Blancpain Ocean Commitment: A timepiece dedicated for ocean preservation
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms traces its origins to the navy, like many iconic dive watches of its era. In the early 1950s, the French Navy challenged watchmakers to create a timepiece that could withstand underwater operations. At the helm of Blancpain was CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter, an avid diver whose passion shaped the watch’s design. His hands-on approach led to a timepiece prized by militaries worldwide, including those of Pakistan, Germany, and the United States.
Over the years, the Fifty Fathoms has evolved, but it remains a symbol of Blancpain’s deep connection to the ocean. Today, with the launch of the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV (Blancpain Ocean Commitment IV), the watch not only exemplifies the brand’s horological expertise but also underscores its dedication to marine conservation.
Limited to just 100 pieces and for each watch sold, €1,000 will be given to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center — an extension of the Sea Academy programme. Blancpain has supported the programme since 2020, creating marine protected areas in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan. In 2023, Blancpain built the research centre, working with local communities in the Pangatalan Islands, which aims to study, restore and protect marine ecosystems.
The Blancpain Ocean Commitment IV adopts the design of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa, a professional-grade diving watch created to celebrate 70 years of the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection. It features a Grade 23 titanium case with a diameter of 45mm and thickness of 14.1mm. This offers enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. It also makes it the perfect use for both underwater diving and casual everyday wear.
The watch houses a helium valve for saturation dives in a high-pressure environment. This valve prevents pressure buildup by allowing helium gas — which can seep into the watch at great depths — to safely escape, protecting the watch’s crystal and ensuring its durability during resurfacing.
Its ‘absolute black’ dial is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing, absorbing 97% of light to provide optimal readability underwater while offering perfect contrast with the luminescent hands and markers.
At the heart of BOC beats Blancpain’s renowned automatic movement, the calibre 1315A. This provides a five-day power reserve and also comes with a silicon balance spring for exceptional precision.
Each watch is presented in a Pelicase box, accompanied by a donation certificate and a special edition photograph by Laurent Ballesta. Ballesta is a renowned marine biologist and underwater photographer, known for his groundbreaking deep-sea expeditions and commitment to ocean conservation. The images included in the package depict a horseshoe crab in its natural habitat around Pangatalan Island.
The Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV exemplifies Blancpain’s fusion of watchmaking mastery and environmental stewardship, offering collectors a chance to own a remarkable timepiece while supporting vital ocean conservation efforts.
Go further with Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV.
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