Certain watches are just fun to review. Sometimes, I’ll get sucked in by an intriguing backstory or a distinctive design feature, but the best review subjects have layers. I may like the look of a watch at first blush, and as I examine it over the next few days, I’ll discover the multiple components that make it such a satisfying whole. Such was my experience with the Edward Christopher Manta Revelare.
The Manta Revelare is Edward Christopher’s second release and a variant of the brand’s original Manta sports watch. It is a limited edition of just 25 units per colorway and costs $2,048. Like its sibling, it features a 40mm case, an internal bezel, a sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance. The key difference is a sapphire exhibition window to display the Sellita SW200-1 (28.8.k bph, 26 jewels) and its custom manta ray rotor.
Integrated-bracelet sports watches have experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past couple of years, and while the Manta echoes some familiar elements in its tonneau case, it quickly sets itself apart from the crowd.
The brushed stainless steel case is 40mm wide, 47.6mm long, and 11.3mm thick, with steeply rounded lugs and polished bevels along the upper and lower edges. That flash of brightwork is repeated in a pair of glorious crowns that are polished and capped with signed and colored heads; the red upper one sports a gear to indicate its operation of the internal timing bezel, while the lower one for the hands is color-keyed to the dial and wears the brand’s E/C hybrid logo. Their size makes for easy operation. As a bonus, the crown tubes match the color as well.
I discovered another uncommon surprise when I set the internal bezel: it’s bidirectional and it clicks, delivering satisfyingly smooth and firm tactile feedback through its 60 positions. Although I love the look of an internal bezel, I find it impossible to rely on them for accuracy because nearly every one I have tested slips out of place when you inevitably and accidentally brush the crown. Not this one. The Manta’s will stay right where it belongs.
While you enjoy this angle in the photo below, take note of the intricate edge on the fixed external bezel. No, it’s not for grip. It just looks amazing.
While we tend to think of 40mm as a mid-sized case, it’s on the large side for a tonneau, as those thick, blunt lugs and flat case sides accentuate its bulk. Consequently, the Manta feels like a formidable watch, even though its compact dimensions allow it to sit comfortably on my rather small 6.75″ wrist. I appreciated this balance. It imparts the sensation of a solid tool watch without creeping into the excesses of some of my diving watches. Of course, if you wanted to dive with the Manta, you could. Triple O-ring gaskets seal the crowns for full 200m water resistance, without the assistance of a threaded scew to compress them.
Edward Christopher went all out on the dial, incorporating guilloché stamping and an ombré fade to maximum effect. While they call this color Sky Blue, I see enough green to put it into the turquoise family. It is a fabulous color, ideal for summer outfits, and holds considerable significance for the brand. The tall applied markers and a semi-skeletonized handset present a bold contrast for easy legibility. On the other hand, the white markings of the bezel fade into the pale blue background.
To be fair, this color way has the least contrast. Other options include Royal Blue, Rose Red, Forest Green, and ever-practical Midnight Black.
BGW9 Super-Luminova does an admirable job on the thicker elements. The bezel markings initially look good, too, but really, you will be relying on the triangle as those slender lines become difficult to read long before the rest begins to fade.
Edward Christopher spared no effort on the strap. It is fitted to the narrow gap with quick-release pins, and flared to fill a 26mm span from edge to edge. The FKM rubber is pliant and vented. Recessed stitching, molded branding, and a heavy, angular buckle finish it off with style. It looks amazing and feels great, but if you really want to use your own, they will gladly sell you a pair of perfectly matched 20mm strap adapters ($79).
What they will not sell you is a bracelet. I found that omission odd because the case style practically begs for one. I mean, I did call it an “integrated bracelet sports watch” at the beginning of the review. For now, at least, it’s better described as “integrated strap.” Even so, I can’t begrudge the choice, as the watch is intended for outdoor use and the color-matched strap is a key part of the Manta’s character.
The Edward Christopher Manta Revelare is a lovely watch that shows every penny of its $2,048 price. Granted, that is no small sum, but you can knock £50 off if you sign up for the mailing list, and the brand pledges that 10% will be donated to a children’s charity, such as Kidscape and King’s Trust.
Head over to edwardchristopher.com for more.
