The only reason most watchmakers pay attention to manta rays is as the potential for an exotic strap, but not so Carl F. Bucherer. The watchmaker may have gone on a retro kick this year, but that hasn’t halted their efforts to save the angles of the sea with the new Patravi Scubatec Black Manta Special Edition.

The Patravi Scubatec is already a serious diving watch, going above (or should that be under) and beyond the required 300m to a staggering 500m. It has the necessary rotating bezel, the lume and the case more hardwearing than a diving bell. More importantly though, this particular version can help save the elusive manta ray.

You see, while you’re slowly fumbling around in the depths in your scuba gear, the rays are the epitome of grace, eerily beautiful. Yet with the oceans going the way they are – i.e. downhill – they’ve started to suffer. The UK-based Manta Ray Trust is helping to stop that. It’s tough work for sure, but necessary all the same.

The new special edition Scubatec references its association in plain sight with the silhouettes of a pair of rays in golden brown swimming across the dial. They match the danger colour of the rotating bezel perfectly and light up the otherwise pure black. Throw in the same colour in the strap’s contrast stitching and you have a handsome if unusual piece of oceanic horology.

This may not be the first time Carl F. Bucherer have released a conservationist limited edition, but it’s far the more handsome of the two. It’s good to know that you can save the world with a watch.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition

Ref: 00.10632.28.33.99 Case: 44.6mm diameter x 13.45mm height, DLC-coated titanium, titanium/ceramic bezel, automatic helium release valve, screw-down crown, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides

Dial: Black dial with manta ray silhouette Movement: Automatic, CFB 1950.1 caliber, COSC-certified chronometer

Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds Power Reserve: 38h

Water Resistance: 500m (50 bar)

Strap: Rubber strap with recycled PET textile layer, diving folding clasp in DLC-coated

titanium Price: CHF 6,900



For more information visit Carl F. Bucherer’s website.