The health of the oceans and the biodiversity of their ecosystems are crucial to the health of the planet. That is why Carl F. Bucherer has supported the Manta Trust since 2013. The Patravi ScubaTec Verde marks part of CFB’s contribution in 2023 as the trust embarks on its latest research expedition in Ecuador, home to the world’s largest-known population of oceanic manta rays.
Manta and devil rays are threatened by overfishing, but, with the support of Carl F. Bucherer, the Manta Trust is discovering more about these mysterious, charismatic, and intelligent creatures that boast the largest brains of all fish species. Its work, which includes driving local conservation efforts in collaboration with islanders in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is turning the tide on overfishing and helping preserve manta rays’ precious habitats.
Over the last decade, Carl F. Bucherer has supported the organization’s work, providing funding for ecological studies, research expeditions, and marine education programs. In addition, for some years now, the Swiss watchmaker has also created special diving watches in honour of the Manta Trust, donating a portion of each timepiece’s retail value directly to the charity.
For active lifestyles beneath the waves
This year’s release, the Patravi ScubaTec Verde, is, as the name suggests, presented in a stunning green – from its lacquered dial (with intricate wave design detailing) to its matching bezel and rubber strap with a textile inlay made from recycled PET. Its colour is inspired by the intensely green waters around Isla de La Plata, a small island about 40 kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast that plays host to more than 22,000 oceanic manta rays that gather there every August and September.
This grouping is 10 times larger than any other subpopulation of the species anywhere on earth. In August 2023, Carl F. Bucherer will be fully funding a team of researchers from the Manta Trust and Proyecto Mantas Ecuador to spend two weeks at Isla de La Plata studying the group.
The Patravi ScubaTec Verde is perfectly designed for just such endeavours. Water-resistant to 50 bar – the deepest specification Carl F. Bucherer offers in its diving watches – the watch boasts water-resistant gaskets and a screw-down crown along with an automatic helium valve to ensure gas escapes automatically during dives and ascents in order to prevent damage to the case. The thick sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on both sides. Hands and index markers filled with Super-LumiNova® ensure the time is readable even at the deepest depths; a unidirectional rotating bezel also features a Super-LumiNova point for optimal orientation. A folding clasp with fine adjustment and diving extension adds a further essential element for underwater practicality.
Tagging rays to track their movements
Oceanic manta rays are the largest examples of the manta ray species, with wingspans that can reach up to 20 feet (more than 6 meters). They are also listed as Endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
The research team in Ecuador will spend their time diving with manta rays to measure their size, taking photos to identify individuals, and tagging them to track their movements once they leave the area. The work will allow the trust to monitor the overall health of this population, determine what draws these magnificent creatures to this particular site, and better understand the human impact on rays and their environment. By engaging with the local community and highlighting the significance of this species and its role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem, the team also hopes to generate support for the conservation of this incredible population of endangered oceanic manta rays.
A watch for anyone who loves watersports
As well as accompanying divers beneath the surface, the Patravi ScubaTec Verde is also the ideal partner for anyone who loves watersports on top of the waves or who pursues a particularly active lifestyle in the great outdoors. And, because of the contribution Carl F. Bucherer makes to the Manta Trust for each watch sold, owning a Patravi ScubaTec Verde makes a clear statement that the wearer cares about making a positive impact on the planet.
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Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde Technical Specifications
Reference: 00.10632.23.93.01
Movement
- Automatic, CFB 1950.1 calibre,
- Certified chronometer COSC,
- Diameter 26.2 mm, height 4.6 mm,
- 25 jewels,
- Power reserve 38 hours
- Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds
Case
- Stainless steel, stainless steel/ceramic bezel,
- Automatic helium valve,
- Screw-down crown,
- Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides,
- Water-resistant to 50 bar (500 m),
- Diameter 44.6 mm, height 13.45 mm
Dial
- Green lacquered dial with wave pattern, rhodium-plated index markers filled with Super-LumiNova®
- Hands: Rhodium-plated hands with Super-LumiNova®
Strap
- Green rubber strap with inlay made of recycled PET,
- Stainless steel diver’s folding clasp
About Carl F. Bucherer
Carl F. Bucherer has been crafting watches since 1888 and is internationally renowned for its quality, innovation, and pioneering spirit. CFB is one of only a few remaining independent and founding family-owned Swiss watch manufacturers – it is now led by third-generation family member Jörg G. Bucherer. The brand’s watches continue to evolve, combining contemporary style and advanced materials with the utmost precision and outstanding functionality.
Every timepiece produced is conceptualized, developed, and hand-assembled in its own facilities in Switzerland – with many watches powered by CFB’s own movements, all designed and built entirely in-house. The brand is also the market leader in peripheral technology, having patented not only a peripheral winding system but also a “floating tourbillon” in a peripherally supported cage and a peripherally guided minute repeater regulator.
Since the very start, CFB has adopted an international mindset and a forward-looking attitude, exploring time through the perspectives of watch aficionados everywhere. Today, it showcases its expertise, refined over generations, with a major retail presence spanning four continents. This global network continually reminds the world what remains so special about the craft of Swiss watchmaking.