TIME TO HELP
188 UNIQUE TIMEPIECES DEDICATED TO COUNTLESS MANTA RAYS
Lucerne, July 3, 2017. Manta rays are one of the many sea creatures whose survival is being threat- ened by overftshing. The Manta Trust – a UK registered charity – is committed to protecting and ensuring the survival of these mysterious and charismatic 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. In the summer of 2017, the Swiss watch manufacturer is launching a limited-edition timepiece dedicated to the charity for the ftrst time. Part of the sales proceeds of these 188 watches will go to help ftnance an entirely new kind of research expedition.
In July 2017, Carl F. Bucherer will launch a dive watch series limited to 188 watches and dedicated to the Manta Trust charity. Two manta rays are pictured on the ridged dial, appearing as though they are surfac- ing 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.
A Limited Edition Timepiece for a Good Cause
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 con- servation of manta rays.”
First Research Expedition of Its Kind
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. The information gathered will be essential for ensuring the survival of the species. The project’s financing will enable the recorded data to be gathered using cutting-edge science, contributing significantly to research findings about how manta rays live and 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.
Guy Stevens, CEO of the Manta Trust, is delighted to strengthen the organization’s partnership with Carl
- Bucherer. “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. Thanks to the support Carl F. Bucherer is provid- ing for our research project on the Maldives this summer, we have the opportunity to make significant pro- gress toward our goal – ensuring a sustainable future for manta rays by protecting and preserving healthy and diverse marine ecosystems.”
Facts and Figures: Patravi ScubaTec Manta Trust Reference number: 00.10632.23.33.98
Movement: Automatic, CFB 1950.1 caliber, chronometer, diameter 26.2 mm, height 4.6 mm, 25 jewels, power reserve 38 hours
Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds
Case: Stainless steel, stainless steel and ceramic bezel, automatic helium valve, screw-down crown, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, water-resistant to 500 m (50 atm), diameter 44.6 mm, height 13.45 mm, unique manta-ray engraving
Dial: Black with two mantas
Strap: Rubber with finely adjustable diving folding clasp in stainless steel
Limited edition: 188 watches