Yema sous marine automatic diver (c. 1970s)

Heritage Narrative

Founded in 1948 in Besançon, Yema supplied tool watches to French naval units and professional divers throughout the 1960s and ’70s. The Sous Marine (“underwater”) line captured that pragmatic spirit with high-visibility dials and no-nonsense steel cases sized for daily duty. This late-1970s example retains all the hallmarks collectors look for: Arabic numerals that glow chartreuse in low light, a broad arrow minute hand for precise elapsed-time reading, and a bright orange sweep seconds hand—critical for confirming the watch is running during decompression stops. It is an honest, lightly worn piece that reflects Yema’s role as France’s answer to the era’s Swiss dive-watch boom.

Technical Specifications

Movement:
Yema-signed automatic, 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve

Case:
37 mm stainless steel, screw-down case-back, bidirectional elapsed-time bezel

Crystal:
Original domed acrylic

Dial / Hands:
Matte black, lime-green Super-Luminova numerals; broad-arrow minute hand, sword hour hand, orange central seconds

Calendar:
Quick-set date at 3 o’clock

Water Resistance:
200 m / 660 ft (pressure-tested at service)

Bracelet:
Original folded-link stainless-steel bracelet with signed clasp

Condition

Overall Grade:
Excellent—crisp case lines, minimal surface wear, bezel insert shows only light, even fade

Service History:
Complete movement overhaul, new gaskets, regulation, and pressure test performed May 2025 (service documentation included)

Scope of Delivery

Heritage Timepieces presentation box

Service documentation (May 2025) and certificate of authenticity

Warranty

Twenty-four-month mechanical warranty from Heritage Timepieces, commencing on the May 2025 service date.

Shipping & Returns

Complimentary insured worldwide shipping. Fourteen-day return window; watch must be returned in the same condition supplied. Every piece is authenticated, pressure-tested, and time-graphed before dispatch.