When you think of Yema watches, you probably think of vintage-inspired divers, chronographs, and GMTs. But put all your preconceptions aside because this new watch is something different. In collaboration with artist and watchmaker Alain Silberstein, the French brand presents Marine. This is a limited edition of 500 pieces and is unlike any previous Yema work.
If you know anything about Alan Silberstein, you won’t be too surprised to see the black and colorful Marines. However, if you’re used to Yema’s regular offerings, it might take a minute or so to get used to. The only hint of vintage here might be the two crowns. The rest looks much more avant-garde and modern than what this brand has shown us so far. Let’s take a closer look.
Yema × Alan Silberstein Marine Limited Edition
I’ll start with the black DLC coated grade 5 titanium 40mm case because that might be my favorite feature. The round shape is simple, but the straight lugs and rounded tip lugs have a lot of character. These lugs are connected to the case back, and the circular case rests on its base. It’s an interesting building to look at. Simple, effective, and the simple shape reminds me a little of Playmobil toys. The case thickness, including the double-domed sapphire crystal, is 13.2mm and measures 44.5mm from lug tip to lug tip.
Next, we move on to the dial, which uses Alan Silverstein’s signature primary colors. The base is all black, so the red, blue, and yellow pop even more than they would on their own. The hour hand is a large red triangle, and the minute hand is shaped like a giant arrow. I’m not sure if the graceful blue sea star at the top matches the rest of the design, but it’s certainly another playful detail.
Each hour is marked with thick luminescent material. The same pillar also stands proudly above the internal bezel. All in all, it’s an interesting three-dimensional spectacle, especially in the dark.
Both crowns are screw-down. A bezel at 2 o’clock with blue Cerakote allows the internal bezel to be adjusted for timing purposes such as diving. The one at 4 o’clock allows you to operate the internal Yema movement.
Yema CMM.20 Micro Rotor Movement
Yema’s caliber Manufacture Morteau 20 is featured in a limited edition by Alan Silverstein. It features a black galvanized bridge, a red tungsten micro-rotor and 33 jewels. As for accuracy, it runs between -3 seconds and +7 seconds per day. Additionally, it vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a comfortable 70-hour power reserve, and is anti-magnetic. Through the sapphire crystal, you can admire the movement, which perfectly matches the rest of the watch in terms of design. However, to emphasize the marine theme, it features two large koi fish swimming around a sapphire crystal. It slightly obstructs the view of the movement, but adds a playful detail to the watch.
Another indication of the watch’s submersible capabilities is the rubber strap that hugs the case tightly between the lugs. In addition to the black strap, there is also a burgundy version, and both come with a black DLC-coated titanium deployant clasp with the same matte microblasted finish as the case.
on your wrist
When I first saw this watch, it seemed quite thick. The underside is perfectly straight, with straight lugs that don’t slope downward toward your wrist. However, when I actually wore the watch on my 17cm wrist, it felt pretty good. It’s not too thick for a diver’s watch, and the 44.5mm lug spacing also helps with wearability. Of course, the lightweight titanium also contributes to improved comfort.
Overall, I also really like the look of Yema × Alan Silberstein Marine limited model. It’s sure to grab attention with its bold composition and use of color. But it’s not overdone, so you can wear it every day. But I don’t like adding starfish to the handset or koi to the back of the display case. They don’t match the overall clean, funky aesthetic of the watch. Koi in particular seem to appear out of nowhere.
Still, I think this is an attractive watch to look at, and I think it’s quite understated compared to other Alan Silberstein designs. So if you normally like his designs but find them a little too much for you, this might be the perfect watch for you.
Now accepting reservations from October 21st
Yema × Alain Silberstein Marine Limited Edition is available for pre-order from October 21st for 3,900 euros. As mentioned earlier, this is a limited edition of 500 pieces, all with individual numbers on the back. Yema plans to deliver the watch in February 2025.
What do you think about Yema? × Alan Silberstein Marine Limited Edition? Let us know in the comments section.
