Mantaray Watch

An In-Depth Look at the Stylish and Affordable Timepieces From This Trendsetting Brand

As more and more people become interested in affordable yet stylish watches, Mantaray has emerged as a popular brand combining quality materials with eye-catching designs at reasonable prices. Known for their unique sea-themed aesthetic, Mantaray timepieces are versatile accessories that can complement both casual everyday outfits and dressier looks.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key features that make Mantaray watches worth considering for your next wristwatch purchase or gift. We’ll cover pricing, styles, durability, and compare them to competitors so you can determine if Mantaray is the right brand for your taste and budget. Read on to dive deeper into this intriguing watchmaker!

An Overview of Mantaray as a Watch Brand

Mantaray is a UK-based fashion watch brand owned by the crew clothing company. Inspired by the grace and beauty of manta rays in the ocean, the brand aims to evoke a sense of marine life through its watch designs and marketing. The image of the manta ray serves as their iconic logo emblazoned on every watch face.

Mantaray joined the accessible fashion watch market in 2007 when quartz movement watches took off as an affordable alternative to luxury automatic timepieces. They established themselves as a youthful, creative brand appealing to teenage, college students, and young professionals seeking modern wristwatch styles to complement their casual everyday outfits or add a stylish accent piece for going out.

Over the years, Mantaray has expanded their catalog from basic fashion quartz watches to include more premium materials such as leather, rose gold, and stainless steel while still maintaining reasonable price points appealing to shoppers on a budget. The brand offers an extensive selection of men’s and women’s wristwatches including both digital and analog designs.

Where To Buy Mantaray Watches

Given their affordable price points, Mantaray watches are primarily sold online through the official Mantaray website as well as major ecommerce marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.

The full collection of their latest watch releases and popular mainstay styles can be browsed on Mantaray.com. Their website offers detailed product descriptions, specifications, and lifestyle photos to showcase the watches.

Mantaray watches are also sold by authorized retail partners including main street stores like Debenhams or Watchshop in the UK and Europe. Sometimes physical retailers carry different or limited selections focusing on best-selling models.

For the widest selections and easy doorstep delivery, online marketplaces like Amazon provide a convenient way to order Mantaray watches with just a few clicks. The prices are very reasonable on Amazon, often listing them 20-25% cheaper than RRP. You can find both brand new and pre-owned/discounted listings.

eBay also has a broad selection of Mantaray wristwatches listed by independent sellers, sometimes offering deals on discontinued or hard-to-find vintage models no longer sold officially. This allows you to search for rare or unique watch styles.

Mantaray Watch Quality and Construction

Considering their affordable price tags, ranging $25-$100 USD, Mantaray watches offer respectable quality and durability. They are not luxury timepieces full of premium materials and complex mechanics, but are reliable for daily casual wear.

Most Mantaray watches feature either metal, silicone/rubber, or leather straps. The metal used is stainless steel, rose gold steel, or brass plating which resist wear over time. Silicone rubber straps are flexible and waterproof. Leather ranges from genuine to faux but provide a stylish look.

Their watch cases come in stainless steel, resin, and brass with mineral glass crystal faces protecting the watch dial. Resincases are lightweight and durable while stainless steel gives a classier finish. Brass has vintage appeal but may tarnish over time if not maintained.

Quartz movement powers most Mantaray watches with some digital models running on button cell batteries. Quartz provides accurate timekeeping for an accessible price. Some models add chronograph subdials or date windows as useful complications. The watch hands and hour markers are lumed on certain dive watches.

Water resistance varies from 30m to 100m depending on the watch style. Many of their fashion watches lack significant water resistance and are only splash/rain proof. Select diver designs can be swam with.

Overall, Mantaray watches are suitable for daily casual wear but may not withstand intensive sports or years of rough use before needing replacement. Their affordable prices means the materials and craftsmanship have understandable limitations.

Mantaray Watch Styles and Designs

One of the appealing aspects of Mantaray is the variety of stylish and colorful designs across their watch selection. They aren’t limited to conservative classic looks and often experiment with creative dial patterns plus modern case shapes.

Most Mantaray watches have an underlying nautical ocean theme with complementary blue, green, and white colors. But they also offer plenty of choices in black, rose gold, silver, and other tones to suit any preference.

For the dial and face, you’ll find interesting textures like Waves, Sunray, Cloudes squares, and Sharkskin. The hour markers and hands come in different thicknesses and luminous paint colors. Lumed designs glow in the dark.

Case shapes include classic rounds, rectangles, divers, and fashionable ovals. Slim cases look great with business attire while chunky robust cases compliment casual streetwear. Their crown designs also vary from large prominent knurls to sleek low-profile push/pulls.

Straps also come in many materials from stainless steel bracelets to two-tone metal-and-leather mixes. Textured silicone straps contrast glossy resin options. Natos, perlons, and slim leathers provide lightweight comfort.

