A steadfast advocate for marine conservation, Blancpain once again brings the cause to the fore with the new limited-edition Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV
Blancpain and the ocean share an intrinsic bond—one that extends far beyond horology. The Swiss maison revolutionised dive watches with the launch of the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, the world’s first modern professional diver’s timepiece. But its commitment runs deeper. Two of Blancpain’s most influential leaders—Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the visionary behind the Fifty Fathoms, and current president Marc Hayek—are avid divers, driven by an unwavering passion for the marine world.
Their fascination with the ocean has long shaped Blancpain’s ethos, fuelling efforts to safeguard its fragile ecosystems. Hayek, in particular, has championed marine exploration and conservation for over two decades through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) programme. Partnering with leading explorers, scientists, photographers, and conservation organisations, the initiative has supported more than 40 scientific expeditions to date.
Its latest milestone: the opening of the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in Sandoval, Philippines. Strategically positioned near four marine protected areas in Shark Fin Bay, the centre expands on the Blancpain-supported SEA Academy programme, advancing ecosystem restoration, scientific research, and educational initiatives.
To amplify the BOC’s efforts, Blancpain has periodically introduced limited-edition Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment timepieces. The Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV, limited to just 100 pieces, is the latest in this distinguished lineage. For each watch sold, €1,000 will be donated to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, generating a total contribution of €100,000.
The Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV takes inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa, which was introduced in 2023. A formidable underwater instrument, it was known for its the ability to measure dive time for up to three hours. While the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV takes much of its design cues from this predecessor, the new version reverts to the 60-minute interval measurement capability of standard dive watches, and features a smaller 45mm case, compared to the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa’s 47mm case.
Encased in lightweight yet robust Grade 23 titanium, the case is equipped with a helium escape valve for saturation diving and houses the automatic calibre 1315A, offering an impressive five-day power reserve. Elsewhere, the bezel and dial offer uncompromising functionality and legibility—the former featuring a domed and angled black ceramic insert that is easy to actuate even with diving gloves, while jet-black dial with striking blue seconds hand absorbs up to 9 per cent of light to ensure optimal readability underwater.
Presented in a special Pelicase box, the timepiece is accompanied by a donation certificate and a limited-edition photograph by award-winning marine photographer Laurent Ballesta. His striking image of a horseshoe crab—an ancient species now facing extinction—serves as a poignant reminder: in the race to protect our oceans, time is the most precious resource of all.
