Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black

The popular Patravi ScubaTec Manta Special Edition, released last summer and reviewed previously, was Carl F. Bucherer’s second special-edition dive watch to support the Manta Trust charity (the first one is here). As of April 2020, a new ScubaTec model, decked out in all-black diving gear with no mantas on the dial, will join the ranks of this high-performance diver family. Although the resilient case and technical specifications are identical to the former model, some features have been altered to achieve the striking black look. Meet the new Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black.

All-black

Housed in an ultra-light titanium case, the new Patravi ScubaTec Black has been treated to a matte black DLC coating to beef up its scratch-resistance and give it a more stealth, mission-ready look. At almost 45mm in diameter and 13.45mm in height, the case corresponds to the dimensions of a robust dive watch, which is capable of fathoming depths of up to 500 metres. The unidirectional rotating dive bezel with its knurled 60-minute scale also has a matte black DLC coating and a black ceramic inlay. The screw-down crown and helium escape valve at 8 o’clock display a polished finish to contrast with the predominant presence of matte surfaces. Even the short, blocky lugs feature a bevelled polished edge.

Making waves

Unlike the Manta Special Edition, which made its debut in 2017, the latest Patravi Scubatec Black diver does not feature the manta rays on the dial: instead, the dial is decorated with a stylized wave pattern. The prominent wedge-shaped hour markers stand out boldly against the black background for optimal legibility and are treated with plenty of Super-LumiNova that glows a cool blue colour in the dark. The thick hands are also conspicuous. As you would expect from a professional diver, the all-important minutes hand used to time immersions is completely covered in lume while the hour and central seconds hands only have lume at their tips. Although not a vital feature on a dive watch, the date window positioned at 3 o’clock remains fairly unobtrusive.

Reliable automatic movement

A sealed black caseback, decorated with two manta rays in the centre, protects the automatic calibre CFB 1950-1 (based on the ETA-2824) displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and the date. The precision of this tried-and-tested calibre is certified by COSC, the Swiss chronometer testing institute. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, its somewhat limited power reserve is of 38 hours when fully wound.

Straps and price

Although this watch is not a Black Manta Special Edition designed to raise funds for the Manta Trust, the black strap accompanying the watch is made of a combination of rubber and fabric made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles recovered from the ocean. As an alternative, a simple embossed black rubber strap is also available. The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black is not a limited edition and will be available at retailers in April 2020 with a price tag of EUR 6,400 or CHF 6,900.

More information at carl-f.bucherer.com.