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 Patravi Scubatec Verdi, 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 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.

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.

The debate, of course, inevitably falls to the what and the how. Which cause, which organization, where, when. But this is all a discussion which, if allowed to spiral, can overshadow the need which is meant to be addressed. At the end of the day, doing good is better than doing nothing. For Carl F. Bucherer and the Patravi Scubatec release, the focus is on the research and conservation of manta ray populations. This is a cause which will resonate with some and not with others. That’s fine.

The best thing that any watch company can do is to find a good cause that resonates with them or with their customers and dedicate themselves – their visibility, their reach, their resources, whole heartedly to that cause. Luxury companies are in a particularly interesting position to do this. For their part Carl F. Bucherer has chosen, in this instance, to focus on benefiting a particularly magnificent and at-risk creature. Those who purchase and wear Patravi Scubatec Verde will be contributing to this end and wear their watches whilst spreading the word of this important cause and spending some time sharing and protecting the waters that the manta rays call home.

Movement: Automatic, CFB 1950.1 caliber, COSC certified, with 38 hour power reserve
Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds
Case: 44.6mm Stainless Steel case, Ceramic Bezel Insert, screw-down crown, automatic helium escape valve, engraved screw down caseback, 500 meter water resistance
Dial: Green lacquered wave pattern dial, with rhodium plated handset and indices with Super-LumiNova
Strap: Green rubber strap with recycled PET inlay, stainless steel folding clasp with fine adjustment and dive-extension
Price: USD 7,200