Cover Proceeds from the sale of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV will fund the Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the Philippines
Proceeds from the sale of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV will fund the Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the Philippines
1 / 1
The Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV marries form and function for a great cause
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is recognised as the first true diver’s watch in 1953 for its enhanced waterproofness and performance. In the years since, Blancpain has consistently reinforced its legacy as an early innovator of dive watches through its Ocean Commitment initiatives, including underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta’s Gombessa diving expeditions to uncover mysteries beneath the oceans.
Read more: What you may not know about the origins of these dive watches
Another notable initiative is its support for the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation's conservation and protection of marine life around Pangatalan Island and Shark Fin Bay in the Philippines. This past February, the non-profit organisation, with the support of Blancpain, opened the Sulubaaï Marine Research Centre on Pangatalan Island. This new facility marks a significant step in ocean conservation, aimed at enhancing the study, restoration, and protection of a network of marine protected areas. In tandem, Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV, with part of the proceeds going to fund the research centre.
Above Pangatalan in Shark Fin Bay, located to the north of Palawan in the Philippines
Pangatalan in Shark Fin Bay, located to the north of Palawan in the Philippines
1 / 1
Limited to 100 pieces, the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV adopts the design of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa. It features a Grade 23 titanium case in 45mm, with a unidirectional bezel with a domed black ceramic insert. The black dial absorbs 97 per cent of light to ensure optimal readability underwater. The black rubber is integrated with the case via the central lugs attached from inside the case for exceptional ergonomics.
See also: Meet Rolex's fiercest protectors of the Seven Seas
Above Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV
1 / 1
Above The open caseback of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV, revealing the gold rotor
The open caseback of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV, revealing the gold rotor
1 / 1
The watch is presented in a Pelicase box with a photograph of a horseshoe crab in Shark Fin Bay, numbered to match the watch’s serial number. It is part of the award-winning series of images taken by Laurent Ballesta.
More than a timepiece, the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV is a commitment to a brighter, bluer future for our oceans. Each owner of the watch effectively becomes a patron of ocean conservation.
Read more: This new Panerai Radiomir is your ticket to a once-in-a-lifetime Sicilian adventure
Above Golden Horseshoe Crab (Photo: Laurent Ballesta)
Golden Horseshoe Crab (Photo: Laurent Ballesta)
1 / 1
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
