Tech-Driven Conservation: Meet the New Fifty Fathoms Tech from Blancpain (With Live Photos and Video)
Continuing over 20 years of dedication to ocean preservation, Blancpain has unveiled its fourth limited edition Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) dive watch:
This series of 100 pieces (Ref. 5029A 12B30 64A) expands the Fifty Fathoms Tech line with a smaller, 45-mm format. The funds raised will be allocated to the newly established Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, an extension of the Sea Academy project (see here). For each watch sold, 1,000 euros will be allocated to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, contributing to a total fund of 100,000 euros.
The new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV adopts the design of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa from 2023. With a slightly smaller diameter of 45 mm and a standard dive bezel, however, the BOC IV can easily be worn without a closed circuit rebreather (still, the Grade 23 titanium case comes with a manual helium release valve at 10 o'clock, which qualifies it for saturation dives). The unidirectional bezel with domed black ceramic insert is angled towards the dial. Absorbing up to 97% of light, the absolute black dial ensures optimal readability underwater, not to mention the hour-markers formed by luminescent block-shaped appliques. The integrated black rubber strap, combined with the central lugs attached from inside the case, provides not only exceptional ergonomics, but also represents a more contemporary interpretation of the Fifty Fathoms.
At the heart of the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV beats the 1315A, Blancpain's in-house automatic movement with a five-day power reserve (which debuted with the current 45-mm Fifty Fathoms in 2007). It is equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance for chronometric performance and precision. The 18 ct gold oscillating weight, adorned with the blue BOC logo, is visible through the sapphire case back:
Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center
Inaugurated in February this year, the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center is an extension of the Sea Academy program. Since 2020, Blancpain has supported this program by the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, a collaborative initiative aimed at the sustainable management of marine resources. The program focuses on creating a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in partnership with local communities around Pangatalan Island and in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan, Philippines. The key principles of the Sea Academy are protection, restoration, education, and replication. Since 2023, Blancpain has funded the construction of the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the village of Sandoval. This centre, strategically located near the main research areas and the five MPAs established in Shark Fin Bay with Blancpain's support, aims to enhance the study, restoration, and protection of these marine ecosystems. The operations and activities of the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center will be supported by the sales of the limited edition BOC IV.
