Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition

An increasing number of ray species are facing extinction. In tune with their sustainability commitment, Carl F Bucherer has supported Manta Trust since 2017 to advocate for the protection of rays. Following a first ScubaTec Manta Edition released in 2017, the “Black Manta” is Carl F. Bucherer second’s special-edition dive watch to support the charity activities and raise awareness for their cause. In particular, thanks to the brand’s support, Manta Trust will be able to launch an explorative research project to better understand the movement patterns and behaviour of manta rays in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Manta Trust

Manta Trust is a UK-based charity whose goal is to protect rays and the marine ecosystem where they thrive. Manta Trust is active in over 20 countries. Their approach relies on three pillars: research, education and collaboration. Manta rays are gentle giants that feed primarily on plankton. These filter feeders are therefore vulnerable and impacted by their habitat degradation and the effects of global warming. Swimming with their mouth wide open, plastic ingestion is a deadly reality. Other threats include commercial fishing, unregulated tourism, collision with ships…

The Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta

The special edition watch we are going hands-on with here is based on the Patravi ScubaTec. The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta is released in DLC-coated titanium with a bronze colour theme across the case, dial and strap. Besides the new material, the case of this special edition is the same as for the previous versions with its 44.6mm diameter. The use of titanium makes it strong, lightweight, as well as comfortable to wear despite the imposing dimensions.

Standing out with its clean, geometric lines, this modernly designed dive watch features professional diving specs. The unidirectional bezel in titanium and ceramic comes in two-tone black and bronze colour. The knurled edges offer an excellent grip when setting the dive time. The luminescent capsule on the zero marker ensures high legibility. The large, easy-to-operate screw-down crown helps support the 50ATM/500m water-resistance of the watch. The case of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta comes with a helium relief valve at 8 o’clock. Last, the screwed caseback is engraved in relief with a black manta, the animal that inspired the limited edition.

The dial features an elegant pair of mantas in bronze colour in its centre. It is quite unusual but it does look good. Together with the raised hour markers, the horizontal grooves on the dial create a great sense of depth. All indications are legible at a glance and the generous use of Super-LumiNova allows for easy and accurate timekeeping in all conditions. The simple date display at 3 o’clock remains unobtrusive in the dial design.

Inside the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta is 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-test calibre is certified by the COSC, the Swiss chronometer testing institute. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, its power reserve is of 38 hours when fully wound.

In tune with the environmental theme of the watch, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special edition is worn on a rubber and textile strap mostly made of recycled PET. It is secured to the wrist by a DLC-coated titanium folding buckle with a divers’ extension. Price is set at CHF 6,900.

For more information, please visit www.carl-f-bucherer.com and www.mantatrust.org.