Reissue of the historic YEMA Superman reference 24.11.17, an iconic military diver's watch which equipped the French Air Force Aviation Rescue Swimmers in the early 1970s. Limited Edition of 1,000 numbered timepieces available to both the military and the general public.
The 1970s Superman reference 24.11.17 iconic blue dial came with two distinct applied hour markers: Rectangular-style baton indexes and "U-shaped" hour markers. This last singular hour markers shape makes this Superman dial definitively unique. It offers more perspective, slightly increased dial depth and when looked at sideways on an angle, thanks to the crystal's double dome curvature, gives the appearance that the hour markers are beautifully sloping downwards inside the watch case. A dot filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 is printed on the center of the "U-shaped" hour markers.
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal bezel, with black insert and matte white plating to mirror the glossy rendering of the bakelite resin bezel of the former Superman reference 24.11.17.
The Superman bezel lock at 3 o'clock has proven very useful for professional divers and has been found on all Superman models since 1963.
The French Air & Space Force insignia is stamped in the crown.
L'emblématique aiguille des secondes chromée avec sa tête en forme de pelle est exactement la même que celle utilisée sur certains modèles Superman YEMA d’époque.
The iconic chromed seconds hand with its head shaped like a shovel is the same used in certain Superman models from the 1970's.
The iconic chromed seconds hand with its head shaped like a shovel is the same used in certain Superman models from the 1970's.
The Superman AAE Search and Rescue features a high-quality double-domed sapphire crystal 2.60 mm thick, offering better readability, increased resistance and a resolute neo-vintage look.
In the early 1970s, the French Air Force called on YEMA to equip Aviation Rescue Swimmers who were part of Search And Rescue (SAR) crews. This was the very first collaboration between the French Air Force and YEMA and the starting point of a close relationship with the French armed forces.
The model chosen was the mythical Superman reference 24.11.17, renowned for its robustness and its 990 feet / 300 meters water resistance, all technical characteristics perfectly meeting the strict military specifications.
Since this first collaboration and almost 50 years later, many other Superman models were used by the French Air Force, making of the YEMA Superman a unique and versatile French military tool watch over the years.
* Captain Steve Slack's 1974 Superman reference 24.11.17 tool watch, which he still wears today.
“ I was one of the first Aviation Rescue Swimmers in the French Air Force and for fifty years I have worn my "Belle" on my wrist day and night, that's the name I gave to my YEMA Superman.
For all these years she has been faithful to me through all the toughest rescue missions all around the world, in all weather conditions, she has never failed. It's a highly legible tool watch, but most importantly, robust, reliable and precise.
Thank you for this beautiful, elegant and reliable timepiece which has proven essential during so many military missions. ”
Capitain Steve SLACK
Former French Air Force Aviation Rescue Swimmer
“ I was one of the first Aviation Rescue Swimmers in the French Air Force and for fifty years I have worn my "Belle" on my wrist day and night, that's the name I gave to my YEMA Superman.
For all these years she has been faithful to me through all the toughest rescue missions all around the world, in all weather conditions, she has never failed. It's a highly legible tool watch, but most importantly, robust, reliable and precise.
Thank you for this beautiful, elegant and reliable timepiece which has proven essential during so many military missions. ”
Capitain Steve SLACK
Former French Air Force Aviation Rescue Swimmer
The 316L Stainless Steel case-back proudly displays France's Air & Space Force logo. Each timepiece is engraved with a unique number from 0001 to 1000 for this Limited Edition.
A watch will be officially handed over to Captain Steve Slack as a recognition to his lifelong military career as an Aviation & Rescue Swimmer.
316L Stainless Steel case with integrated crown guard and polished finish.
Bezel, dial and hands treated with Super-LumiNova to ensure increased readability.
The luminescent mark on the graduated bezel and the luminescent arrow-shaped hand provide rescue divers with an accurate indication of the dive time during poor visibility conditions at the greatest depths.
This Swiss movement is best known for its reliability. With 26 jewels, it beats at 28,800 A/h and offers a power reserve of 38 hours.
The 316L stainless steel bracelet comes with a double safety folding clasp with secure-lock and a diver's extension so it can be easily adjusted over a diving suit.
