The Patravi ScubaTec from Carl F. Bucherer is a purpose-built luxury dive watch collection that sometimes takes on a higher purpose by supporting charitable causes. In an ongoing partnership with the UK-based charity, the Manta Trust, the Swiss watch brand is highlighting its role in wildlife and ocean conservancy by producing a new version specifically dedicated to the black manta ray. Black manta are giant, exotic sea creatures that are harmless to humans and seriously endangered by the effects of pollution.
Following a previous limited-edition, manta ray-themed watch, Carl F. Bucherer has released this non-limited “Special Edition.” The Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta features a lightweight titanium case, DLC-coated in all black with bronze-colored highlights on the dial and a “titanium/ceramic” bezel. Measuring 44.6mm wide by 13.45mm thick, this is a serious, bold-wearing dive watch featuring a helium escape valve (for saturation diving) and 500m of water-resistance.
The dials prominently feature the shapes of manta rays, as does the solid, engraved case back. Underneath, the Patravi ScubaTec is powered by the brand’s CFB 1950.1 a COSC chronometer-certified automatic movement based on the ETA 2824-2, with 38 hours of power reserve. In addition to support of the Manta Trust, Carl F. Bucherer further highlights ocean conservancy in the material used to make the rubber and textile straps of the Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta: the textile part of each strap is composed of around 30 recycled plastic bottles specifically from the Mediterranean Sea, similar to the “upcycled” straps some other environmentally conscious brands have used.
The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition has a price of $7,200 and will be available as of September 2019.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Deep Blue Daynight Tritdiver T-100 Watch ($599 $416)
Seiko Samurai Save the Ocean Dive Watch ($525)
Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial Dive Watch ($3,635)
