Atowak introduces a unique satellite wandering-hour timepiece equipped with three world-first innovations, including replacing the traditional Maltese cross with an involute gear system for the wandering hour.
Visually distinguished by a (bullhead) crown at 12, the Manta X features an unorthodox case design, yet measures a relatively standard 42 mm x 13 mm (49.5 mm lug-to-lug) — allowing for an ergonomic fit on the wrist despite its atypical configuration.
Each watch case undergoes 135 meticulous machining stages, resulting in a precision-crafted premium grade 5 titanium (alloyed) exterior that’s as good as watches costing many times more, and that achieves a total weight of just 86.3 grams on the strap. Moreover, with a natural gray titanium hue and surface that’s completely matte finished, the Manta X exudes a high-end aesthetic without the need for cumbersome (heavy) precious metal or other (costly) superfluous elements.
The Manta X comes with the black nylon and leather-lined hybrid strap shown above, and two additional purchase options: a cowhide grained leather strap (blue or purple) and a sustainable Manta X Ray motif leather strap. The straps are custom-fitted to the case and measure 26 mm at the lugs and taper to 20 mm at the titanium buckle. Strap lengths are 125 mm and 80 mm.
With Atowak’s emblem “AK” emblazoned at the top of the case (not on the dial), a titanium knurled crown that’s not protruding on the side of the case, and cut-outs on the case flanks, the Manta X offers a lot of the details found on far higher-priced alternatives, and makes a statement without being ostentatious.
On the dial side, the primary hour satellite display is protected by a highly domed sapphire crystal, with a flat rainbow-shaped crystal over the minutes display.
On the back, a small window reveals the regulation system, which allows you to flip the watch over and see the heartbeat of the watch as it oscillates at 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations to and fro per hour.
Atowak equipped the Manta X with a caliber AK-07BA, a modified Sellita SW200 with a 38-hour power reserve. They then added a module that they developed in-house and additional finishing, such as battle axe-style skeletonized rotor and perlage.
Yes, the Manta-X is powered by a modified Swiss Sellita SW200 movement, however, it’s been significantly altered — including three world’s first horological innovations — with Atowak’s proprietary wandering hour wheel module. Additionally, the module incorporates a carbon fiber hour wheel track system, comprising over 50 components and 26 ruby bearings, ensuring 1/+3 seconds precision (better than the COSC standard). Shock-absorbing carbon arms emulate the hydrodynamic flow of a manta ray, contributing to the timepiece’s refined aesthetic and mechanical efficiency.
World’s First 180° Hexa-Prism 3D Wandering Hour System
At the heart of the model lies Atowak’s groundbreaking 180° Hexa-Prism 3D Wandering Hour System—a world-first innovation that redefines time display. Building upon the traditional tetrahedral star wheel, Atowak has engineered a hexahedral rotating hour wheel that echoes the graceful wingbeats of a manta ray. This unique mechanism completes a 60° rotation every hour, delivering a seamless and dynamic time-telling experience. With a rapid 0.3-second flip and minimized air resistance, the system achieves remarkable efficiency while captivating the eye.
World-First Involute Gear System
Departing from the traditional Maltese Cross mechanism, Atowak introduces a revolutionary involute gear transmission system that sets a new benchmark for precision. This innovation employs a single-tooth engagement mechanism, ensuring a smooth and precisely calibrated 60° flip every hour. By synchronizing time with the effortless fluidity of natural motion, this advancement elevates both functionality and mechanical elegance.
World-First Tidal Gravitas Minute Wheel
Inspired by tidal gravitas, the Atowak Manta X orchestrates the movement of 13-minute wheels with unmatched precision. With component tolerances as tight as 0.003mm, each flip allows the minute wheel to glide effortlessly, mirroring the graceful cascade of a manta ray in a mechanical domino effect.
Integrated Composite Fiber Mortise and Tenon Structure
Building on the Atowak Cobra’s design, the hour wheel module now features an integrated mortise and tenon structure crafted from composite fiber materials. A single aluminum shaft secures both the hour wheel and swing arm for a minimalist, refined look. This composite approach provides the necessary elasticity to counter deformations and external instabilities, simplifying star wheel installation and ensuring overall stability.
Revolutionary Precision: The Minute Wheel Actuation System Redefining Timekeeping
Designed like a mechanical odometer, the system uses drive pins on a central dial to sequentially activate 13 peripheral minute wheels. Every 5 minutes, two adjacent wheels flip their yin-yang faces simultaneously for a precise time display. Dedicated wheel bridges secure each minute wheel, ensuring accurate alignment, reduced transmission load, and enhanced stability.
Intricate Hour Wheel Track Support Structure
The watch’s avant-garde design features a complex hour wheel module comprising over 50 precision-engineered components, creating a breathtaking mechanical aesthetic. To address the increased demands on movement performance due to this complexity, Atowak developed a unique Track Support Structure. This design integrates a finely crafted dial at the module’s base, supported by two robust pillars, effectively reducing movement load and minimizing friction. The outcome is a timepiece that marks each second with exceptional accuracy, exemplifying the harmonious fusion of art and engineering.
Atowak utilized both blue and green emitting Swiss Super-LumiNova coatings to ensure readability in low-light conditions, and to make contrast the different displays.
The tidal gravitas minute discs, coated with luminescent nano-materials, come alive at night, mimicking the phosphorescent glow of deep-sea creatures.
Thoughts
From the finely machined grade 5 titanium case to the wandering hours complication, to the rotating tidal gravitas minute discs with a reversing mechanism, to the hands made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and forged carbon fiber, to the 180° rotating Hexa-Prism 3D wandering hours module that represents three world’s firsts — Atowak is not your ordinary microbrand, or independent. With the Manta X, they’ve achieved something greater. At a retail price of $3,800, companies that make comparable timepieces, yet charge 20x+ the price, are hereby put on notice.
The Manta X is available as a limited production, in Tidal Blue and Violet Purple, available for pre-order starting Monday, April 21, 2025 (shipping in July 2025).
Learn more at Atowak.
Photos by Atowak.
