Yema - Sous Marine - No reserve price - 631014 - Men - 1970-1979

Yema Sous Marine Automatic – Vintage French Diving Watch – Black Dial – Rotating Bezel – Date Display – Swiss Automatic Movement – 38 mm

A distinctive vintage Yema Sous Marine Automatic, featuring a classic black dial, a rotating diving-style bezel and a robust chrome-plated case. This attractive timepiece captures the adventurous spirit of French sports watchmaking during the 1970s, when mechanical diving watches became increasingly popular among professional divers, maritime enthusiasts and collectors. The watch features a striking black dial with applied luminous-style hour markers, elegant baton hands and a distinctive arrow-shaped minute hand, designed for enhanced readability.
A date window positioned at 3 o'clock adds everyday practicality, while the rotating bezel features contrasting black markings and red triangular accents, creating a particularly attractive vintage appearance. The bezel's distinctive design is one of the most recognizable visual characteristics of this watch, combining functionality with the bold aesthetics of classic underwater instruments.

The stainless steel case back features an engraved decorative emblem, together with the inscriptions “Waterresistant,” “Antimagnetic” and “Stainless Steel Back.”
Powered by a Swiss automatic mechanical movement, this Yema combines traditional mechanical watchmaking with the practical convenience of self-winding technology.
The watch is fitted with a blue textile NATO-style strap featuring a contrasting red central stripe, complementing the vintage sports character of the timepiece. An attractive collectible watch for enthusiasts of vintage Yema, French watchmaking and classic diving-inspired timepieces.

Technical Details
Brand: Yema
Model: Sous Marine Automatic
Gender: Men's
Case material: Chrome-plated metal
Case diameter: 38 mm
Case back: Stainless steel
Case back number: 637018 (engraving appears to read this number)
Glass: Acrylic crystal
Dial: Black
Hour markers: Applied luminous-style baton indexes
Hands: Luminous-style hands with arrow-shaped minute hand
Movement: Swiss mechanical automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date display, rotating bezel
Date display: At 3 o'clock
Bezel: Rotating diving-style bezel with black markings and red accents
Water resistance: Not tested for water resistance
Strap: Blue and red textile NATO-style strap
Wrist size: Approx. 22–23 cm
Box: Generic box included
Condition: Grade B

Condition Report
This Yema Sous Marine Automatic is presented in Grade B condition, showing signs of age and use consistent with its vintage character. The chrome-plated case displays scratches, small marks and areas of surface wear.
The rotating bezel shows noticeable scratches, surface wear and ageing, with some fading and deterioration of the printed markings. The black and red details remain visible, preserving the distinctive appearance of this vintage diving-style watch.

The black dial is generally well preserved for its age, with visible small marks and natural signs of ageing. The applied hour markers and hands show patina and discolouration consistent with a vintage timepiece. The acrylic crystal displays minor surface scratches and signs of normal use.

The stainless steel case back shows surface scratches and handling marks. Its decorative emblem and engraved inscriptions remain visible. The blue and red textile strap is in good overall visual condition, providing a comfortable and sporty appearance. Although the case back bears the inscription “Waterresistant,” the watch has not been tested for water resistance. Water resistance is therefore not guaranteed. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and illustrate the actual condition of the watch.

Story & Heritage
Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon, France, Yema established itself as one of the most important names in French sports watchmaking. During the 1960s and 1970s, the company became particularly recognized for its mechanical diving watches, chronographs and robust sports instruments. Among its most celebrated creations is the Yema Superman, introduced in 1963, which became an important reference in the history of French diving watches.

The Superman gained recognition for its innovative bezel-locking system and its association with professional underwater exploration. Alongside these celebrated models, Yema developed a broader family of diving-inspired timepieces under the Sous Marine name. These watches reflected the growing popularity of recreational diving and the increasing demand for reliable, legible mechanical wristwatches capable of accompanying an active lifestyle.

The Sous Marine Automatic presented here captures the distinctive design language of that era. Its black dial, prominent hour markers and rotating bezel reflect the functional priorities of traditional diving watches, where readability and elapsed-time measurement were essential design considerations.
The red triangular bezel accents introduce a distinctive visual character, while the arrow-shaped minute hand reinforces the watch's instrumental appearance.

The automatic mechanical movement represents another important characteristic of the period, when self-winding technology offered convenience without sacrificing the traditional craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking.
The decorative engraving on the stainless steel case back adds a charming historical detail, reflecting the aesthetic identity of vintage French sports watches.

Today, vintage Yema watches are appreciated by collectors for their distinctive designs, French heritage and connections to the golden age of mechanical sports watchmaking. With its 38 mm case, contrasting bezel and characteristic 1970s styling, this Sous Marine Automatic represents an appealing example of vintage French watch design.
A characterful collectible for enthusiasts of Yema, vintage diving watches and classic European mechanical timepieces.
Internal Reference Number - FLO 236