The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV (aka BOC IV) is the next generation of Fifty Fathoms watch dedicated to scientific marine research. It follows in the wake of the 2023 Tech Gombessa which was dedicated to an ocean research initiative from a decade ago. The BOC IV in contrast is dedicated to an active initiative taking place right now in partnership with Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the Philippines.
While the BOC IV takes the Gombessa as its starting point, there have been some significant changes. Especially when it comes to the case. The diameter has been reduced by 2mm and the thickness is down by 0.71mm, leading to new dimensions of 45mm x 14.1mm. So it’s still very, very large but it’s not quite the 47mm behemoth it used to be. Though that size is offset in terms of weight by its lightweight grade 23 titanium construction.
It’s also well adapted for life underwater with its black ceramic diving bezel and ‘absolute black’ dial that absorbs 97% of light (not quite as intense as the 99% of Musuo black. Black is the most common dive watch colour because it provides the strongest possible contrast to the luminescent hour markers and hands, ensuring a high level of readability even in the oceanic depths. Speaking of depths, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV has a water resistance rating of 300m, standard for a professional dive watch. It also has a helium escape valve for saturation diving.
On the aesthetic front the biggest change between the Gombessa and the BOC IV is the swap from orange accents to white and blue ones. Instead of coloured numerals and hour markers, the BOC IV has plain white lumed appliques. The only hint of colour is now the seconds hand and the Tech inscription at 6 o’clock. I actually quite like the new design, it feels more restrained than the Gombessa while also having enough vibrancy to attract attention. Particularly when you consider that the model is dedicated to marine research in the Philippines and the colours match the deep blue of the ocean there and the white, sandy, tropical beaches.
Below the surface of the dial is housed the calibre 1315A automatic movement with 5-day power reserve. It’s also equipped with a silicon balance spring for improved protection against magnetic fields. You can admire the movement through the exhibition caseback, where you can see that the rotor is decorated with the Ocean Commitment logo.
Speaking of the Ocean Commitment, €1,000 from the sale of each watch will be donated to the Sulubaaï Marine Research Center. As a limited edition of 100 pieces, that means the total donation will be €100,000. The Center acts as a hub for the sustainable management of local marine environments and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Pangatalan Island and in Shark Fin Bay. As to the watch’s price, it’s £19,900.
Price and Specs:
More details at Blancpain.
So, this watch has been developed to specifically aid marine research by virtue of €1000 per watch purchased to be donated, all very commendable, but with a listed RRP of circa £20k, this is a watch for the wealthy and not really a watch that is aimed at the professional diver or marine researcher, and in reality those whom purchase it are likely to only expose it to the rigours of the swimming pool rather than the rigours of the reef. (Like most dive watches!).
I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised at the cost, it is a Blancpain, so to be expected.
It would be interesting to see what watches the professional divers do actually use, I guess these are likely to be more realistically priced but durable models that can take the realities of ocean use, after all, it’s a dangerous place!
Don’t you think the Blanco Boys will be supplying some kit for the divers taking part? Looks hella good getting some product placement, even better when free(!)
I’m not saying the minute the cameras are gone the “Blancpain Donated Equipment” won’t be whipped straight off yon dive boys/girls wrists and put straight back in the box/boutique though…! 😜
I’m a professional diver and my second dive timepiece has been a Sub for many years, I’ve had three variations of thrbwarch and I consider it a perfect dive watch! The first timepiece is a dive computer but you don’t need a eve computer if you are only diving 1-2 times in a day. This watch is nice but the price is ridiculous.
So you’re saying the Sub’s price is not ridiculous?