188 unique pieces dedicated to the manta rays

Carl F. Bucherer is launching a dive watch series limited to 188 watches and dedicated to the Manta Trust charity.

Manta rays are one of the many sea creatures whose survival is being threatened by overfishing. The Manta Trust – a UK registered charity – is committed to protecting and ensuring the survival of these animals in more than 20 different countries. Carl F. Bucherer has supported this charity for many years in order to help with the conservation of manta rays. This summer, the Swiss watch manufacturer is launching a limited-edition timepiece dedicated to the charity for the first time. Part of the sales proceeds of these 188 watches will go to help finance an entirely new kind of research expedition.

Two manta rays are pictured on the ridged dial of the new Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust watch, appearing as though they are surfacing from beneath the ocean waves. Each watch is truly one of a kind – a unique engraving on the back of the case depicts the pattern on the stomach of a specific individual manta ray captured on camera underwater by Manta Trust CEO Guy Stevens and his team. The identification number is engraved underneath it. This number acts as an access code to a website where the new owner can bestow a name upon this real manta ray.

188 unique pieces dedicated to the manta rays

The new Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust features an automatic helium release valve, making it perfectly equipped for dives of up to 500 meters. The luminescent indices and hands round off its distinctly sporty look and ensure that it is easily readable underwater. "We are proud to be a partner of the Manta Trust. With the new Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust edition, we are paying tribute to the admirable work of Guy Stevens and his team," says Sascha Moeri, CEO of Carl F. Bucherer. "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."

188 unique pieces dedicated to the manta rays

With part of the proceeds from the sale of this watch, Carl F. Bucherer will finance an entirely new kind of scientific expedition, during which data will be gathered that will help to protect the habitat of the manta rays. In August 2017, a team will spend two weeks out at sea monitoring the manta ray population in the waters surrounding the Maldives to analyze their habitat use and feeding habits, as well as the planktonic prey on which the mantas feed. This financing will also aid in the expansion of a database containing over 4,000 recorded individual manta rays in the Maldives, thereby contributing to the wider research being undertaken by the Manta Trust.

"We can only introduce more effective protective-area measures for manta rays once we have identified the areas of critical habitat use for this species", explains Guy Stevens, CEO of the Manta Trust. "Thanks to the support Carl F. Bucherer is providing for our research project on the Maldives this summer, we have the opportunity to make significant progress toward our goal – ensuring a sustainable future for manta rays by protecting and preserving healthy and diverse marine ecosystems."

188 unique pieces dedicated to the manta rays

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Sascha Moeri