This new RUBBER FKM VITON® BAND has been engineered for intensive use in all extreme conditions thanks to its light, flexible and highly resistant VITON® material which also repels dust.
The elegant 316L Stainless Steel deploying buckle adds style and comfort.
For sports use, we have designed a blue NATO strap that accentuates the military aspect of this Superman.
Le nouveau bracelet RUBBER FKM VITON® a été étudié pour une utilisation intensive dans toutes les conditions extrêmes grâce à son matériau VITON® léger, souple et très résistant ainsi qu'à la poussière.
Le bracelet est également muni d'une élégante boucle déployante en acier inoxydable 316L.
Pour un usage sportif, nous avons conçu un bracelet en NATO bleu qui accentue l'aspect militaire de cette Superman.
The 316L stainless steel bracelet comes with a double safety folding clasp with secure-lock and a diver's extension so it can be easily adjusted over a diving suit.
This new RUBBER FKM VITON® BAND has been engineered for intensive use in all extreme conditions thanks to its light, flexible and highly resistant VITON® material which also repels dust.
The elegant 316L Stainless Steel deploying buckle adds style and comfort.
For sports use, we have designed a blue NATO strap that accentuates the military aspect of this Superman.
Le nouveau bracelet RUBBER FKM VITON® a été étudié pour une utilisation intensive dans toutes les conditions extrêmes grâce à son matériau VITON® léger, souple et très résistant ainsi qu'à la poussière.
Le bracelet est également muni d'une élégante boucle déployante en acier inoxydable 316L.
Pour un usage sportif, nous avons conçu un bracelet en NATO bleu qui accentue l'aspect militaire de cette Superman.
39 mm | 13,0 mm | 19 mm
41 mm | 13,2 mm | 20 mm
316L Stainless Steel
Polished finish
Scratch-resistant sapphire bezel. Unidirectional count-up bezel with a 0-60 scale with aluminium insert under sapphire ring. Super-LumiNova at 12 o'clock marker.
Bezel with lock mechanism at 3 o'clock
Screw-down crown. French Air Force logo engraved
Sellita SW200-1
Automatic
28 800 A/h
Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
38 hours
Blue dial
Applied hour markers treated with Super-LumiNova
2.60 mm double domed sapphire crystal
30 BAR / 300 m / 990 feet
316L Stainless Steel with polished-brushed effect
Double safety folding clasp with diving extension and YEMA logo
YEMA's signature #TimeofHeroes dates from 1970. It reflects the history and values of the brand and what it stands for. It tells the adventures of remarkable sportsmen and explorers who have achieved the extraordinary under the most extreme conditions, with a YEMA watch on their wrists. Since the 1970s, YEMA equips the French Air Force with indestructible, high-precision timepieces.
In early 1950 in Indochina, medical evacuation missions in difficult areas became a major tactical need for the French Air Force. The first helicopter rescue operation was conducted by Captain Bourcier in Ha Long Bay (Vietnam) in 1955.
From the beginning of the 1960s, the French command decided to create dedicated Search And Rescue units at sea, who will be on alert 24 hours a day on national territory. Then in the early 1970s, France's Air Force Aviation Rescue Swimmers sub-specialty was created.
Aboard Caracal and Puma helicopters, Aviation Rescue Swimmers have become key players in Search And Rescue (SAR) missions through air-sea rescue operations in extreme conditions and hostile environments.
The Aviation Rescue Swimmers are nicknamed "THE SPLASH SQUAD", they are primarily dedicated to the rescue of Air Force pilots who are victims of a crash in the open sea. These elite divers represent the last resort for French pilots, they intervene when conventional means can no longer intervene on open seas, that's when "THE SPLASH SQUAD" takes off in helicopters.
Today, "THE SPLASH SQUAD" is a small elite unit of about fifty rescue divers located in 4 distinct military air bases strategically located in the 4 corners of the earth.
To thank all those military who honourably served in the French Air & Space Force, YEMA donates 12.5% of sales to the official French Veterans Foundation (FOSA).
LEARN MOREWith your first purchase you become a member of YEMA's Loyalty Program YEMA Privilege. Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts that increase in value as you move up the tiers. SEE ALL BENEFITS
SEE ALL BENEFITSEach watch is delivered in a collector's travel case together with a 2 year International Warranty leather card
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