Conquer the Depths with the New Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV Novelty

Several luxury watchmakers have long prioritised ocean conservation, recognising the value of protecting marine habitats for future generations. Blancpain, a prominent Swiss watchmaker, is no stranger to this commitment. The brand, known for its deep connection to the sea, has played an important role in marine research, undersea exploration, and environmental activities. It continues to advocate for ocean conservation through numerous partnerships and innovative programmes, demonstrating its dedication to both horology and global water protection. Underlining the brand’s ocean conservation efforts is the latest Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) initiative, featuring the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IVa novelty, a limited series of 100 watches. Funds raised through BOC will be allocated to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Centre in Taytay, Palawan, Philippines; it’s an extension of the Sea Academy project, a flagship initiative of the watchmaker.

With Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to Philippines, Dennis M. Socrates, Governor of Palawan, Christian Rodriguez, Mayor of Taytay, and Frédéric Tardieu, President of the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation and Blancpain Brand Representative, in attendance, the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Centre was recently launched to foster collaboration between local people, scientists, and decision-makers. It encourages them to share information and experiences of marine ecosystem management.

The Centre functions as a biodiversity and marine ecosystem restoration hub, demonstrating sustainability through the use of renewable solar energy, organic agriculture, and a water well. It also collaborates with universities to provide resources and opportunities to research students to perform field work and advanced studies. Furthermore, it trains fishermen, teachers, and eco-guards to strengthen the long-term preservation of Palawan's maritime ecology and marine-protected areas.

Speaking of the limited series of watches, the new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV variant adopts the design of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa. With a diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 14.1 mm, the Grade 23 satin-brushed titanium case has a helium valve for saturation dives in a hyperbaric chamber at 10 o’clock. The central lugs are attached from the inside of the case middle; a crown can be spotted at 3 o’clock. 

The 60-minute unidirectional bezel has a domed black ceramic insert, which is angled towards the dial, making it easy to use even with diving gloves. Absorbing up to 97% of light, the absolute black dial’s hour block, and Arabic markers for 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock are formed by luminescent hour markers with green emission. The dial sports a minute track, arrow-shaped hour, minute hands, and a blue second hand with a date window at 4:30. 

At the heart of the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV beats calibre 1315A, Blancpain's renowned self-winding automatic movement with a five-day power reserve. Equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, this calibre guarantees exceptional chronometric performance and unmatched timekeeping precision. The 18ct gold oscillating weight, adorned with the blue BOC logo, is visible through the sapphire caseback, showcasing the quality of this timepiece's finishes. Armed with a water resistance of 300 metres, the watch is completed on an integrated black rubber strap. 

Each of the 100 timepieces comes with a Pelicase™ box, a contribution certificate, and a limited-edition photograph (part of a series of 100 prints, numbered to match the watch's serial number). Photographer Laurent Ballesta has signed the image, which is part of his award-winning series from the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year major prize; it depicts a horseshoe crab in its native habitat around Pangatalan Island in Shark Fin Bay. This prehistoric species, whose anatomy has remained unaltered for 150 million years, faces extinction. The marine-protected areas established by the Sea Academy programme provide a secure sanctuary.  Each watch sold will contribute 1,000 euros to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Centre, adding up to a total of 100,000 euros.