FEATURE:

Borrowed Time: Reviewing the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec in Rose Gold


Despite a recent focus on high horology found in watches like the Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral, one of the mainstays within the Carl F. Bucherer catalog since its 2013 debut is the ScubaTec series of dive watches. Part of the wider sport-watch focused Patravi family, the ScubaTec series is defined by its high degree of water resistance and the recognizable honeycomb-like pattern on the dial meant to resemble the scales of a fish.

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec in Rose Gold

At Baselworld 2019, Carl F. Bucherer revealed a new version of the ScubaTec that featured a silhouette of the line’s longtime mascot, the manta ray, on the dial. While this new version of the ScubaTec is certainly appealing due to its attractive black-and-orange accents and its association with the Manta Trust charity — an organization focused on conserving the natural habitat of the manta rays — we recently were able to spend a little time with a previous edition of the ScubaTec in rose gold.

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec in Rose Gold

Offering a decidedly luxurious take on a divers’ watch, the rose-gold version of the ScubaTec maintains an equally robust performance underneath the waves as its more accessible siblings. Tested to 500 meters of water resistance, the case measures a bit more than 44 mm in diameter, but thanks to its relatively modest 13.45 mm height and short lugs, the watch contours nicely to the wrist. The case construction was designed with a number of straight lines and curvy angles, that are enhanced by a blend of polishing and brushing.

The notched, unidirectional rotating bezel features a ceramic insert, indicating the first 15 minutes of dive time, in a bright blue color that matches the dial tone. The crown, decorated with the brand’s emblem and flanked by a blackened titanium crown guard, screws down securely and the sapphire crystal is nearly 4 mm thick. There is also an automatic helium valve made of blackened titanium on the side of the case, which protects the watch from damage from pressure changes when it is worn by a diver ascending and descending in a diving bell.

A white date window is placed at 3 o’clock, which might frustrate some enthusiasts, but overall the dial is extremely legible thanks to the distinctive, applied hour markers that have been filled with blue Super-LumiNova. The caseback, made of blackened titanium, features a relief depicting two manta rays, another reference to Carl F. Bucherer’s sea creature of choice. The movement is automatic Caliber CFB 1950.1, which has been certified by COSC as a chronometer and maintains a power reserve of 38 hours. The rubber strap has a diving clasp made of rose gold and blackened titanium.

The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec in rose gold (Ref. 00.10632.22.53.01) has been a part of the brand’s catalog since 2015. It’s priced at $23,600

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