ATOWAK MANTA-X Bleu Marée

I own several Atowaks. I love all of them, but the Manta X is head and shoulders above all the others. If you are considering buying one, I encourage you to go ahead. Here’s what I think in a bit more detail (I have put the key points in CAPITALS in case the rest is tl;dr - hope it doesn't come across as shouting).

THE NEW SELLITA MOVEMENT IS FANTASTIC. There is nothing wrong with the Miyota movements in the earlier watches, but winding the Manta X is an experience on a different level of sophistication.

THE REMARKABLE TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS PRECISELY SERVE THE DESIGNER'S GOALS. This is the world’s first hexadecimal wandering hours display, comprising a 180-degree minute track built of blocks that rotate to display the minutes as the hour indicator engages them, and then rotate again to go blank once it has passed. (I wish I could write a description as elegant as the complication itself, but it has proved beyond me.) On some previous models (notably the Spaceship) I have found it difficult to tell the time at a glance. Emphatically not here.

THE PRESENTATIONAL DETAILS ARE IMMACULATE. Case and clasp are immaculately finished in grade 5 titanium. The crown (not always a strength on previous models) is well-sized and chunkily knurled, making winding a pleasure. The domed main crystal is coated to reduce reflection and allow full enjoyment of the elegantly layered 3D dial, whose depths glow with brilliant colour (blue or purple, depending on the model) in just the right light.

THE STRAPS ARE FANTASTIC. The included strap is first rate – the Nylon outer gives structure and a whiff of ruggedness, while the leather inner is soft and very comfortable. But it is still worth splashing out on the Manta Ray version. I know: you haven’t tried this material before. Or this colour. And you never thought you would wear leather that sparkled. Treat yourself. A watch this different deserves a strap this distinctive.

IT IS NOT LIKE ANYTHING ELSE. We all know where previous models got their inspiration, sometimes arguably a bit too directly. By contrast, the Manta X is genuinely original in both form and execution. However, it is still distinctively an Atowak. This strikes me as very clever indeed.

IT IS EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY. There are reviews on YouTube which huffily refer to the depth of competition at this price point. I hope the considerations set out above demonstrate that this is nonsense. You can indeed get a great watch for this money. You cannot get anything that offers the Manta X’s combination of quality, imagination and execution.

IT'S NOT PERFECT. Firstly, this is a big and imposing watch which will not suit every wrist or match every outfit. Secondly, I'd like to be able to see more of that Sellita movement, but the exhibition window is frustratingly tiny. Thirdly, it is a shame that the marvellous Manta Ray leather strap does not come as standard. What is more, changing the strap is a fiddly nightmare requiring the user to use a sharp little screwdriver, a tool I prefer not to wield near any watch case, grade 5 titanium or not. None of these things should put you off.

IT HINTS AT GREAT THINGS TO COME. There is another firm – one with which Atowak enthusiasts may be familiar – that started humbly, but which has gone on to combine radical innovations in both design and technology to brilliant effect. If Atowak continue down the route indicated by the Manta X, maybe one day they will do the same. More please.

I often catching myself, staring at the watch not looking at the time, but enjoying the working of the hour satellite and the flipping minute. It is so therapeutic looking at how it works.

It is also a conversation piece with friends and colleagues asking….“What is that?” And I will take time explaining to them.

It sits well on the wrist, comfortable and lite.

I got my Manta-X 2 weeks ago. I love wandering hour complications but I can’t afford an Urwerk at this time. From my research ATOWAK makes the highest quality wandering hour watches for an affordable price. The Manta is not an Urwerk copy, it is original, innovative and so cool. I have not taken it off since I got it,. It keeps great time, I haven’t had to reset it. Absolutely 5 stars!

This unusual watch catches the eye wherever you go. The innovations behind the watch come secondary to the visual impact this watch makes. It is beautiful.

All in all, a great watch makers.Thank you.