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:
Model:
Blancpain
Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV
Ref:
5029A-12B30-64A
Case:
45mm
diameter x 14.10mm thickness, grade 23 titanium
Dial:
Black
Water resistance:
100m
(10 bar)
Movement:
Blancpain
calibre 1315A, automatic, 35 jewels, 227 parts
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
120h
(5 day)
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date
Strap:
Integrated
black rubber with pin buckle
Price:
£19,900,
limited to 100 pieces
More details at Blancpain.
Oracle Time