Whether you prefer understated minimal dials or flashy chronograph complications, there’s ample design variety across the Mantaray watch selection. The brand avoids stale and repetitive looks year after year.

Mantaray Watches for Men and Women

Mantaray offers watches tailored specifically for men or women. However, many of their simpler fashion watch styles work fine as unisex models if you prefer a neutral wristwatch. The size tends to be the main difference.

For ladies, Mantaray provides delicate thin cases sized 36-40mm. Dials often use sparkling crystals as hour markers and pastel color shades. Slim leather straps with tang buckles are common. The overall aesthetic skews feminine and elegant.

Men’s Mantaray watches bulk up to 44-50mm case diameters with thicker cases and straps. Instead of dainty leather bands, men’s models use bold stainless steel bracelets or black silicone straps. Darker colors like gunmetal, blue, and black suit a masculine vibe.

That said, women can still wear many of the midsize unisex styles (40-44mm) if they prefer a sporty watch. And men comfortable with smaller wristwatches can find suitable options among the ladies designs. Browse all categories to see the most choices.

Mantaray Watch Price Range

Given their positioning as an affordable fashion brand, most Mantaray watches cost $50-100 USD at full retail price. However, discounts or sales can bring certain models closer to the $20-50 range occasionally. This makes them quite budget-friendly for shoppers.

Their lowest-priced watches are plastic fashion watches with Japanese quartz movements around $25-60. These use resin cases and silicone straps. They make great beater watches for daily activities where metal watches are impractical.

Higher quality stainless steel models with mineral crystal glass and chronograph complications run $70-100 retail. More premium materials like sapphire glass and gold-tone plating push some designs closer to $150-200. But prices rarely exceed $250 for specialty models.

Overall, the diverse price range lets shoppers at any budget find a stylish Mantaray watch fitting their needs. And competitive sales prices online make them even more affordable. The cost matches their positioning as fun fashionable accessories, not luxury heirlooms.

Mantaray Watch Band and Strap Options

Mantaray offers dozens of watch band varieties across their collection to go with different case designs and styles. This allows buyers to choose the ideal strap material and appearance to match their needs and outfit combinations.

Here are some of the most popular Mantaray watch strap options:

• Stainless steel bracelets – The most common metal band, available in silver, black, rose gold, and two-tone. Matches steel case watches.
• Leather straps – Genuine and faux leather in various colors. Provides a dressy look.
• Silicone rubber – Sporty and flexible. Ideal for water activities. Durable and hypoallergenic.
• NATO fabric – Woven nylon paired with steel cases for military vibe. Offers security from moisture.
• Perlon – Breathable nylon alternative to NATO. Very lightweight and comfortable in hot weather.
• Mesh – Made of interlocking steel links for a unique style. Allows the skin to breathe.

Mantaray’s mix of men’s and women’s straps in different materials lets buyers customize their watch. You aren’t limited by the default strap paired with a particular watch case design. Their straps are interchangeable if you want to modify the look later on.

Water Resistance Rating for Mantaray Watches

The intended activity and environment where you plan to use your Mantaray watch will determine what level of water resistance you need when choosing a model.

Here is a breakdown of the water resistance ratings found on Mantaray watches:

• 30m – Splash/rain resistant only. Avoid water exposure and submersion.
• 50m – Safe for showers, swimming pools, and shallow snorkeling. Not suitable for diving.
• 100m – Appropriate for recreational swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and diving. Not for scuba depths.
• 200m+ – Specialized dive watches rated for prolonged underwater use and deep scuba diving. Uncommon for Mantaray.

For a classic fashion watch meant for daily office or casual wear, 30-50m water resistance is adequate. But those wanting to swim or dive with their Mantaray watch should seek 100m+ ratings for reliability at greater depths.

Always check the caseback specs since water resistance varies widely across the Mantaray collection depending on materials and gaskets used. Don’t assume a model is waterproof without verifying.

Mantaray Watch Features and Complications

While most Mantaray watches simply tell the time with an analog display, some models offer extra functions through complications that enhance their utility:

• Chronograph – A stopwatch function with pushers and subdials to time events. Useful during races, cooking, or exercise. Requires a quartz movement.
• Tachymeter – Measures speed based on travel time over a fixed distance. Found on some chronographs. Helps gauge nautical miles per hour.
• Date window – Small aperture on the dial that displays the current date, often at 3 or 6 o’clock positions. Cycles each day.
• Alarm – Digital Mantaray watches may have an alarm you can set. Emits an audible beep at the desired time. Helpful as a schedule reminder.
• Backlight – Illuminates the watch dial using LEDs or luminous paint to read the time in the dark. Indispensable feature for divers.
• Dual time – Allows tracking a second time zone, usually via an extra hand circling the dial each 24 hours. Makes coordinating travel easy.

