The Yema Superman heritage is a superb tool watch for the summer holidays: a reasonable diameter, vintage charm, plus the sturdiness and water resistance of a new watch. I had decided to wear it on as many occasions as possible. Beaches, boat trips, cycling, hiking: it was spared nothing. Since I'm used to changing watches regularly, I was keen to change straps often to give this summer Yema a variety of looks.
I had already had the chance to try out various combinations of sailcloth straps with vintage Yema Superman watches. The switch to the heritage version, with its different shades of indexes and hands, together with the launch of the Tampa cordura straps, opened up new possibilities.
I had in fact made my first attempts on a 241117 (my first Superman) with the prototype of the La Rochelle strap and then with the Hyères strap.
I then had the good fortune to own a 530016, which could be paired with the straps mentioned above but also with the Douarnenez leather straps.
But let's get back to our contemporary Superman!
Possible pairings: the Yema Superman with the La Rochelle sailcloth strap.
As a reminder, every product in the Avel range is named after a regatta venue where I have had the chance to sail. La Rochelle brings to mind the international sailing weeks, the Pentecost weekends, and the big 5o5 World Championship in 2012…
The La Rochelle strap is made of Kevlar sailcloth, woven with parallel fibers but also black crosshatching. The strap's many geometric patterns make it a poor match for a very busy dial or a dial / hands / bezel combination featuring lots of colors. On a watch with a clean dial such as a Superman or a Submariner 5513, it works wonders. Another point to watch out for: the color of the hands and indexes. The Kevlar weave gives a straw / vanilla color that goes very well with cream or light vanilla indexes. With an overly pronounced orange / pumpkin patina, the pairing with the strap risks clashing.
Fortunately, on the Superman the patina of the indexes is perfect for the La Rochelle's sailcloth. To be completely thorough, I find the first set of hands even better with the strap, but that's a very personal opinion…
The Yema Superman heritage with the Hyères carbon sailcloth strap
Hyères is a regatta venue known around the world; for a long time it hosted the French Olympic sailing weeks for all the crews preparing for the Olympic Games. For me it brings back memories of a 5o5 Europa Cup sailed in very windy conditions and against a particularly strong field.
Although this strap is made of sailcloth, it is perhaps the most understated pairing in this article. Made of carbon sailcloth and edged in black leather, the strap blends perfectly with the bezel and the dial. The carbon gray brings a light touch to the whole without turning the combo into a "Christmas tree"! In the end, this strap is very consistent with the watch, as it evokes technical performance and sport for "casual" wear, yet it can also stay discreet under a shirt. Just like the 39mm Superman heritage! The advantage of this carbon sailcloth strap is that it can be paired with watches featuring multiple colors and complications, because the strap itself does not overload the overall look at all.
Superman and the Tampa strap: lots of colors, all of them winners, except perhaps navy.
Canvas watch straps are often thought of as NATO straps. With its new Tampa range, Avel and Men offers a superb, high-quality canvas alternative with a more classic look. As Agnès Broise, co-founder of the brand and head of design, describes it: "Made in France, blue-white-red bar tack stitching, cordura canvas, leather lining for optimal comfort: the TAMPA, also available in black, navy, sand and khaki, is the very essence of the Avel and Men spirit!"
Let's start with the most classic of all: the Tampa black. Cordura canvas is perfect for the Superman: a casual chic style. Black obviously goes perfectly with the black dial and bezel. The blue-white-red bar tack adds a fun touch to the whole and, of course, proudly spices up this entirely Made in France combination!
Then come the seasonal ones! The Tampa sand strap is perfect for giving your Superman a summery touch: a seaside style, or sailing aboard a classic yacht. The blue-white-red bar tack stands out strongly and, although it is very simple, this combo is perhaps the most extravagant in the whole article. A very relative extravagance, but one that catches the eye. A great way to get compliments on your French Submariner!
The Tampa khaki, currently available for pre-order and launching in mid-September, will be the ideal companion for the fall. Its look turns the Superman into a winter watch. Rumor has it that khaki would make a superb combo with the Superman AA, but we're waiting for the first photos before passing judgment!
By the way, where is Tampa, and why is it an interesting sailing venue? Located on the west coast of Florida, it is one of the must-visit spots for the "Mid Winters" regattas held in March. At that time of year, much of North America is under snow and dreaming of a week of racing in the sun to take a break while waiting for spring!
The Yema Superman and the Douarnenez leather strap.
A leather strap made in France, the Douarnenez was the very first model launched by Avel and Men. This sailing venue in southern Finistère is known for hosting Dragon and dinghy regattas, as well as the Guyader trophy, which has grown considerably in recent years. I have been lucky enough to take part in many regattas in this little corner of paradise.
Watch enthusiasts are divided on this question: can you wear a leather strap with a dive watch? As a vintage collector, it seems quite logical to me to wear dive watches on leather, because the pairings are sometimes very successful, and these old divers can't even handle the dishes anymore! So I tried the Douarnenez cognac (now in stock in 19mm) with the Superman heritage. The result is elegant and simple, and it is very comfortable to wear. Why not rank this combo as the most understated? Because the blue-white-red bar tack adds an original, eye-catching touch.
And finally, to wrap things up, a daring combo! The Yema Superman with the Ouessant storm sailcloth strap ! Orange NATO straps do exist, but the orange storm sailcloth with its leather edging adds a fun yet sophisticated touch. A combo to bring out when braving the storms of the Iroise Sea! As you will have guessed, the name Ouessant was chosen for the island's reputation: "Whoever sees Ouessant sees his own blood." A magical place, but one often swept by storms, known for its strong currents that kick up a nasty sea, and where rocks are many and dangerous, especially when the fog gets involved.
So which one will you choose to go with your Superman heritage? Want to share photos of your Avel and Men straps with your Superman? Write to us!
