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Blancpain has unveiled its fourth Blancpain Ocean Commitment dive watch

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV adopts the design of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa from 2023
Blancpain has been raising awareness for ocean preservation through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) program for over 20 years now. Joining the cause this year is the brand’s fourth limited edition Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) dive watch. The Ref. 5029A 12B30 64A is produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces.  

Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

The latest Fifty Fathoms Tech line appears in 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. 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. Read about Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms here


The new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV follows the design codes 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 a 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.

Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

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 45mm 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.


“The funds raised will be allocated to the newly established Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, an extension of the Sea Academy project, a flagship initiative of the brand’s commitment to the ocean.”

Each of the 100 watches comes with Blancpain’s typical Pelicase box, a donation certificate, and a special edition photograph in a series of 100 prints, numbered to match the watch’s serial number. Signed by Laurent Ballesta, the image is part of his award-winning series from the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year grand prize. It depicts a horseshoe crab in its natural habitat around Pangatalan Island in Shark Fin Bay. This prehistoric animal, whose morphology has remained virtually unchanged for 150 million years, is now threatened with extinction. The marine protected areas created by the Sea Academy programme offer it a safe haven.

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV is priced at CHF 19,600.

This article first appeared in WatchTime.com

Images: Courtesy WatchTime.com and Blancpain
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