Complications add functionality but also increase the price. Assess whether these extra features are worth it or if you prefer a simpler, classic wristwatch design.

Mantaray Watch Durability and Longevity

As an affordable fashion brand, Mantaray does not position itself as a maker of heirloom watches, but their timepieces can still provide years of enjoyment with proper care and maintenance.

Owners report Mantaray watches lasting 2-5 years or longer. But very cheap $20 plastic models may only survive a year with heavy use. Higher quality stainless steel watches with sapphire glass can endure 5-10 years if treated well.

Here are tips to extend the longevity of a Mantaray watch:

• Avoid exposing it to moisture beyond its water resistance rating to prevent corrosion.
• Prevent knocks and drops that can shatter glass or damage movements.
• Use watch cases and screen protectors during rugged activities.
• Avoid opening the caseback yourself and let a watchmaker change batteries to maintain water sealing.
• Clean regularly with a microfiber cloth and avoid chemical cleaners damaging the case.
• Consider replacing the strap once it becomes worn, discolored, or irritating to skin.

For a budget timepiece, Mantaray watches meet general expectations for lifespan. Handle them with care and their stylish designs can grace your wrist for many years before needing replacement!

Caring for Your Mantaray Watch

Mantaray watches aren’t high maintenance but still require basic care to keep them looking and performing their best over years of use:

• Avoid exposing watches rated only 30m water resistant to moisture which could leak inside and cause rust or fogging.
• Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt, sweat, and oils from the case and crystal without scratching surfaces.
• If using leather straps, condition them every few months with a leather care balm to maintain softness and suppleness.
• Take watches off before showering, swimming, exercising, gardening, and cleaning to prevent damage from knocks and prolonged moisture exposure.
• When not wearing your watch, store it in a watch case, box, or organizer to avoid scratches.
• Avoid dropping your watch on hard surfaces which could chip/crack the crystal or damage internal components.
• Every 12-24 months, replace the wristwatch battery to keep it running smoothly rather than letting it die.
• Consider an occasional professional cleaning/pressure testing to maintain water resistance and extend lifespan.

With periodic care and avoidance of abuse, a Mantaray watch can keep you looking stylish for years to come!

Battery Replacement in Mantaray Watches

Many Mantaray watches run on easily replaceable button cell or coin batteries to power their quartz movements. Battery life is generally 1-3 years before needing a swap for fresh power.

When your Mantaray watch starts running erratically, loses time, or stops altogether, it’s a sign the battery needs replacement. Some models have an end-of-life indicator that flashes when close to dying.

Swapping batteries in quartz Mantaray watches is a simple and inexpensive fix any local watch repair shop can handle. Expect to pay $5-20 for the labor plus the cost of a common watch battery around $1-5.

However, it’s advised you have the watch’s water resistance tested after a battery change since opening the caseback risks compromising the gaskets. A pressure test confirms it maintains factory specs for submersion and dive watches.

With basic batteries powering them, you can keep your Mantaray watches running for years just by making occasional battery changes. No need to discard them just because the battery died!

Mantaray Watches for Formal and Casual Wear

The versatility and diversity of the Mantaray watch collection means you can find styles suitable for both dressy formal occasions and relaxed everyday casual outfits:

For formal wear, consider sleek stainless steel Mantaray watches with clean dials and thin leather straps in black, brown, or navy. Silver, white, or black dials keep the look classic and sophisticated. Understated roman numeral markers add elegance.

For casualwear, Mantaray offers plenty of colorful plastic and silicone sport watches with bold oversized cases and chunky polyurethane straps. Blue, green, and red dials with geometric patterns inject playful character into relaxed weekend outfits.

Of course, many Mantaray watches including classy divers and vintage-inspired chronographs work well for both casual and formal contexts. The brand offers parallel styles tailored specifically for men versus women.

No matter your personal style, checking Mantaray’s extensive catalog will reveal elegant, eye-catching, and quirky designs suitable for any occasion, both at the office and on your own time. Their watches complement outfits across the formality spectrum.

Where Mantaray Watches Are Made

Mantaray does not manufacture their own watches but partners with factories in China, Japan, and Hong Kong to source quality timepieces at affordable pricing for the brand to sell under their unique name and style.

These facilities are equipped to assemble automatic movements, apply unique dial designs, and integrate cases/straps into finished wristwatches before undergoing quality control and shipping to Mantaray’s distribution centers.

By leveraging the cost savings and efficiencies of outsourced Asian manufacturing, Mantaray watches can offer attractive designs built with reliable quartz, chronograph, and automatic movements at affordable prices compared to European luxury brands who produce in-house.

