The watch world is often captivated by tradition, heritage, and the subtle nuances of classic design. But every so often, a timepiece emerges that shatters those conventions, injecting a vibrant dose of personality and playful artistry into the realm of horology. The
Yema x Alain Silberstein Limited Edition is one such creation, a watch that dares to be different, a timepiece that embraces bold colors and unconventional shapes with unrestrained enthusiasm.
This collaboration isn't just a meeting of two brands; it's a fusion of two distinct philosophies. On one hand, you have YEMA, a French watchmaker with a rich history rooted in robust tool watches, known for their durability and dependability. Founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont, YEMA quickly established itself by producing high-quality mechanical watches. In the 1960s, YEMA achieved significant milestones, crafting timepieces for professional use, including watches for pilots and divers. Their dive watches, in particular, became renowned for their resilience, accompanying explorers on expeditions to the depths of the ocean. This commitment to functionality and precision has been a cornerstone of YEMA's identity throughout its history.
Courtesy of YEMA
On the other hand, we have Alain Silberstein, the maverick watchmaker and artist whose designs are anything but conventional. Silberstein, a graduate of the École Boulle in Paris, burst onto the horological scene in the late 1980s, challenging the prevailing norms of watch design with his playful use of primary colors and geometric shapes. Inspired by artistic movements like Bauhaus and the works of abstract masters such as Kandinsky and Miró, Silberstein's creations are instantly recognizable. His watches are not mere time-telling instruments; they are miniature canvases for artistic expression, imbued with a sense of joy and whimsy.
Bringing these two forces together – YEMA's dedication to robust watchmaking and Silberstein's vibrant artistic vision – has resulted in a timepiece that is both captivating and unique. The YEMA x Alain Silberstein Limited Edition is a watch that demands attention, a conversation starter that refuses to blend into the background.
Imagine this watch on your wrist. The first thing that strikes you is the stark contrast between the deep black DLC-coated titanium case and the explosion of color on the dial. The black case, with its microblasted finish, provides a sleek and modern backdrop, while the dial is where the real magic happens. Silberstein's signature primary colors take center stage, with the bright red hour hand, shaped like a stylized triangle, immediately catching the eye. Following closely behind is the bold yellow minute hand, resembling an arrow, pointing the way forward. And then there's the playful blue second hand, shaped like a whimsical sea star, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the design.
But the visual feast doesn't stop there. The dial is further punctuated by three-dimensional hour markers, generously coated in Super-LumiNova. These markers rise dramatically from the dial's surface, creating a captivating sense of depth and texture. This interplay of color and dimension transforms the act of reading time into an engaging visual experience, a playful dance of light and shadow.
Courtesy of YEMA
As you continue to explore the watch, you'll notice the unique dual crown design, a nod to vintage dive watches. The upper crown, finished in a striking blue Cerakote® ceramic coating, controls the internal rotating dive bezel, a practical tool for underwater adventures. The lower crown, in a more subdued black DLC finish, is used for setting the time and winding the movement. This symmetrical arrangement of the crowns contributes to the watch's balanced aesthetic, enhancing its visual appeal.
Flipping the watch over reveals another dimension of this collaborative creation. The sapphire exhibition case back offers a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of YEMA's in-house CMM.20 micro-rotor caliber. The movement is a testament to YEMA's commitment to high-quality watchmaking, featuring black galvanic decorated bridges and a vibrant red oscillating weight that adds a modern touch.
But it's not just the technical prowess of the movement that captures your attention; it's the artistic flourish that adorns the case back. A delicate koi fish motif, electro-plated onto the sapphire crystal, adds a touch of serenity to the design. The koi, a symbol of perseverance and good fortune in Japanese culture, introduces a sense of tranquility that contrasts beautifully with the bold colors and geometric shapes on the dial. This juxtaposition of vibrant energy and calming symbolism creates a captivating visual narrative, a story told through the language of art and horology.
Courtesy of YEMA
At the heart of this watch beats YEMA's in-house CMM.20 caliber, a micro-rotor movement that showcases the brand's commitment to high-quality watchmaking. This isn't just any movement; it's a testament to YEMA's dedication to innovation and precision. The CMM.20 is a marvel of engineering, boasting a remarkably thin profile of just 3.70mm, allowing for a sleek and comfortable fit on the wrist.
But it's not just about slimness; the CMM.20 is packed with features that enhance its performance and reliability. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping. The incorporation of a tungsten micro-rotor, a high-density material, maximizes winding efficiency, providing an impressive power reserve of 70 hours. This means you can take the watch off for a couple of days and it will still be ticking when you strap it back on.
Further enhancing the movement's precision is the Glucydur balance wheel. This non-magnetic alloy is highly resistant to deformation and temperature changes, ensuring consistent accuracy even in challenging conditions. The CMM.20 is a true workhorse, a reliable and robust engine that powers this exceptional timepiece.
Protecting this mechanical marvel is a 40mm Grade 5 titanium case, coated in black DLC for enhanced durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Titanium is a fantastic choice for watch cases; it's lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it perfect for everyday wear. The black DLC coating adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and wear, ensuring the watch maintains its pristine appearance for years to come.
Courtesy of YEMA
The case design itself is a testament to Silberstein's unique approach. The lugs are integrated into the case back, creating a seamless flow between the case and the strap. This integration not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also contributes to its overall comfort. The dual crown configuration, a hallmark of vintage dive watches, adds a touch of nostalgia while providing functional versatility.
Topping the case is a double-domed sapphire crystal, providing exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. Sapphire crystal is a premium material known for its hardness, ensuring the dial remains protected from the rigors of daily wear. The double-domed shape adds a vintage touch, subtly distorting the view of the dial at certain angles, creating a captivating visual effect.
And speaking of the dial, it's a masterpiece of design and functionality. The matte black dial serves as the perfect canvas for Silberstein's signature playful elements. The vibrant red, yellow, and blue hands stand out against the black background, ensuring excellent legibility. But it's the three-dimensional hour markers that truly steal the show.
These markers aren't just painted on; they're crafted from Super-LumiNova using a unique patented 3D process. This process involves pouring Super-LumiNova into tiny molds, creating miniature blocks that rise above the dial's surface. The result is a mesmerizing display of luminosity, transforming the watch into a beacon of light in low-light conditions.
The YEMA x Alain Silberstein Limited Edition is not just a watch for admiring; it's a watch for wearing, a watch for experiencing. With its 200-meter water resistance, you can confidently take this timepiece on your aquatic adventures. Whether you're diving into the depths of the ocean or simply enjoying a day at the beach, this watch is ready for anything.
Courtesy of YEMA
To further enhance its versatility, the watch comes with two premium FKM rubber straps in black and burgundy. FKM rubber is known for its durability and comfort, making it an ideal choice for a watch that's designed to be worn every day. The straps are secured with a Grade 5 titanium deployant clasp, featuring a black DLC microblasted finish that complements the case.
The YEMA x Alain Silberstein Limited Edition is a limited production run of just 500 pieces, each with its own unique engraved number on the case back. This exclusivity adds to the watch's desirability, making it a true collector's item. With a retail price of $3,900, it offers exceptional value for a watch that combines high-quality watchmaking, innovative technology, and artistic design.