The New Atowak Manta-X Watch Boasts Three World-First Innovations

Mechanical watches often pull inspiration from the natural world, and Atowak‘s latest release runs with that theme in a distinctly unconventional way. The new Atowak Manta-X watch takes cues from the movement of manta rays and the depths of the ocean, pairing those ideas with a high-concept mechanical display and a sculptural case that leans all the way into the brand’s avant-garde brand identity.

At the heart of the Manta-X is a newly developed time display built around not one but three world-first innovations. First is the 180-degree Hexa Prism 3D Wandering Hour System, where a rotating six-sided (instead of the traditional four) hour wheel pivots 60° once per hour at a rapid 0.3-second flip to display the current hour.

Second is the Involute Gear System, which replaces the traditional Maltese cross setup in favor of a more advanced mechanical solution that employs a single-tooth engagement mechanism for a smooth and precisely calibrated 60° flip every hour. Taking cues from the Atowak Cobra, the new hour wheel module has been reworked with a minimalist mortise-and-tenon setup, now built from lightweight composite fiber. A single aluminum shaft holds both the hour wheel and swing arm in place, keeping the look clean and purposeful. Beyond aesthetics, the flexible composite construction helps absorb shocks, eases installation, and boosts long-term stability.

Third is the Tidal Gravitas Minute Wheel System — a cascading display composed of 13 separate disks that flip in sync every five minutes, almost like dominoes toppling in sequence. A central set of drive pins triggers 13 surrounding minute wheels, which flip their yin-yang-style faces every five minutes. Two discs shift in sync to keep the timing precise, while individual bridges hold each wheel in place to reduce drag and keep everything aligned. It’s clever, visually engaging, and engineered for long-term stability.

Between the wandering hours and minutes display, the Manta-X is a theatrical, kinetic sculpture for the wrist that also happens to tell you the time.

Underpinning this spectacle is a modified Swiss Sellita SW200 base movement paired with Atowak’s self-developed AK-07BA module. Despite the added mechanical complexity, the watch stays reliable thanks to 26 ruby bearings and a carbon fiber track system that reduces friction and maintains accuracy within COSC tolerances. Shock-absorbing carbon arms not only support the mechanics but visually nod to the sweeping motion of a manta ray. The sapphire crystal window on the caseback provides a partial view of the movement in action.

The case itself is forged from lightweight Grade 5 titanium and measures 49.5mm across by 42mm top to bottom, with a thickness of 13mm. Sculpted curves and sharp angles give it the fluid-meets-industrial look Atowak is known for, topped with a double-domed sapphire for a full view of the display. Components are treated with Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility — a bioluminescent touch that ties the deep-sea theme together. The crown is placed at 12 o’clock, nestled above the brand’s logo etched on the case. Available in Tidal Blue or Violet Purple, the Manta-X comes with a hybrid leather and nylon strap that keeps things light and textural on the wrist.

This isn’t Atowak’s first unconventional watch, but the Manta-X raises the bar both mechanically and visually. Its suite of technical firsts and bold design make it one of the most ambitious watches the brand has released. Due to its design and mechanical complexities, production of the Manta-X will be limited, priced at $3,800 USD. Pre-orders will begin on April 20, 2025, with deliveries expected to start in July 2025. For more information about the Manta-X watch, please visit the Atowak website.