With the addition of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde, a beefy, no-nonsense professional diver’s watch (complete a beautiful green lacquered wave dial and helium escape valve) Carl F. Bucherer continues their support of Manta Trust, a UK based organization which endeavors to research and protect Manta Rays the world over.
Each year, in the waning summer months of August and September, massive schools of Manta Rays numbering over 22,000 are found along the shores of Isla de la Plata in Ecuador. Floating through the clear, warm, aquamarine waters like oceanic angels, the majestic and somewhat mysterious spectacle draws thousands of tourists to this paradise each year. But the onslaught of threats against marine wildlife is ever present and unrelenting, and the ethereal manta ray is no exception. For with those well-meaning visitors brings a myriad of ecological pressures, the impacts of which are just now beginning to be understood.
In the continuation of a philanthropic partnership spanning the past decade, Carl F. Bucherer has released their latest dive watch, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde, in support of Manta Trust. The Patravi Scubatec is the most robust and capable diver that Carl F. Bucherer currently produces and joins the collection now in a vibrant green colorway – the undulating wave pattern upon its lacquered dial mirroring the pulsing motion of the warm, tropical, Ecuadorian waters.
Rated to a depth of 500 meters, the muscular 44.6mm stainless steel case is no mere desk diver. On the contrary, in addition to the normal trappings of a proper, professional dive watch (ceramic green bezel insert, sapphire crystal, screw down crown and water-resistant gaskets throughout) the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde also boasts an automatic helium escape valve. In keeping with the environmental spirit of this collaboration, the matching green rubber strap, which comes complete with a folding clasp and fine adjustment along with a dive extension, incorporates recycled PET plastic into its construction. Make no mistake – Carl F. Bucherer intends these COSC certified watches to be used diving to the depths and preferably marveling at the miraculous marine wildlife that calls our oceans home.
Upon the screw down caseback is a serene engraving of two manta rays, symbols of the collaboration between Carl F. Bucherer and Manta Trust. Formed in 2011, Manta Trust was established with the goal of conducting global research projects focusing on manta rays and their natural environments in the furtherance of conservation efforts. During its over ten years of existing, Manta Trust has been instrumental in creation of multiple international protections for manta rays under the CITES treaty. In furtherance of the goal to better understand and protect manta rays, the Patravi Scubatec Verde’s announcement coincides with an exciting undertaking – a two-week, in-depth study of the manta ray gathering off the coast of Isla de La Plata. This study, which will be conducted with researchers from Manta Trust and Proyecto Mantas Ecuador, will be fully funded by Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde.
The world of luxury, with its craftsmanship, artistic intention, and fine, opulent details, is all well and good. Sometimes, beautifully made things exist for the sake of themselves – beauty for the sake of beauty. Indeed, this is among the core reasons for many an artistic endeavor. But, in a day and age when the world is teetering upon the precipice on utter ruin on multiple fronts – economic, geo-political, and perhaps most urgently, environmental – it is not enough for companies to relish the fruits of fortune and wealth. No, companies must endeavor to do good as well. This can, of course, come in many forms, from offsetting the impact of their production through responsible manufacturing practices, to using their not so insignificant presence to amplify the messages of a meaningful cause.
