One thing is certain amongst watch collectors: if not all, at least most of us like a good dive watch. Sturdy, cool, purpose-built and suitable in most environments. So, what if you could combine a pretty good dive watch with helping a good cause, of course linked to the aquatic world. This is exactly what the new Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust is, as this limited edition will help protection of manta rays.
CEO of Carl F. Bucherer, Sascha Moeri, quite perfectly sums up the introduction of this new watch, as “By purchasing this model, watch connoisseurs not only become the proud owner of a truly unique timepiece; they also contribute to the conservation of manta rays.” The best of both worlds….
The New Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust
And the watch in question here? Well, to make things simple, the new Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust, as the standard versions of this timepiece, is quite of a dive watch. It comes with a 44.6mm case in stainless steel, which has to be regarded as rather classical – it gathers many of the usual “dive watch codes” – but stands out thanks to its sturdy and highly protected conception. The case is indeed made for action, with a large protection device, in black-coated steel, screwed around the crown.
The bezel, in steel and ceramic (also designed to be extremely solid), shows a deeply fluted profile, which will be easy to use with diving gloves. Finally, a helium escape valve placed at 8 o’clock ends to create a strong package. Thanks to the screwed caseback and crown, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust will be able to withstands 500m of salty water. Definitely not a desk diver – even if many will use it this way… Overall, the construction of this Patravi ScubaTec is very serious and reaches the best standards.
The case’s shape follows the same idea, with strong, rather massive lines. The lugs are sharp and create a bulky watch, however it keeps a certain luxurious appeal. For instance, the watch, despite the 44.6mm diameter, wears comfortable on most wrists. Then, its polished accents (on the bezel or on the side of the lugs), as well as the nicely executed brushings all around make the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec a luxurious tool.
For this Manta Trust limited edition, Carl F. Bucherer has decided to give the Patravi ScubaTec a specific look. Indeed, the dial gets rid of the usual honeycomb pattern for a more subtly grooved dial, in a lively dark grey color. Some manta rays are printed in black – a detail that remains quite discreet when the watch is worn. The ceramic bezel also uses this color scheme, with a combination of dark grey for the first 15 minutes, while the rest of the diving scale is polished black.
The distinctive appliqué indexes are giving the Patravi ScubaTec a certain appeal and, again, a feeling of high quality. However, as a performing dive watch, they also provides, together with the bold hands, a strong nigh-time visibility. To complement this sturdy attire is a black rubber strap secured by a steel, finely adjustable diving folding clasp.
Underneath the specific caseback is the Calibre CFB 1950.1. For this sports watch, Carl F. Bucherer prefers to keeps things simple but reliable. No in-house movement here, like in the Manero watches. Instead is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 – 4Hz frequency, automatic winding, 38h power reserve, 25 jewels – but chronometer rated (with COSC certification). A workhorse that will be both precise and suitable in such a tool watch.
The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust will be a limited edition of 188 pieces only. Price is CHF 5,900 / EUR 5,200. More details on www.carl-f-bucherer.com and www.mantatrust.org.
Carl F. Bucherer – Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust
- Case: 44.6mm diameter x 13.45mm thick – stainless steel with black-coated protections and ceramic bezel – Sapphire crystal on the front – steel caseback – 500m water resistant
- Movement: Calibre CFB 1950.1 based on chronometer certified ETA 2824-2 – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 38H power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Strap: black rubber with finely adjustable diving folding clasp in steel
- Reference: 00.10632.23.33.98
- Price: CHF 5,900 / EUR 5,200