designed by one of the most promising young watchmakers in France and Switzerland: Olivier Mory. Definitely a bold move and a rarity, even I am not exactly fond of their design language in general.
I've hoped, ever since Emmanuel Dietrich's DD-1, that his creativity and risk-taking would be rewarded. It seems that over time, the very issues Mike brings up in this video have escorted Dietrich's offerings from open water back to the safety of the harbor. It's unfortunate. In addition to his avant-garde dials and concepts, Dietrich's TC-1, for example, has a unique, high-quality bracelet that echoes the the shape of the watch case. Since that model's release, subsequent offerings have been very cost-conscious and (from my subjective viewpoint) vanilla on both design and manufacture. Here's hoping there will be another push forward!
I’m puzzled that the clasp is so low-rent given the trouble Yema went to with the bracelet, the high SRP, and that easy-adjust clasps from China are inexpensive - a Chicken Royale in a sourdough bun that’s just a bit too hard? Perhaps the problem is that there are just too many fried chicken sandwiches out there. Who needs ANOTHER (rather expensive) fried chicken sandwich? 🤔
Tuseno dials are a bit different in an interesting way that looks thoroughly considered…imho…
Everyone values different things. I would prefer something with more brand heritage like Seiko, Longines, Sinn, Doxa, or Citizen. But i see the appeal of this Yema.
Brand heritage? Well, what the reviewer seemingly failed the understand is that Yema and the Superman DO have heritage. The Superman (with this general case shape, this dial, the bezel lock and the scale bracelet) came out in 1967. It was the first 300m water resistant wrist watch. It IS an historic divewatch model. Of course the brand died and was reivved a couple of times but still, you can't say it's not a name without heritage.
A chicken sandwich... what a nonesense.
This Yema - likes: dial, case design & size, bracelet, hands, drilled lugs;
not keen: just lume plots? , the movement - do I have to send it back to Yema for service?
I've read mixed reviews about Yema ( re: customer service).
C.W. give the impression ( & probably attract investment), they might push the envelope, or make more niche products, if not new lines.
I'm not sure about any larger or smaller companies affordably taking a punt unless connected to smart watches(?).