Blancpain’s new BOC IV comes with a philanthropic purpose

CONTINUING ITS COMMITMENT to ocean conservation, Blancpain has just revealed the latest addition to the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) series, the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV.

The limited-edition watch, which has been restricted to just 100 pieces, is a testament to Blancpain’s dedication to marine preservation. The proceeds will go to supporting the newly established Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center and the future of our oceans.

This philanthropic streak is nothing new to Blancpain. Over the past two decades, the Blancpain Ocean Commitment initiative has funded marine exploration and conservation efforts worldwide. And since 2020, Blancpain has collaborated with the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation, which is based off the coast of the Phillipines, to promote sustainable marine resource management as part of the brand’s Sea Academy program.

The Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Centre extends the efforts of the Sea Academy program, which focuses on creating a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Pangatalan Island and Shark Fin Bay in the Philippines. The new research centre will improve the standards of scientific study, restoration and conservation initiatives in these important ecosystems.

Now as for the watch itself, the Fifty Fathoms BOC IV is no slouch. Drawing inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa, the BOC IV is fixed in a robust and stylish 45mm Grade 23 titanium case. By combining a lightweight design with durable materials, Blancpain has produced a watch that is equally capable of enduring deep sea dives and breezing through daily wear.

Designed with professional divers in mind, the BOC IV integrates a helium escape valve for saturation diving and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a domed black ceramic insert. Its absolute black dial absorbs up to 97 per cent of light, ensuring readability underwater. The hour markers, made from luminescent block-shaped appliques, provide superior visibility in low-light conditions. Meanwhile, the integrated black rubber strap, secured with central lugs attached from inside the case, enhances wearability.

At the core of the BOC IV is Blancpain’s calibre 1315A automatic movement, with its impressive five-day power reserve. This high-precision movement is equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, for chronometric accuracy. The sapphire case back offers a glimpse of the 18 carat gold oscillating weight, which bears the blue BOC logo.

Each Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV comes in a Pelicase box, accompanied by a donation certificate – to certify the contribution you’ve made to the oceans – and an exclusive Laurent Ballesta photograph. This numbered print, matching the watch’s serial number, is part of Ballesta’s award-winning 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year series and captures a prehistoric horseshoe crab in its natural habitat near Pangatalan Island.

It’s a fitting choice to accompany the watch. Horseshoe crabs have been around for more than 300 million years, making them one of the oldest species on earth. With a little help from Blancpain and whoever buys a BOC IV, they’ll hopefully be able to continue that streak, which connects with the true appeal of the watch. Fine craftsmanship aside, how many other watches can you purchase that contribute to the future of our planet’s ecosystems?

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