The black watch trend has exploded over the past several years, with marques throughout the industry rushing to create distinctive PVD and DLC versions of existing sports watch designs. Carl F. Bucherer’s latest entry into this segment, however, goes beyond a simple black coating to deliver a titanium reimagining of the aggressive Patravi ScubaTec diver. The resulting Patravi ScubaTec Black blends elements from across several different models in the lineup, creating one of Carl F. Bucherer’s handsomest combinations in the process. Eagle-eyed viewers might note that this is not the first time this style has been shown to the public, with an extremely similar model appearing as a prototype on the wrist of film star Sylvester Stallone in the 2019 action movie “Rambo: Last Blood.”
Despite being the first regular production full-titanium model in the line, the 44.6 mm DLC coated titanium case of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black did not debut with this watch. Although it first appeared with last year’s Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition, the version here refines the look further with a fully monochrome look. Without any pops of distracting color, the ultra-masculine, almost brutal forms of the design are allowed to shine through. The ceramic bezel, with its oversized blocky numerals and bold diving scale, is a clear highlight, along with the intricately knurled crown. Around back, the caseback is decorated with an intricate etching of a pair of manta rays gliding through the ocean. There’s no attempt to mitigate the size of the case on the wrist at a hefty 13.4 mm-thick, but the slimming effect of black may help the overall proportions in person. The aggressive styling and hefty wrist presence deliver on their promises as well, as the Patravi ScubaTec Black sports a massive 500 meters of water resistance, in part thanks to a helium escape valve at 8 o’clock.
While the case of the Patravi ScubaTec Black is a major departure from the main ScubaTec line, the changes to the dial are far more subtle. The signature fish scale pattern is present here, along with Carl F. Bucherer’s distinctive rounded arrow hands and indices. Where the Patravi ScubaTec Black sets itself apart is in the details – all three hands, along with the applied indices, have also been finished in mirror-polished DLC for a true black-on-black look.
Inside the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black beats the ETA 28284-2 based CFB 1950.1 automatic movement. Although not a truly in-house powerplant, the CFB 1950.1 is heavily modified from the base, achieving COSC-certified chronometer accuracy along with 38 hours of power reserve.
One of the most intriguing new features made for the Patravi ScubaTec Black comes courtesy of its strap selection. While the watch is offered on Carl F. Bucherer’s standard embossed black rubber strap, the alternate choice is far more interesting. As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and rehabilitation, these unique fabric straps are made from 100 percent recycled PET plastics taken from bottles removed from the ocean. This rugged black fabric is then lined with premium black rubber and finished with a folding clasp in DLC-coated titanium.
While the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black breaks little new ground for the brand on its own, the combination of diverse elements from across the ScubaTec line into a coherent package makes this one of the most attractive models in the 2020 lineup. The Patravi ScubaTec Black will be available from authorized dealers in April 2020. Pricing on this model has not yet been announced. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.