Of all the Carl F. Bucherer collections, the Patravi TravelTec is definitely my favorite. The latest edition from one of the oldest family-owned Swiss watchmakers sees the watch dressed in a new, petrol-blue skin. The sophisticated colorway certainly suits this high-functioning traveler’s companion and retains the high-contrast legibility the previous versions with black dials were known for. The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi TravelTec in petrol blue is able to show the time in three time zones using a traditional time display, a 24-hour GMT hand, and an internal rotating bezel. The absence of an external bezel increases the dressiness of this piece, making it a very distinct alternative to the popular style of GMT watches like the Rolex GMT Master II or the Tudor Black Bay Pelagos.

In addition to displaying three time zones, the Patravi TravelTec also boasts a chronograph function. A 30-minute counter can be seen at 9 o’clock, while a 12-hour register resides at 6. The going seconds sub-dial is located at 3 o’clock, which means the magnified date window is shunted to between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The most obvious update here is the color, with a blue ceramic bezel (which the marketing material tells us is suitable for the summer, thanks to it being cool to the touch — rejoice) stealing the show. The watch retains the same dial layout as previous iterations, which differs from the TravelTec II that places the “East/West” printing on the dial at 6 o’clock instead of  12, reducing the available space for the chronograph hour counter, which has to be shrunk.

Thanks to the TravelTec’s robust 46.6mm diameter, none of this information appears cramped or cluttered, and the sweet cut-out hands mean that very little of the dial is obscured by them, despite their decent legibility. The COSC certified chronometer movement guarantees the high-precision of the in-house CFB 1901.1 automatic movement, meaning that not only can you read the information clearly, but it’s also very likely to be accurate, too — which is exactly what you’d expect when you’re spending five-figures on a high-tech timepiece).

The automatic CFB 1901.1 caliber has a 28.6mm diameter, 7.3mm height, 39 jewels, and a power reserve of 42 hours. The cased-up height of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi TravelTec (ref. 00.10620.23.53.01) is 15.5mm, meaning the watch will be quite tall on the wrist. Unfortunately, as with many travelers’ watches, the TravelTec is only water-resistant to 50 meters. Although it is much more a watch for the departure lounge than it is the poolside, it always seems a little bit of a shame to me that diving straight from a private jet into a jacuzzi is not a good idea if you want your travel timer to keeping ticking (sigh).

On the plus side, if you do get this watch wet, the strap won’t mind one jot. The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi TravelTec in petrol blue is fitted with a blue rubber strap with contrast stitching and a folding clasp in stainless steel. This chromatic update to one of Carl F. Bucherer’s most impressive collections has a surprising retail price of $10,900, which is the same as the bare steel version. Learn more at carl-f-bucherer.com.