Mantaray still maintains creative oversight and input on designs even though physical manufacturing is handled overseas. The brand has access to the latest watchmaking technologies and production innovations which translate into great value for shoppers without sacrificing on style.

Mantaray’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Watch Efforts

With growing consumer interest in environmentally-conscious products, Mantaray has responded by offering watch collections made from recycled and upcycled materials in partnership with eco-minded suppliers.

For example, their Regenerated Nylon watch series features cases made from recycled ocean plastic and straps woven from reclaimed fishing nets. This prevents tons of plastic pollution from entering waterways and provides an eco-friendly plant-based nylon material.

Mantaray also uses sustainable sourcing practices for leather, wood, and paper used in certain watchstrap designs. Their extensive line of silicone rubber straps utilizes a non-toxic form fitting wrist comfortably while being fully recyclable.

While their watches aren’t all 100% sustainable yet, Mantaray makes tangible efforts towards utilizing recycled materials and ethically-sourced components across increasing segments of their catalog. They recognize the urgent need for reducing waste in fashion manufacturing.

As consumers, we can encourage these initiatives by supporting Mantaray’s environmentally-conscious watches. This incentivizes further steps by the brand and wider industry to protect our planet.

Finding Mantaray Watches on Sale

Mantaray watches are already considered affordable fashion timepieces, but you can often save extra money by buying during sales periods:

• Check the Mantaray website for any sitewide discount codes, seasonal sales, or special markdowns on older stock. Signing up for their email newsletter will alert you to the latest deals.
• Most major holidays like Christmas, New Years, Memorial Day, etc. will prompt sales on the Mantaray website and authorized retail partners.
• Online marketplaces like Amazon frequently run Lightning deals or limited-time coupon codes specific to Mantaray listings, letting you score 20-30% off or more. Add items to your Wish List to monitor price drops.
• eBay can offer deep discounts on pre-owned Mantaray watches from independent sellers looking to liquidate old stock or flip used models. Search carefully for functioning condition.
• Physical stores like Debenhams or Watchshop often discount older Mantaray stock not selling well to make room for newer releases. Check clearance racks and sections.

With the right timing and perseverance, you can land awesome deals on Mantaray watches costing as little as $20-40 based on available sales and promotions!

How Mantaray Compares to Other Watch Brands

Mantaray positions itself as an affordable fashion watch brand, so it does not attempt to compete head-to-head with premium Swiss luxury watchmakers costing thousands. However, Mantaray provides strong value compared to peers in the budget category:

• Mantaray watches offer greater variety and more distinctive fashionable styling versus no-name no-brand watches rampant on Amazon and Alibaba sites.
• They undercut the prices of mall fashion watches like Armani Exchange and Fossil while offering similar modern quartz watch technology.
• Their quality exceeds super cheap throwaway brands like Aibest selling for under $20 on marketplaces.
• Mantaray straddles the gap between higher-end designers like Tissot, Luminox, and lower-priced players like Casio, Timex.

Overall, Mantaray punches far above its weight with creative design and respectable construction quality given accessible pricing under $100. Shoppers get noticeable value from the unique, sea-inspired aesthetic.

Digital vs Analog Mantaray Watches

Mantaray produces both digital and traditional analog wristwatches:

Digital Mantaray watches display the time numerically using an LCD or LED screen powered by a small battery. They offer features like alarms, stopwatches, and backlights but lack moving watch hands.

Analog Mantaray watches show the time using hour/minute/second hands pointing to printed numerals or indices on the watch face. They run on quartz movements rather than batteries. Analog models feature more classic styling.

Digital Mantaray watches cater specifically to younger tech-savvy shoppers through their playful plastic cases and push-button operations.

Analog Mantaray watches have broader age appeal given their traditional round cases and leather/metal straps inspired by vintage mid-century watch design. Their dials offer greater customization and creativity.

Both formats have their merits and cover separate niches in the Mantaray catalog. Check your personal preferences for the interface and features you find most appealing.

What Customers Say About Mantaray Watches

Scouring online reviews, Mantaray watches receive largely positive feedback although some product quality inconsistencies exist:

Pros

• Stylish and trendy watch designs standing out from generic brands
• Affordable pricing under $100 makes them great fashion accessories
• Lightweight comfortable wearing for daily use
• Easy to swap out straps to change up the look
• Quartz movements keep accurate time when properly powered
• Water resistance suitable for most casual activities beyond deep diving

Cons

• Some very cheap models feel flimsy or inexpensive
• Limited warranty support (2 years)
• Mineral glass prone to scratching without sapphire upgrade
• Outer coating subject to tarnishing over time if not maintained
• Watch band pins may loosen over time requiring tightening

Overall, Mantaray satisfies shoppers seeking fun statement timepieces to complement outfits without heavy investment required for prestige brands. But inspect product photos closely and read individual reviews before purchase to ensure satisfactory quality.